Question:
My husband and I have a 6-month-old Shetland sheepdog. She is always licking us. Our hands, faces, arms, legs, feet -- it doesn't matter where, she licks us anytime she is near us. Is this normal behavior? Is she missing something from her diet that causes her to do this, or is she just expressing affection for us? What can we do to get her to stop this behavior?.
B.H., Mayville, ND Aug 01, 2004
Answer:
Your Sheltie is suffering from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -- natural care-giving, affectionate behavior gone over the top. You need to re-motivate her: play games with her, go for a walk, groom her and, best of all, get her a canine companion.Many dogs develop various OCDs partially out of boredom, especially active, once-working breeds like Shelties and border collies. They need space and physical activity, and do best (if not used for herding and guarding) living with at least one other dog. With three or more dogs you have a pack, and that makes for interesting dog company and dynamics.
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