Dogs sniff the butts of their own kind: This is not rude, it’s an ID card
Scent glands provide a complete social profile.
A dog's anal gland secretions contain a wealth of individual information, including gender, age, health and emotional state. Sniffing each other is equivalent to exchanging identity information and is a necessary part of canine socialization.
Interrupting sniffing will cause the dog to lose the opportunity to socialize, and in the long run it is prone to loss of social skills, manifested as over-excitement or fearful reactions. The correct approach is to keep the leash loose and give about thirty seconds to complete the exchange.
Abnormal signs to watch for are frequent licking or butt rubbing, which may indicate a blocked anal gland or infection that requires veterinary attention, rather than a behavioral problem.
During puppyhood, more exposure to adult dogs with stable personalities can significantly improve social skills. The amount of information this kind of contact brings is far more than a random run in the park.
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