As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to care for your animal’s needs—including understanding how they communicate. Being a good hooman to your pet means learning why they behave the way they do and how they interact with the world around them.
Many people know that dogs often sniff private areas, but not everyone understands why this behavior happens. According to Master Bowie, dogs sniff as a way of gathering information and saying hello. Humans have apocrine sweat glands that release pheromones, which carry information such as age, sex, mood, and even health. These glands are most concentrated in the armpits and genital area. Since dogs can’t easily reach armpits, they naturally go for the crotch instead.
Dogs don’t use words to communicate, so they rely on scent. When your dog sniffs you, it’s simply trying to learn more about who you are. While this behavior is completely natural, it can feel embarrassing. Fortunately, it can be redirected through training—using treats and basic commands like sit or stay to guide your dog toward more appropriate greetings.
For dogs, sniffing is the equivalent of asking your name, where you’re from, and shaking hands all at once. As a non-verbal species, this is simply their way of saying hello.
