Anus-genital sniffing

The dominant dog sniffs the genital area of the submissive dog. Often exhibited during a stand-over, and just before the dog showing this behaviour moves away, interrupting the encounter. The submissive dog often tries to rapidly sniff the genital area of the dominant dog, but moves away as soon as the dominant dog becomes aware of it.
(Rottenberg, 2000; Goodman et al. 2002; Koler-Matznick, 2005)

In this interaction between two males, the Bassethound sniffs the anus-genital area of the Bernese mountain dog who is marking with urine.

The tan boxer stands still while the black and white Setter x Spinone cross and the black Kurzhaar sniff her anus-genital area.

The Belgian Malinois bitch sniffs the anus-genital area of the young male, who exhibits passive sumbmission.

VIDEO

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The male German Shepherd moves towards the young male Golden Retriever using a frontal approach. The Golden Retriever is standing tall. The two sniff each other's muzzle, and the Golden Retriever then bows and runs toward his owner, followed by the German Shepherd. The Retriever returns towards the German Shepherd, exhibiting a rear approach, and sniffs the dog's anus-genital area. The German Shepherd glances around to make eye contact with the Swiss Shepherd bitch who is also part of the family group, and as the bitch approaches, he sniffs the anus-genital area of the Retriever. The bitch interposes herself between the two males, holding her head low, and the Retriever follows them. The two Shepherds turn together towards the golden with surprising timing, and simultaneously exhibit olfactory exploration, with the bitch sniffing the anus-genital area . The Retriever first steps away, stopping in a lateral stance, and then leaves the interaction.

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