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Why Do Dogs Sniff Around?

Why do dogs sniff around and go in circles before they will go to the bathroom?

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    They are marking their territory. They will either smell another dog's
    urine and urinate over that or, they will mark their own territory such
    as the backyard/frontyard, etc. It tells them that that
    is their territory. If one dog, wolf, ... Sees another dog mark its
    territory onto theirs, it will usually start a fight. Think about this
    example to help you understand if you get a glass of milk and you take
    a drink, that cup is your territory until you are done. Lets say your
    little brother or sister comes into the room and takes a drink out of
    your cup. You get mad because that cup is your territory. It is the
    same thing with dogs, its normal.www.sponkit.com
    1 0

    Mishedew 

    answered 2 years ago

      The sense of smell to dogs is like our eyesight. In fact my dog is going blind and sniffs his way back into the house. They seem also to enjoy the variety of smells in the air as witnesses by anyone who has a 'car dog', that enjoys sticking his snout out the window while driving. The sniffing tells them and their body where to go to the bathroom. It tells them who has been here and where. It tells them where you have been, and who you are, and they can smell the smell of FEAR on people which is why they chase people who are afraid of them. A dogs snout is to them, lik our eyes. Dogs don't see really well to begin with and many develope cataracts as they age. They recognize things by smell, and their hearing is more powerful than ours which is why they make good watchdogs.
      1 0

      Pencil 

      answered 2 years ago

        They are marking their territory.
        1 1

        Pointweb 

        answered 2 years ago

        I actually have my own question......why does my dog always sniff my hair?....He is a beagle
        0 0
        Guest

        Guest 

        answered 8 months ago

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