If your dog is sniffing your genital area, it means you have…

Step 2: Train the “Sit” or “Leave It” Command

Teach your dog to follow basic obedience cues that can help redirect their focus.

How:

1. Hold a treat and say “sit.”
2. Once your dog sits, reward immediately.
3. Practice until the behavior is reliable.

Do the same for “leave it,” using a treat in a closed hand and only rewarding when your dog stops trying to sniff or paw at your hand.

Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement to Redirect

When your dog begins to sniff inappropriately:

• Use a cue like “No sniff” or “Back.”
• Redirect them to sit or lie down.
• Immediately reward the redirection with praise or a treat.

Consistency is key. Over time, they’ll associate sniffing with a redirection and stop doing it.

Step 4: Manage the Environment

If your dog does this mostly to guests:

• Keep your dog on a leash or in another room during introductions.
• Provide toys or puzzles to distract them.
• Ask guests not to encourage or react dramatically to sniffing.

Step 5: Consider Professional Help if Needed

If the behavior is compulsive or persistent despite training, a dog trainer or behaviorist can help assess the cause and work out a plan.

Conclusion

If your dog is sniffing your genital area, it usually means they’re picking up natural pheromones or are curious. It could also — rarely — mean they’re detecting a change in your health or hormones. While the behavior is instinctive and harmless from a canine perspective, it’s understandable that humans may want to curb it.

With gentle training, redirection, and consistency, you can help your dog learn more socially acceptable ways to interact — without embarrassing anyone in the process.

Would you like me to turn this into a social media post, a script, or a printable tip sheet too?