Dogs have a special way of greeting and learning about others using their sense of smell. If your dog sniffs your genital area, this might make you feel uncomfortable, but it is very normal behavior for them. Dogs have about 220 million scent receptors in their noses, which is much more than humans, so they rely on smelling to understand their environment.
The reason your dog focuses on your crotch is that this area has sweat glands that release stronger, more distinctive smells than other parts of your body. This makes it easier for your dog to “read” information about you or visitors nearby. Plus, for larger dogs, this spot is perfectly at their nose level, making it an easy target.
Instead of scolding, it’s better to gently train your dog to greet people in a different way by teaching commands like “sit” or offering toys that satisfy their sniffing instincts. This helps your dog channel their natural curiosity in a more polite way without causing awkward moments. Ultimately, when your dog sniffs this area, they’re just gathering details using their amazing sense of smell—it’s their language and a way to feel safe and connected.
