Licking Blankets

Question
Emmy, my 18 month old female beagle licks alot.  She likes to lick the suede couch, blankets, sheets and anything of that nature.  She will lick the material until it is soaked and continue until we give her something else to do.  I thought that it soothed her but my sister said that she read that dogs are lacking something and this is a reaction to the deficiency.  Have you come across this before and if so what can I do?  Thanks in advance!

Answer
There are alot of dogs believe or not who do this. Some breeds are more inclined to lick than others, pugs and shihtzu's are notorious. But bored dogs more than any others. Does your dog get a lot of interaction? Do you walk her every day twice a day? Obedience classes are great, to give her something for her mind to focus on. This is probably not a nutritional issue, but more like an OCD thing, like people who bite their nails or twirl their hair. Beagles are hunting dogs by nature and have to have something to do. Give her toys with treats inside that she has to work to get out. Involve her in an obedience program, teach her tricks, walk her EVERY DAY twice per day. Use some behavior modification for the licking. Give her a dog toy with treats inside to occupy herself with when you see her doing this. Clap your hands really loud and say NO in a strong voice, then reward her when she stops. Have patience and remember that she is doing this to fill a need. More than likely increased activity will help her to stop, a busy, tired dog is less likely to have irritating habits than a bored one :)
Diane