Dogs often do things that make us laugh, but some behaviors can leave their owners red-faced—like crotch sniffing. Dog trainer Lorna Joyce, founder of Complete Canine Training, addressed this awkward topic on TikTok, explaining why dogs do it and how owners can discourage the habit.
Why Do Dogs Sniff Crotches?
According to Lorna, dogs rely on their incredible sense of smell to gather information about their surroundings. During dog-to-dog interactions, sniffing around the rear end provides details like gender, health, and even diet.
Humans, however, don’t have scent glands spread across the body like dogs. Instead, we have concentrated scent glands in areas like the groin and armpits. Lorna says dogs naturally gravitate toward these areas to gather similar information about humans.
“It’s embarrassing, but it’s not about ‘smelling down below,’” Lorna reassures. “Dogs can detect even the tiniest scents, and their sense of smell gives them more information about us than their sight does.”
How to Stop Crotch Sniffing
Although natural, this behavior can become excessive or intrusive. Lorna offers practical tips to redirect this habit:
Meet Your Dog’s Needs
Ensure your dog is physically and mentally stimulated through regular exercise, playtime, and activities. A well-exercised dog is less likely to develop obsessive behaviors.
Teach Impulse Control
Train your dog to resist acting on their instincts immediately. Engagement and disengagement games can teach your dog to observe new people without rushing to sniff them.
Limit Access to New People
Keep your dog on a leash or in a controlled environment when guests arrive. This prevents them from getting too close while allowing them to satisfy their curiosity from a distance.
Lorna concludes by emphasizing patience: “These behaviors are natural for dogs, but with consistent training, they can be managed.”
Relatable Humor for Owners
The video struck a chord with viewers like Scott Harrington, who admitted his “candidly embarrassing question” prompted him to seek help. Lorna’s guidance offers a helpful roadmap for dog owners looking to address this awkward but common issue.
By understanding your dog’s instincts and training them to respond appropriately, you can turn a mortifying moment into a manageable one—keeping both you and your guests at ease.
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