Dogs have their own way of saying hello, and while it might seem odd to us, sniffing is a natural part of their communication. So when your dog sniffs your crotch, as uncomfortable as it might feel, it’s totally normal for them.
With about 220 million scent receptors—far more than humans—dogs rely on their noses to gather information about the world. Areas like the groin, rich in apocrine sweat glands, produce strong and unique smells that dogs are especially drawn to. According to veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Sperry, these scents give dogs clues about everything from your mood to your health. And for medium or large dogs, your crotch is at the perfect nose level—making it an easy target.
Understanding that this behavior is instinctive can help you feel less awkward and more curious about your dog’s perspective. But if you or your guests find it uncomfortable, there are ways to gently redirect your pup.
Rather than scolding—which can confuse or stress your dog—try offering other ways for them to use their nose. Toys like snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, or scent games are great outlets for their sniffing instincts. You can also teach your dog an alternate behavior, like “sit” or a fun trick like “high five,” especially when greeting new people. Rewarding these actions with treats or praise helps build good habits and keeps noses out of awkward places.
At the end of the day, your dog’s crotch-sniffing is just part of how they explore and connect. With a little training and positive reinforcement, you can guide their curiosity in a direction that makes everyone more comfortable.
