Dogs have a way of greeting one another that might leave you a little uncomfortable — sniffing each other’s rear ends. But when your furry friend turns their attention to your crotch, it can feel downright awkward.
So, why do they do this?
For anyone who’s ever had a dog, it’s no surprise that dogs communicate and greet others in various ways, with their sense of smell playing a key role. Dogs explore the world through their noses, and their sniffing habits are how they gather important information.
The dog’s superior sense of smell comes from 220 million scent receptors in their nose. That’s about 50 times more than humans have, giving dogs the ability to detect scents that are completely undetectable to us.
Simply put, dogs are incredibly curious creatures, and they have a keen sense of smell that helps them gather information about you.
Dogs are drawn to strong odors, explains Jennifer Sperry, a veterinarian with Pets Plus Us Insurance, tells Rover.com. Crotches, with their sweat glands and unique scent, are like a welcome mat for a dog’s nose. For medium to large dogs, the crotch is also easy to reach — much to the discomfort of your visitors.
Fortunately, there are ways to guide your dog’s curiosity into a more courteous greeting. Keep reading to find out why dogs sniff crotches and how you can redirect this behavior.
Why does my dog sniff crotches?
Ever wondered why your dog can’t resist sniffing your crotch? According to Rover, there are a few key reasons behind this behavior that might just surprise you.
First off, the height is ideal for a good sniff! But it’s not just about convenience —your crotch also has a unique feature that makes it a doggy hotspot.
