Help! My Dog Anxiously Chews! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My rescue, Bonbin, is half Corgie and half Border Collie. She had anxiety chewing, which I was able to redirect using toys. I need suggestions to stop her obsessive licking of humans. She will start at my hand and work her way up my arm. She is about 3 or 4 years old and has failed a couple of placements. And no, I don’t have cows.
Help! ” – Nina
Quick Info about Bonbin
Hi Nina,
Thank you for giving Bonbin a second chance and creating a safe space for her. Corgi and Border Collie mixes often come with a double helping of intelligence and drive, which is wonderful, but it can also tip into obsessive or compulsive behaviors, especially when their mental and physical needs aren’t fully met. Obsessive licking of humans, as you’re describing, is often rooted in anxiety, a lack of adequate outlets for energy, or even learned attention-seeking behaviors. It can quickly become self-reinforcing if not gently redirected.
The first step is to treat the licking the same way you’ve successfully managed the chewing: redirect it. When Bonbin begins licking, calmly remove your arm and offer her a task or behavior incompatible with licking, such as a “place” command on a mat, a food puzzle, or a chew toy. Reinforce calm behavior with praise or subtle, calming rewards. Using these low-key rewards helps maintain a relaxed state without unintentionally encouraging overstimulation or anxious excitement.
Since she’s a working mix, incorporating daily structured activities that challenge both her mind and body can be transformative. Think of short obedience sessions, scent games, or herding-like outlets such as a Treibball, a flirt pole, or “find it” games. Just like a Border Collie without sheep will find something else to control, Bonbin may be turning to you as her “job.” The key is consistency and gentle redirection, paired with opportunities to engage in meaningful, structured tasks each day.
If the licking seems truly compulsive or becomes difficult to interrupt, especially if it escalates when routines change or when she’s left alone, it may point to an underlying anxiety disorder. In such cases, medical support might become necessary, but before considering that step, it would be worthwhile to have a behavior management plan reviewed by a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Often, a small change in our setup or communication style is enough to shift the pattern.
Wishing you both continued progress
Dr. Paola