Habit Licking

Question
Hi,
I have a Basset Hound 2yo. We have just recently been given a Staffordshire terrier 5yo to babysit for 12 months. The Bassset started licking and sniffing the Staffys butt. We thought it was his anal glands needed releasing, however, since going to the vet today, they said it was some type of infection. They have concerns that the licking has been iritating the infection. Anyway, he has been given some tablets and we have him staying at the neighbours for a couple of days.

My concern is, that the licking was getting quite frantic and constant and I am worried that the Basset may be developing a licking habit. What can I do to break this habit if he starts licking again when we bring the Staffy back home? Separation isn't really a long term option other than a couple of days at the neighbors because I work full time. They are regularly exercised night and morning.

Answer
You state that separation isn't an option, but are you able to put the dogs in separate rooms while you are gone?  Can you put one in a dog crate?

When you are home and able to intervene, as long as the infection clears up, you could put something like "Bitter Apple" around the area on the Staffy's rear.  If the Bassett licks this, it has an unpleasant taste and discourages licking.