Dogs are known for their loyalty and love, but they also have some awkward habits—like sniffing people’s crotches. While it may seem embarrassing, experts explain that “what many of us see like an embarrassing invasion of privacy is a dog’s way of getting to know someone better and saying ‘hello.’”

Dogs have about 300 million scent receptors, compared to our 6 million, making their sense of smell up to 10,000 times stronger. They also have a special structure called Jacobson’s organ, which detects pheromones—chemical signals revealing age, sex, mood, and more. That’s why they can sense even subtle changes in humans and are great service and medical detection dogs.

The reason they target the crotch is simple: “The strongest signals come from the genitals and anus,” areas rich in sweat and apocrine glands. Since dogs can’t reach armpits easily, they go for the next best spot.

During menstruation, childbirth, or sexual activity, pheromone levels rise, which makes dogs even more curious.

To stop this behavior, trainers suggest redirection instead of punishment—like teaching dogs to touch your closed fist on command (“touch”) and rewarding them. This helps prevent awkward moments without confusing or scolding your furry friend.