Dogs experience the world primarily through scent. Their noses are extraordinarily sensitive—“anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than that of humans.” This heightened ability makes sniffing one of the main ways dogs explore and understand people around them.

While this behavior can feel awkward or embarrassing to humans, it is completely normal for dogs. As the article explains, “it is entirely natural.” Even when a dog sniffs intimate areas, there is nothing inappropriate happening. In fact, “If your dog is sniffing your genital area, there is a scientific reason behind it.”

Dogs use smell the way humans use sight and speech. “Dogs rely on their noses to gather information about their surroundings and the people they encounter.” Through scent, they can quickly learn details that humans may not notice at all.

In addition to their powerful noses, dogs have a specialized sensory organ. “They possess a special organ called the Jacobson’s organ (vomeronasal organ), which allows them to detect chemical signals known as pheromones.” This organ enhances their ability to interpret scents.

These pheromones provide valuable information. “These pheromones convey crucial details about a person’s hormonal changes, emotional state, and even health conditions.” To a dog, sniffing isn’t rude or funny—it’s simply a natural way to understand the world and the people in it.