How to Stop a Dog From Sniffing People’s Laps
Question: My male German Shepherd has the unfortunate problem of going right for the lap of every female human I introduce him to; it is seriously embarrassing. Is there any way to stop this my dog from sniffing people’s crotches?
How to Stop a Dog From Sniffing People’s Laps
Answer: This is an uncomfortable but correctable problem. Often times this behavior is a result of too little “pack order” training. Sniffing is deeply ingrained canine behavior. Your dog may not have received enough human interaction as a puppy to learn that this sort of thing is exclusively dog behavior and not a good way to greet humans.
He can still learn but it will require strict discipline. Does your dog know other basic commands: sit, stay, down and come? Does he have a release word? If the answer is no, obedience classes should be your first step.
Plenty of owners complain that while they want a particular behavior to stop they don’t want to be “too strict.” Listen up, everyone. This is the most useful piece of advice you will ever get for handling your dogs: Dogs. Are. Not. Human. Children.
If you find yourself thinking about your dog’s “emotional development,” you need to re-evaluate how you view your pet. Dogs need a specific pack order to feel comfortable. Dogs don’t care where they are in the social order, they just want to know their place.
If your dog is well trained, make him sit before he is allowed to greet anyone, male or female. Allow the friend to approach the dog and pet him while demanding that the dog remain sitting. Do not allow the dog to move until the friend is done petting him and then, and only then, give him the release word. If he still goes straight for the lap, scold him, make him sit again but do not allow anyone to pet him. Eventually he will get the idea.
As a side note, this can be obsessive behavior brought on by boredom. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and you will see a significant decline in all behavior problems.
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