https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/training-and-behavior/why-do-dogs-smell-crotch
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to understand the world around them.
With up to 220 million olfactory receptors (significantly more than humans) dogs are equipped to detect and analyze scents with remarkable detail. They also possess a specific organ which detects chemical signals such as pheromones produced by apocrine glands found in high concentrations in the human crotch and armpits.
When dogs sniff the crotch of a person or the rear of another dog, they gather information about sex, hormonal state, stress levels, and other physiological details.
This behavior is instinctual and part of normal canine communication. While some dogs may exhibit this behavior more persistently, it can often be managed through basic training techniques.
Keeping the dog leashed when guests arrive, redirecting attention to a scent on the guest’s hand, or providing mental stimulation through sniffing games and scent based activities can help reduce excessive sniffing.
If the behavior persists or becomes disruptive, working with a professional dog trainer may be necessary to set appropriate boundaries.
Chewy editorial team explores why dogs sniff humans’ and other dogs’ crotches, what information they gather through this behavior, when it might become excessive, and how pet owners can manage or redirect it through training and scent based activities.
