Why do dogs sniff each other’s tails?

A common picture when a pet meets relatives is a dog sniffing under the tail of another dog. Why is this happening, Hill’s experts say.

In short, this is the most effective way to meet and get to know each other. But, it would seem, you can choose a more elegant method. What is the reason for this strange behaviour?

Why do dogs sniff under the tails of other dogs?

“When one dog greets another with its nose under its tail, it first of all receives a brief biographical information about its new friend, written in the language of aromatic molecules and pheromones,” the Mental Floss article says. 

The two anal sacs under the dog’s tail produce odors. They tell other animals about everything from their health and reproductive status to gender, owner, diet, and life satisfaction.

However, dogs are not the only creatures that get to know each other in such an intimate way. There are several other species of animals whose anal glands secrete pheromones that transmit information to other members of the species. For example, cats also have active anal glands. According to PetPlace, these glands “produce strong-smelling secretions designed to communicate chemical signals about a cat’s identity to other animals.”

Dogs sniff each other under their tails, but not humans? The fact is that such behavior is not associated with the back part as such, but with the location of those very active glands. Humans are wired a little differently, and the keys to their identity are in very different places. Therefore, although tail sniffing can be observed mainly in relations between animals, in general such a phenomenon is characteristic of many terrestrial creatures.

Are there any dogs that are more prone to sniffing under the tail. Little is known about this. This behavior is observed equally in all breeds, as well as in dogs of both sexes. But research published in the Journal of the International Society of Anthrozoology back in 1992 shows that in public places, males are more likely to sniff under the tails of other dogs than females.

The dog sniffs under the tail: is it possible to wean it

Tail sniffing is a perfectly normal behavior for a dog and really the best way for two dogs to get to know each other. But if owners are worried about their pet’s attitude when approaching other animals, an experienced behaviorist can help teach the dog to restrain enthusiasm or aggression, as well as teach them to meet new friends in a more relaxed manner. 

You can teach your dog to sit or stand still when meeting other dogs and ask approachers to respect your pet’s personal space.

It is worth taking the time to teach your dog commands such as “sit”, “stand” and “come”. This does not depend on whether she aggressively sniffs other dogs under the tails or behaves more shyly and timidly. If your dog encounters another pet that feels uncomfortable being sniffed, you can quickly regain control of the situation with a simple command.

Your veterinarian or pet care professional can recommend ways to change your dog’s approach to greeting. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to completely prohibit the pet from sniffing the priests of other dogs.

Should I be worried if the dog does not sniff under the tails of other dogs

Why dogs sniff under the tail of others is understandable. But if the pet does not strive for such behavior and this worries the owner, you need to make an appointment with a veterinarian. It is possible that the dog is simply not very sociable, or perhaps prefers the company of people. 

The dog may be afraid or worried because of negative experiences in the past. It should be checked whether the animal’s sense of smell is impaired, especially if this is a sudden change in behavior. An examination by a veterinarian will help make sure that the pet does not have health problems.

Why do dogs sniff under their tails? For the same reason people shake hands with their colleagues: to get to know them a little better. Therefore, there is no need to be embarrassed. After all, tail sniffing means your dog is an aspiring socialite.