Dog behavior is many things: fascinating, adorable, and sometimes downright off-putting. Chances are, you’ve witnessed your dog engage in some strange behavior from time to time. But what if that behavior becomes annoying? Why is my dog obsessed with my feet?
Your dog is obsessed with your feet not because they actually love your feet, but because they love you, want attention, or are experiencing anxiety. They might also love your feet because it tells them about you, such as what you’ve been up to or where you’ve been.
Here’s everything you need to know about compulsive foot-licking behavior.
Before you read this guide, “Why is My Dog Obsessed With My Feet,” check out: Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs All The Time? 9 Reasons! (2023).
Licking as a Behavior
Licking is a deeply ingrained behavior for dogs. Some dogs may like licking your feet because they just like licking things. Or, they can’t get enough of you and are trying to express their love and admiration.
It’s no secret that dogs are creatures of scent. They’re guided by their sense of smell. Your feet produce specific pheromones because of certain sweat and oils that are secreted by the glands. Feet licking isn’t the only foot-specific behavior dogs engage in.
Often, dogs will steal their owner’s socks, slippers, and shoes. While there’s no exact reasoning behind this, it’s largely suspected it’s because these things smell like you, and it’s comforting to your dog.
Additionally, our feet sweat, and sweat contains salt. Your dog may find your sweat appealing in terms of scent and taste. Gross, yes, but there’s likely no malicious intention. However, it’s important to correct this behavior before it becomes obsessive.
Why Feet?
At this point, you’re probably wondering why your dog finds your feet so appealing. As previously mentioned, sweat can be a big factor, but so can other things.
Here are several reasons why your dog might be choosing your feet to obsess over.
The Smell
Your smell is a major factor in your dog licking and obsessing over your feet. As previously mentioned, dogs are creatures of scent. To them, your feet may have a distinct smell they might find intoxicating.
Your dog uses their nose to discover things about the world around them — and this includes your feet. Additionally, they may just love the scent because it’s your scent, and they love you.
They Want Attention
Feet licking, or a particular obsession with feet can also be an attention-seeking behavior. Dogs can be needy, but it’s mostly out of love. If your dog is persistently paying attention to your feet, it might be because they want attention.
Much like your dog may plop down next to you or wait patiently at your feet, they may lick your feet to get your attention. If they know that paying attention to your feet will turn your attention to them, they may continue the behavior, since they know it elicits a response from you.
Anxiety
Anxiety might be another reason your dog is licking your feet. Chances are, if the obsessive licking is really a problem, then they’re probably licking other surfaces and things as well. For example, they might be licking the floor, the couch, or blankets.
They may engage in these odd behaviors to soothe their anxiety. Your dog may have separation anxiety. Or, they may have an anxiety disorder.
Canine Compulsive Disorder (CDD) and Feet Obsession
Yes, dogs can have anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions. If your dog is obsessed with your feet, then they might be suffering from canine compulsive disorder (CCD). It looks very similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans.
A compulsive disorder is categorized by repetitive behavior that doesn’t stop, even with physical intervention. Common compulsions include spinning, tail-chasing, grooming, and yes, licking. Canine compulsive disorder can develop at any age, but symptoms generally present themselves in a dog’s young adulthood.
Signs and symptoms of CCD may include:
- Self-mutilation, such as open sores, missing hair, or raw skin.
- Behavior doesn’t subside even with physical intervention.
- Little desire for socialization or play.
- The behavior worsens with time.
While there is no singular cause for CCD, certain degenerative issues, physical illness, and trauma may increase the risk of developing the disorder. In order for a dog to be successfully diagnosed, it must undergo a physical exam to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing the behavior.
Once they’ve ruled out physical illness, then the vet will begin to ask you about the behavior.
Treating Canine Compulsive Disorder
Depending on the severity, your dog may need anxiety medication. If your dog is actively mutilating itself, it may be hospitalized until the medication kicks in. In severe cases, sedatives may be required. Your veterinarian may prescribe long-term anxiety medication, like Trazodone, and work with a behaviorist.
If your dog is persistently licking your feet, themselves, and surfaces without stopping, they may have CCD. This is considered a serious illness that requires immediate attention. Without intervention, your dog’s behavior may worsen, leading to more fear and anxiety, and causing an endless loop of suffering.
Do not punish your dog if you suspect they’re suffering from CCD. This can worsen existing behavior and cause more anxiety. Instead, talk to your veterinarian about a treatment plan. They will be able to help your dog break free from their anxieties and live a full life.
How to Stop Your Dog From Being Obsessed With Your Feet
Stopping obsessive behavior isn’t easy. When your dog is obsessed with your feet, you need to establish serious boundaries to limit and stop the behavior. While we love our dogs, you’re also entitled to your own space.
Here are our top tips for getting your dog to stop being obsessed with your feet.
Wear Socks or Slippers Around the House
One of the most effective things you can do is wear socks or slippers. This will form a physical barrier over your feet to prevent your dog from licking your feet. This can be one of the most effective ways to prevent your dog from licking.
Conversely, your dog may also view it as an opportunity to snatch your socks or slippers off of your feet for their own enjoyment. However, it’s one of the quickest ways to stop your dog from uncomfortably licking your feet.
Establish Boundaries
The first thing you need to do is establish boundaries when attempting to stop your dog from licking your feet. If your dog’s licking problem is disturbing you, then it’s time to take action. Establishing firm boundaries can help establish you as the boss and limit unwanted behavior.
Begin by removing your feet from their field of vision. Then, with a firm voice, tell them no. You need to train them to understand that foot licking is not an acceptable behavior. If they get comfortable doing it with you, they may become comfortable doing it with others.
Then, from there, redirect their behavior (more on that in just a moment). However, do not encourage this behavior, even if you find it endearing.
Put Some Distance Between You Two
The next thing you can do is put some distance between you two. Whether this means separating your dog by putting them in the other room or crating them, sometimes putting distance between the two of you is necessary to get them to stop.
If your dog has a habit of licking your feet when you are in bed at night, remove them from the situation. This will help teach them that their behavior is not acceptable and that if they continue, they won’t be able to sleep in bed with you. However, distance is best practiced alongside establishing boundaries and redirecting behavior.
Practice Good Hygiene
It’s true — we as humans can stink. What might be an unpleasant smell to us might be a pleasant smell to our dogs. Practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to reduce your dog’s licking behavior. Chances are, they’re licking your feet because of sweat and odor, so eliminate that factor from the equation by practicing good hygiene.
Aim to shower daily and wash your feet diligently with antibacterial soap. Use exfoliating gloves or an African net sponge to thoroughly scrub the area down. This will lessen the odor that dogs find appealing, making them less likely to lick your feet.
Redirect Their Behavior
Finally, redirecting behavior is one of the best things you can do to prevent your dog from licking your feet. When your dog starts licking your feet, redirect their attention with a high-value toy or activity. This can show them that the behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated while providing an actionable substitute.
Redirecting their behavior is a positive way to get your dog to leave your feet alone. Practice it enough times, and soon enough they should stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do not let your dog lick your feet, even if you find it endearing. This can set the stage for obsessive behavior that’s harder to correct down the line.
Dogs are attracted to the smell of our feet and the salt in our sweat, which can prompt them to lick your feet.
Your dog licks your feet because they like the smell and taste of your feet. They may hump your leg because they’re trying to exert dominance.
If your dog is constantly licking your legs and feet, it could be a sign of canine compulsive disorder (CCD), which often requires medication and behavioral training.
Conclusion for “Why Is My Dog Obsessed With My Feet”
If you have a dog, they’ve probably tried to lick your feet at one point or another. While fine from time to time, this can quickly become obsessive and irritating behavior. It may leave you wondering why your dog is so obsessed with your feet.
Feet licking can be off-putting. However, there are things you can do to prevent this obsessive behavior.
It’s important to redirect the behavior with a valuable toy and establish boundaries so that your dog knows not to lick your feet. Over time, you can get your dog used to these behavioral expectations.
If you find this guide, “Why is My Dog Obsessed With My Feet,” helpful, check out:
- Do Labs Have Webbed Feet? (2023)
- Dog Nails Are Too Long – Surgery Options for Overgrown Nails (2023)
Learn more by watching “Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet: 15 Reasons Why Dogs Lick your Feet Answered” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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