Smelling the butt of a newly met canine is often equated to the human handshake.
It’s a friendly way to say hello while looking at your furry friend.
However, there is an unwritten rule that dogs should not linger to the point of disturbing other dogs.
Behaviors like licking another dog’s private parts become a problem once they become excessive, which usually happens after 10-15 seconds.
What amounts to “excessive” really depends on the circumstances, the behavior of the dog, as well as the duration of the sniffing and licking.
There are some easy ways to stop that behavior, but first, why do dogs do it?
Why does my dog ​​lick other dogs’ private parts?
Dogs lick other dogs’ private area to greet and gather information, assert themselves, groom the other dog, or because they sense a female is in heat or have a health problem such as anal gland disease.
While most dogs just sniff and get a quick fix to say hello and get information, others do so because of a behavior problem.
Misguided attempts to appease or assert are among the behavior problems that can cause excessive licking.
If your dog licks the lips of a lot of dogs or behaves in a submissive manner, licking private parts may be a misguided attempt to show submission by showing affection and grooming.
On the other hand, licking can also indicate that a dog thinks it has the upper hand and decides when the party is over.
If he licking is extremely one-sided and the other dog is uncomfortable, that’s when a problem arises.
My Rottweiler can be a bit of a nose at times and not all dogs appreciate that as he is quite persistent.
I usually don’t intervene though as before he starts sniffing forcefully he will often lie down when meeting dogs or lick his lips which is usually a sign of appeasement.
Once other dogs respond negatively, it’s time to intervene. Some dogs just don’t appreciate all the fuzz on their bottom.
Simple cleanliness It’s also a possibility, although in that case licking isn’t usually limited to private parts.
If you have a female canine that licks the private area of ​​another female in heat, grooming may be one way to deal with it.
This happened to my female Rottie when she was in her first heat and another adolescent bitch followed her in a benevolent attempt to keep her clean.
In general, if the the female in question is in heatit is very likely that this causes the obsession with the rear.
If your dog’s bottom is red and swollen, that can also attract other dogs, especially if it has to do with the growth of bacteria or fungi that can give off a strong odor.
Dogs that are affected by a rear seizure should schedule a visit to the vet.
Also, it’s surprisingly little talked about when you search for this phrase about the anal glands.
Your dog’s anal glands are oval-shaped sacs to the left and right of your dog’s bottom (my article dives into potential issues).
These The glands are believed to emit a stronger odor than urine. which, in turn, attracts interested canines.
As mentioned in my linked article, studies estimate that anal sac disease affects around 5-15% of all dogs.
These glands are usually expressed when your dog is having a bowel movement, assuming there are no health issues and firm stools.
If you suspect your dog has rear end health issues or is smelly, schedule a visit to the vet.
Any health problem is often accompanied by other signs, such as swelling, discharge, discoloration, discharge, difficulty urinating or defecating, or simply a bad odor that even humans can perceive.
But if multiple dogs are attracted to another dog’s butt, it’s time to investigate.
Why is my senior dog licking my puppy’s private parts?
Licking a puppy’s private parts can be a sign of affection and can serve as grooming, similar to what mothers do with their pups.
It is also part of a well socialized dog teaching a puppy how to properly interact with other dogs.
Young pups learn a lot through observation and interaction.
As long as your older dog doesn’t lick the pup excessively, you should be fine if you let that happen.
Excessive licking may be the result of your older dog not being used to interacting with puppies or suffering from a physical or mental condition.
How can I stop my dog ​​from licking other dogs’ private parts?
You can prevent your dog from licking other dogs’ private parts by entering a command such as “No” or “Stop” for the undesirable behavior and encourage your dog not to linger too long.
It is not advisable to harshly punish your dog for sniffing or licking other dogs, as this can have adverse effects.
The best way is to simply encourage your dog to do something else after the first round of sniffing or as soon as the other dog becomes uncomfortable.
The real problems arise when the other party does not agree with the behavior at all.
Some dogs just don’t like it when other canines stick their noses in their downstairs business.
If you come across a dog that is not willing to have its private parts licked or even sniffed, prevent your dog from doing so.
Unless you’re in a controlled environment with a professional, it’s just not worth it and it’s easier to leash your dog and keep walking.
Some dogs are extremely direct and if that’s yours that’s fine, but it’s important to note that not all dogs fall into that category.
Dogs that have not learned to interact properly with other dogs may benefit from training sessions with professional behaviorists.
Some dogs simply don’t learn to respect boundaries like personal space and haven’t learned to respond to an uncomfortable dog’s body language.
If you notice problems in your dog with obsessive licking or even just sniffing, take a look and try to locate the trigger.
In cases where all else fails or you notice a behavioral or health problem, consult a professional behaviorist or veterinarian.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for veterinary care and is not intended to be. I am not a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any signs of illness, call your vet.
Leave a Comment