Dogs have a habit of sniffing places that humans find awkward—but there’s a good reason for it. Their noses are their primary way of exploring the world, and certain body areas provide valuable information.
Pheromones, which are released through sweat glands, give dogs insights into a person’s mood, health, and identity. This is why they might zero in on your crotch—it’s not personal, just biology. In the wild, wolves and other canines use scent to communicate, and domestic dogs still follow this instinct.
Rather than seeing this behavior as rude, it helps to understand it as a natural part of how dogs interact. If it makes you uncomfortable, training them to focus on something else can help. At the end of the day, it’s just their way of getting to know you better—one sniff at a time.
