Shohei Ohtani is so addicted to his dog that he has to smell this part of his dog every day.

Baseball has seen its share of superstitions, rituals, and emotional attachments. But Shohei Ohtani, the once-in-a-generation two-way superstar, is taking things to a whole new level—and this time, it’s got nothing to do with home runs or strikeouts. It’s about his dog. More specifically, it’s about a peculiar daily ritual that’s raising eyebrows across the MLB fanbase and sending shockwaves through social media.

You’ve heard of athletes who won’t wash their socks after a win. You’ve seen players kiss lucky charms before every pitch. But have you ever heard of a baseball megastar who starts his day by sniffing a very specific part of his dog? Welcome to the world of Shohei Ohtani—where love, loyalty, and a little bit of weirdness collide.

The Canine Star of Ohtani’s Life

Let’s start with the basics: the dog in question is a beloved Dutch Kooikerhondje named Dekopin—a name that’s become as famous as Ohtani’s fastball. From press conferences to private moments captured on social media, Dekopin has become a permanent fixture in Ohtani’s daily life.

The bond? Unquestionable. The obsession? Maybe a little extreme.

Recently, a Japanese TV program aired a behind-the-scenes look at Ohtani’s morning routine. What viewers saw had jaws dropping and fans erupting online. Every morning, before breakfast, workouts, or interviews, Shohei Ohtani reportedly leans over, cradles Dekopin, and…sniffs his paws.

Yes, his paws.

The Ritual Revealed

According to insiders close to Ohtani, the ritual started shortly after he adopted Dekopin. A tough losing streak in the 2022 season had shaken Ohtani’s confidence. During one particularly low day, he sat on the floor beside Dekopin, who offered a paw as if in comfort. Ohtani grabbed it instinctively and brought it to his face.

| FRIEND: He smiled in a way we hadn’t seen in days. It was like Dekopin healed something in him.

Since then, it’s been a daily habit. According to Ohtani, the unique scent of Dekopin’s paws provides an emotional reset.

| SHOHEI OHTANI: It reminds me to stay grounded. His scent is home, peace, and focus.

Weird? Maybe. But to Ohtani, it’s sacred.

Baseball Superstitions vs. Canine Love

Before we dive into judgment, let’s take a step back. Baseball has a long, storied tradition of odd rituals.

• Wade Boggs famously ate chicken before every game.

• Nomar Garciaparra was obsessed with adjusting his batting gloves before every pitch.

• Turk Wendell brushed his teeth between innings.

So is Ohtani’s paw-sniffing really that bizarre? Not when you consider the psychology of elite athletes. Many thrive on repetition and sensory triggers to enter the “zone.” For Ohtani, that trigger just happens to be the comforting scent of his best friend’s paw.

| MLB TRAINER: Routine equals control. For someone juggling batting and pitching at the highest level, any sense of calm is priceless.

Fans React: From Confused to Inspired

When the segment aired, fans took to X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok to share their mixed reactions. The hashtag #OhtaniSniff trended within hours.

| @MLBWeirdos: “Shohei Ohtani sniffs his dog’s paws every morning. I can’t even get my cat to sit still for 5 seconds. Legend.”

| @BaseballWifeLife: “It’s strange, sure, but it’s also kind of beautiful? My husband just grunts at our dog. Maybe we could all use a bit more Ohtani energy.”

Even sports psychologists chimed in to validate the behavior. According to them, the olfactory connection to memory and emotion is deeply rooted in neuroscience.

| DR. ERIKA TANAKA: Smells can anchor us. For someone like Shohei, that ritual may help compartmentalize stress and boost emotional endurance.

More Than a Pet — A Mental Health Anchor

Ohtani has always been private, often avoiding dramatic headlines. So why allow the world to see this deeply personal ritual? Some believe it’s Ohtani’s subtle way of advocating for mental health in sports.

| SHOHEI OHTANI: I’ve learned that strength doesn’t mean silence. My dog keeps me centered—and I don’t mind if people know that now.

With growing discussions about burnout, pressure, and anxiety in pro sports, Ohtani’s openness is refreshing. Rather than hiding quirks, he’s embracing them—and encouraging others to find their own “paws of peace,” so to speak.

The Business Behind the Bark

Of course, in the world of professional sports, nothing stays personal forever. Since the revelation, merchandise sales have spiked. MLB stores now stock Ohtani x Dekopin plush toys. A Japanese company is reportedly developing a “Dekopin Paw Scented Candle” as a novelty item.

| MERCH DESIGNER: It’s not a joke. Fans really feel connected to his love for that dog.

A children’s picture book is also in the works: “Shohei and the Magic Paw”, set to release later this year, telling the fictionalized tale of a young athlete and the four-legged friend who helps him become a champion.

A Future Family?

Speculation is swirling that Ohtani’s recent affection for Dekopin hints at his readiness to settle down. Paparazzi have recently spotted him visiting luxury dog-friendly estates in Orange County, fueling rumors of a family expansion.

| SPORTS GOSSIP BLOG: “Is Shohei Ohtani preparing for a new chapter? Dekopin might not be the only creature calling him ‘Dad’ soon.”

Whether or not these rumors pan out, one thing is clear: Ohtani isn’t afraid to show vulnerability—and people love him even more for it.

Conclusion? Not Quite

This isn’t just a quirky headline. It’s a window into the emotional world of an elite athlete who, despite being one of the most talented and disciplined players in the world, still finds solace in the smallest things—like the smell of his dog’s paw.

Is it odd? Sure.

Is it human? Absolutely.

In a time when athletes are often turned into icons rather than individuals, Shohei Ohtani reminds us that greatness and gentleness can coexist—and sometimes, a simple sniff of a dog’s paw can carry the weight of a world-class mindset.