How To Train A Dog To Stop Sniffing Crotches

When your dog meets another dog, you might notice them sniffing each others' rear ends. Although this might seem like a yucky habit, in doggie world this is normal greeting behavior. Your pet companion's sense of smell is much better than yours and can help him explore and pick up a lot of information about others. However, when your dog's nose gravitates toward the crotches of people he meets, it can be very embarrassing to say the least. To get him to stop the unwanted sniffing, stop him in his tracks and redirect his attention.

Items You Will Need
• Leash
• Dog treats
• Crate or dog bed

Step 1 - Leash your dog and arm yourself with dog treats.

Step 2 - Tell a friend to come over to your house and, before he enters the door, tell your dog to "sit" and "stay." Rather than facing the door, have your pet companion face you or place him in his dog bed or crate. Give him a treat when he obeys and wait for your friend to come in.

Step 3 - Greet your friend and walk him over to a couch or chair. Watch your pet companion closely. If he gets up to walk to your friend, firmly tell him "sit" and "stay." Reward him when he listens and go entertain your friend. If your dog manages to sniff your friend's crotch, jerk the leash sideways and say "leave it." When your dog stops sniffing, tell him "sit," or walk him back to his crate or bed and reward him when he gets comfortable.

Step 4 - Stay consistent and tell your dog to "sit" and "stay" each time he gets up. Have other friends come over and repeat the same training method. Practice in public places and correct your pet companion each time he gets tempted to sniff. Over time, he'll understand that you want him to stay put and not sniff crotches.

By Kimberly Caines

References

Dog Academy: Dogs Crotch Sniffing
The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know; Tracie Hotchner

About the Author
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.