Morkies, also known as Yorktese or Maltese Yorkies, are a popular designer breed that have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. They are a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie, and are known for their small size, playful personalities, and affectionate nature. One of the most common questions that owners of Morkies ask is why they lick so much. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Morkies lick so much, and how to manage this behavior.
Understanding Licking Behavior in Morkies
Licking is a natural behavior in dogs and it serves several purposes. Dogs lick to groom themselves, to show affection, and to communicate with other dogs and people. Morkies, being a small breed, are especially prone to licking as a way of expressing their affection towards their owners. However, excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying health issue or a behavioral problem.
Medical Reasons for Excessive Licking
Excessive licking can be a symptom of a medical condition such as allergies, dental problems, or skin infections. Morkies are particularly prone to skin allergies due to their sensitive skin, and this can lead to excessive licking and biting of the affected area. Dental problems such as tartar build-up or tooth decay can also cause excessive licking as the dog tries to alleviate the pain or discomfort caused by the condition. If you suspect that your Morkie’s excessive licking is due to a medical condition, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and to receive appropriate treatment.
Behavioral Reasons for Excessive Licking
Excessive licking can also be caused by behavioral issues such as anxiety or boredom. Morkies are highly social animals and they thrive on human interaction. If they are left alone for long periods of time, they can become anxious and bored, leading to excessive licking as a way of coping with their feelings. Additionally, if a Morkie is not properly trained and socialized from an early age, they may develop behavioral issues such as separation anxiety or fear of certain people or situations. In such cases, it is important to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address these issues.
Managing Excessive Licking
To manage excessive licking, it is important to first determine the underlying cause. If the licking is due to a medical condition, treating the condition will alleviate the symptoms. If the licking is due to a behavioral issue, addressing the underlying problem and providing your Morkie with appropriate training and socialization can help reduce the behavior.
Here are some other tips for managing excessive licking in Morkies:
Provide your Morkie with plenty of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation through activities such as walks, playtime, and training.
Establish a regular routine for your Morkie, including regular feeding and exercise times, to provide structure and stability.
Keep your Morkie’s living environment clean and comfortable, providing them with a comfortable bed, toys, and other items that they can chew and lick.
Consider using a bitter apple spray or other anti-licking products to discourage your Morkie from licking certain areas or objects.
In conclusion, excessive licking is a common behavior in Morkies and can be caused by both medical and behavioral issues. By understanding the underlying cause and taking appropriate steps to manage the behavior, you can help your Morkie lead a happy and healthy life. Remember that seeking help from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer or behaviorist can be a great way to ensure that you are providing your Morkie with the best possible care.
Training Techniques to Reduce Excessive Licking
In addition to addressing the underlying causes of excessive licking, training techniques can also be used to reduce this behavior. Here are a few training techniques that can be effective in reducing excessive licking in Morkies:
Positive reinforcement training: This technique involves rewarding your Morkie for good behavior and ignoring or redirecting them when they engage in unwanted behavior. For example, when your Morkie licks you, you can simply walk away and ignore them. When they stop licking and engage in a behavior you like, such as sitting or lying down, you can reward them with treats or praise.
Distraction techniques: This technique involves providing your Morkie with an alternative behavior or activity to engage in when they begin to lick excessively. For example, you can give them a chew toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle toy to redirect their attention away from licking.
Teaching a “leave it” or “drop it” command: This technique involves teaching your Morkie a command that tells them to stop licking and drop whatever they are licking. This command can be used when your Morkie begins to lick excessively, and can be reinforced with positive reinforcement training.
Desensitization and counterconditioning: This technique involves gradually exposing your Morkie to the things that cause them to lick excessively (such as being alone) while providing positive reinforcement for calm behavior. Over time, this can help to change your Morkie’s emotional response to the trigger and reduce the excessive licking behavior.
It’s important to note that training techniques alone may not completely eliminate excessive licking behavior, but it can help to reduce the behavior and make it more manageable. Additionally, consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can be beneficial to ensure that you are using the most appropriate and effective training techniques for your Morkie.
Conclusion
Morkies are a loving and affectionate breed, but their excessive licking behavior can be a source of concern for their owners. By understanding the underlying causes of this behavior, and implementing appropriate management and training techniques, owners can help to reduce excessive licking and improve the overall well-being of their Morkies. Remember that seeking help from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer or behaviorist can be a great way to ensure that you are providing your Morkie with the best possible care. With the right approach, you can help your Morkie lead a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Morkies lick so much?
Morkies lick as a way of expressing their affection towards their owners, and as a way of grooming themselves. However, excessive licking can be a sign of an underlying health issue or a behavioral problem.
What are some medical reasons for excessive licking in Morkies?
Some medical reasons for excessive licking in Morkies include allergies, dental problems, and skin infections.
What are some behavioral reasons for excessive licking in Morkies?
Some behavioral reasons for excessive licking in Morkies include anxiety, boredom, and separation anxiety.
How can I manage excessive licking in my Morkie?
To manage excessive licking, it is important to first determine the underlying cause. If the licking is due to a medical condition, treating the condition will alleviate the symptoms. If the licking is due to a behavioral issue, addressing the underlying problem and providing your Morkie with appropriate training and socialization can help reduce the behavior.
What are some training techniques that can be used to reduce excessive licking in Morkies?
Some training techniques that can be used to reduce excessive licking in Morkies include positive reinforcement training, distraction techniques, teaching a “leave it” or “drop it” command, and desensitization and counterconditioning.
How can I get help with managing excessive licking in my Morkie?
Consulting with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer or behaviorist can be beneficial in ensuring that you are using the most appropriate and effective techniques for managing excessive licking in your Morkie.