Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Dog · Smooth Fox Terrier
- Age
- 2 years old
- Sex
- Female
- Color
- White
It sounds like Gabby is a big fan of giving kisses — a very common Smooth Fox Terrier trait! That enthusiastic face-licking behavior is completely normal for dogs, and there are a few reasons why she probably does it.
Why dogs lick faces
- It's instinctive. Puppies lick their mothers' mouths as a greeting and to signal submission. That behavior often carries into adulthood.
- It gets a reaction. If you've ever laughed, pulled away, or even gently pushed her off, she learned that licking your face = attention. Dogs are great at figuring out what works!
- You taste interesting. Skin carries salt and scent, both of which dogs find genuinely appealing.
- It's affectionate. For many dogs, licking is simply how they say "I love you and I'm happy to see you."
How to dial it back
The good news is this is very trainable. Here are some things that tend to work well:
- Turn away and go still. The moment she starts licking your face, turn your head away and stop engaging entirely. No eye contact, no talking, no pushing her away (that's still attention). Wait a few seconds, then redirect.
- Redirect to a sit or another behavior. Ask her to sit or offer a toy. When she does something you do want, reward that instead.
- Be consistent. Everyone in the household needs to respond the same way. If one person lets it happen and another doesn't, it takes much longer for her to learn.
- Reward calm greetings. When she approaches without immediately going for your face, make a big deal of that with praise or a treat.
Smooth Fox Terriers are smart and energetic, so Gabby will likely pick this up quickly once she figures out that calm greetings get her more of what she actually wants — your attention.
One small health note: excessive or sudden increases in licking (of faces, objects, or surfaces) can sometimes be linked to nausea or anxiety, so if this feels like a new or escalating behavior rather than just her usual enthusiasm, it's worth mentioning to your vet.
When to see your vet: If the licking seems compulsive (she can't stop even when redirected, or does it constantly), if it's a sudden change in her normal behavior, or if it's paired with other signs like restlessness, drooling, or loss of appetite, check in with your vet. Otherwise, this is a training question more than a health one — and a good trainer or behaviorist can give you hands-on help if you'd like it.
Was this answer helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve answers for every pet.