Hi XXXXXXXX~
Your sister has what I call a "Licky Lou" type of dog. Although it's nice when your pup licks you...it can become annoying. Don't worry though...it is possible to teach her other ways to show her affection.
First, recognize that the pup is doing what comes naturally. Puppies instinctively lick their mothers' chins and faces in their constant quest for food. May experts suggest this behavior dates back to the days when female wolves would hunt and devour their prey before returning to their litters, because it was easier to travel on a full stomach than to lug a heavy rabbit home. Their hungry pups would lick their faces to cause them to regurgitate the barely digested food.
But licking goes beyond the need to eat. Puppies are also conveying that they recognize and honor the elevated stature of adult dogs. Pay attention the next time you go to a dog park or other place with friendly dogs. Notice the ones who come up to others, lower their posture a bit, and gently 'kiss' the muzzle of the other dog. It's their way of saying, "Hey, you rule. Now, wanna play chase?"
When it comes to licking people, sometimes the motivation may be a bit of leftover gravy that draws the attention of our dogs. However, the main reason some dogs shower their owners with kisses is what Aretha Franklin sings about" RESPECT. Even as they age, many dogs regard their people as leaders of the pack, the two-legger who deserves admiration. Take it as a canine compliment. Your sister's pup is seeking attention and approval.
The amount of canine kissing depends on the dog's personality. Strong-willed and adventurous dogs tend to dole out kisses less frequently than sociable, happy-to-meet-all-dogs who lick to acknowledge that you outrank them. Some breeds, like golden retrievers, are very mouth-oriented and express themselves by unleashing a kissing barrage.
So how to do you get the pup to stop with the impromptu doggy baths? Forger about pushing the dog away after that first 'kiss'. Odds are that this action will only motivate her to deliver more licks because she thinks she failed to communicate her message the first time. Or, she may perceive it as a signal to play and heap on more doggy kisses.
Your best options are to teach the dog the 'kiss' and 'stop' commands. Your goal is to acknowledge the dog's strong desire to display her feelings towards you while maintaining your rank as top dog. You also need some backup aids, such as chew toys, to offer as an appropriate distraction for the 'oral-minded' dog.
Conduct mini training sessions during quiet times, such as when the dog just wakes up, after a long walk, or any time when she and the owner are in a calm mood. Allow her to lick your face or hand once, say 'good kiss', and give her a small treat. Repeat a few times. Now, you're ready to teach her the 'stop' command. When she moves toward licking you, put your hand in front of her face like a traffic cop halting cars and say 'stop'. If she doesn't lick, dole out a treat and praise her.
It can be tough to try to bottle the enthusiasm of a tail-wagger who is happy to see you after you've been gone for way-too-many-house, so you also need to teach the dog a more acceptable greeting than a face bath. Teach her to shake paws or perform a trick, such as sitting up or fetching a favorite toy when you come in the door. In time, she will learn that the big payoffs - your affection and a tasty treat - occur when she has licked the licking habit.
I hope this helps!!
Certified Veterinary Technician
Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. State and Nationally certified.