Instructions
Take the dog to a veterinarian if the licking is persistent. The dog may be obsessive compulsive. If this is the case, medication can be prescribed to help control the urge to lick. Be sure all directions for administering medication to your dog are followed appropriately.
Move the dog's head away from the furniture and firmly tell the dog to stop. Do not yell or express anger. Be consistent each time the dog licks or attempts to lick the furniture. If the dog moves to another item in the house, move the dog's head away gently and once again tell him no.
Notice if the dog has any stomach discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea. The dog may be experiencing nausea, which can cause a dog to lick items that he would not normally lick. Some dogs lick floors, carpet, furniture and may even try to eat grass if they have an upset stomach.
Hire a dog trainer. The dog may be expressing urges or compulsions. Sometimes hiring a trainer may help break bad habits through positive reinforcements. Trainers can also show dog owners how to use better commands, be more firm when using the commands and even learn new tips for future dog behavior.
Keep the dog happy. Sometimes dogs lick themselves, the carpet, toys, doors and the furniture out of boredom. If the dog has been kept in the house all day with little or no outside activity, take the dog on a walk. The exercise may make the dog happy and help release any restricted energy.
Come home during a lunch break. The dog may be licking the furniture because he is sad or lonely and is in need of more interaction. Consider hiring a pet sitter to come by and spend time with the dog, if you are unable to do so during the day.
Offer a variety of toys that the dog can play with while you are away. There are toys in all shapes and sizes and some are flavored. Turn the television on to distract the dog and hopefully prevent the dog from licking the furniture.
How to Stop a Dog From Licking the Furniture
Dogs will lick just about anything, even if it is just once. Not only do dogs enjoy licking themselves to clean paws, lick wounds or irritations, dogs will also lick household items such as furniture, carpet, walls and doors. If this becomes an issue and the dog is constantly licking the furniture, it may be time to watch the dog's behavior more closely. Determine if the licking is related to an underlying condition or behavior that can be easily treated or modified.