Dogs experience the world primarily through scent. Certain glands in the human body are “heavily concentrated in the armpits and genitals,” which naturally draw a dog’s attention when they meet someone new. These areas carry strong, unique scents that help dogs gather information quickly.

Because of their height, dogs often can’t reach a person’s armpits. That’s why their instinct leads them lower—“Well… since they can’t reach the armpits, so crotch it is…”. While this can feel awkward or embarrassing for humans, for dogs it’s completely normal and driven by curiosity, not bad behavior.

Dogs cannot speak, so they rely on smell as a form of communication. When your dog sniffs someone, it’s their way of learning about that person. It helps them recognize identity, mood, and even where someone has been. In simple terms, “their sniffing is equivalent to asking your name, where you live, as well as shaking hands.”

Even though this behavior is natural, it doesn’t mean it can’t be managed. If it makes you or others uncomfortable, you can gently redirect your dog through training. Using treats and basic commands like sit, stay, or come can help shift their focus and teach more appropriate greetings.

At its core, this behavior reflects how dogs interact with the world. As non-verbal animals, scent is their primary language. What may seem awkward to us is, for them, just a normal and important way of understanding and connecting with people.