I am not very big on having dogs lick my face. The occassional kiss of appreciation is fine, but I like to be able to sit on the ground and not have my dog assume it's an invitation to terrorize my face with her tounge. 95% of people I know, including family, also do not enjoy being licked by dogs which why I try to keep her licking to a minimum.

Is it wrong of me to not allow my dog to lick? I almost feel like I am taking away something "natural" from her.

Not wrong when you consider what else your dog licks.

Hi Emily:
Not wrong at all. And I don't think you are taking something away from your dog by not allowing it.


My dog NEVER licks my face or anyone else's for that matter.

It is something I have taught. And it didn't take long at all.
Now he will occassionally press his nose against my face or stick his nose under my chin when we're doing some bonding type exercises, like grooming or anything like that. I don't mind if he licks my hand (just a couple licks, not an all over washing)or something along those lines because grooming/licking is a non-confrontational way for a dog to establish he see's that person as leader.
But it's up to you. If you feel you're depriving him of something maybe offer up another option besides your face.

Funny thing that I realized though. When people first meet Tucker and he goes to smell their face they'll draw back thinking he's going to lick them. I tell them he won't lick them and to not worry. The next thing they do is TRY to get him to lick their face to see if they can get him to do it!

I don't get people sometimes.