I'll let you sniff mine if you let me sniff yours: The oddities of the canine greeting

by Shiraz Contractor
(Australia)

Shiraz Contractor the owner of www.brandog.com.au reveals the characteristics of dogs in a funnier way and her personal experience regarding her Border collie Brando.


It wasn't until I became a pet owner that I discovered a whole new world of "inappropriate" behaviour. I can remember the embarrassment I felt when my Border Collie "Brando" started sniffing another dog's bottom at the park. I had never seen such a thing in my life.

I would crack a little grin to other pet owners and apologise whilst tugging on Brando's leash. I was gobsmacked when a passerby told me "it's ok" and that "they all do it". I soon learned that it was a dog's way of saying hello! Funnily enough, like humans - some dogs are not comfortable with this and will tuck their tail between their legs and offer their nose for inspection instead.

The scent glands of a dog are tucked away down south; so sniffing another dog is their way of gaining information about the other dog such as their sex, health, age and what they usually eat. These glands carry a distinct scent - like DNA - which is unique to each dog.

Once the dogs have established identity and trust, they will decide whether to stop and play or walk away. When Brando meets a new dog, I often cringe during the sniffing phase because I know the greeting can only go 1 of 2 ways: (1) If it's a bitch, Brando will be on his best behaviour and (2) If it's a male, Brando's tail shoots for the sky and the dominance challenge begins!

Finally, when a dog is familiar with another pooch, you will notice that they only have a quick sniff before getting on with things. This quick sniff is just to confirm that "yes - we know each other and I'll now be on my way!"

Shiraz Contractor-Papas: Bite Size Articles For All Things "Dog".

Following a successful career in corporate training, Shiraz turned her love of dogs into a thriving pet fashion boutique. Using her skills as an adult educator, Shiraz provides practical guidance in bite-size pieces to pet owners who are keen to expand their knowledge on all things dog. Shiraz is also the proud owner of Brando, one of smartest Border Collies you will ever know. The author invites you to visit:
Online Pet Supplies Australia