Why Do Dogs Put Their Ears Back? Decoding Canine Body Language

If you've ever seen your dog put their ears back, you've probably wondered what they were thinking. That's because ear position is one of the most important ways that dogs signal their feelings and intentions. When a dog puts their ears back, it's a way of showing fear, insecurity, or submission because it makes them look smaller and less threatening.

This article will explore canine body language and the psychology of why dogs put their ears back. Once you know why your dog is doing this, you'll be better able to understand what they're trying to tell you and use that information to build a stronger relationship with your pet.

Ear Positions and Emotional States

A dog's ear position is a powerful communication tool, offering insights into their emotional state and intentions. According to certified dog behaviorist Dr. Mindy Waite, ears pinned back often signal fear, anxiety or a warning that the dog may bite if pushed further. Relaxed, slightly pulled-back ears accompanied by a soft body and gentle tail wag usually indicate a calm, friendly demeanor.

However, ear position alone doesn't tell the full story. As explained by Ferplast, ears held back but not flattened can mean the dog is listening intently or trying to hear sounds behind them. Breed differences, individual variation, and the practice of ear cropping can also impact how expressive a dog's ear movements appear to be.

While certain ear positions provide clues about a dog's mindset, it's crucial to consider their overall body language. According to Petcube, a dog's tail position, eye shape, mouth and general stance all provide additional context about their emotional state and intentions. By learning to read these integrated signals, you can better understand and respond appropriately to your canine companion.

Medical Conditions That Impact Ear Position

There are several medical conditions that can impact a dog's ability to move or position their ears as they normally would. VCA Animal Hospitals explains that inner ear infections or vestibular disease can result in head tilts, uncontrolled eye movements, and difficulty with balance and walking. These issues are the result of a disruption in the vestibular system, which helps the body maintain its sense of balance.

Ear infections, injuries, or foreign bodies in the ear canal can also lead to ear pain and abnormal ear positions. The Daily Mail reports that dogs in pain will lower or partially lower their ears when they are running, playing, or jumping. Meanwhile, the Merck Veterinary Manual notes that inflammation of the middle or inner ear can lead to facial nerve paralysis and other neurological symptoms that can impact ear position.

In more extreme cases, the Wildest explains that ear tumors or other masses can physically block the ear canal or impact the inner ear's structure, which can result in changes in ear position. By understanding that these medical conditions can lead to changes in ear posture, dog owners can make sure that their pets get the medical attention they need.

How Different Breeds Communicate With Their Ears

Because dogs of different breeds have different ear shapes, sizes, and levels of ear mobility, their ability to communicate with their ears can vary widely. The Rover blog notes that dogs with drop ears, such as Basset Hounds and Beagles, have less ear mobility and therefore less ear expressiveness than dogs with erect or prick ears, such as German Shepherds and Huskies.

Ear cropping, which is the surgical alteration of a dog's ears, can also have a big impact on a dog's ability to communicate with their ears. Petcube says that ear cropping can limit a dog's ability to use their ears to communicate their emotional state. It's important to know a breed's typical ear shape and mobility to accurately interpret their body language.

Dr. Jamie Whittenburg of Kingsgate Animal Hospital says that differences in ear shape and structure between breeds are primarily genetic. However, a dog's ears can also be affected by things like nutrition, trauma, and ear infections throughout their life, which can impact the way their ears look and how they're positioned. That said, owners can use these differences to better understand how their dogs use their ears to communicate.

Dog Ear Communication with People

Dogs do communicate with people through their ear positions and movements, but people may not always understand what their dogs are trying to say. The Crafty Canine Club notes that ears that are relaxed and slightly pulled back are a sign of a happy, relaxed dog when combined with other positive body language.

On the other hand, PawSafe explains that ears that are pricked and facing forward can be a sign of alertness, curiosity, or even aggression, depending on the situation. Ears that are flat and pinned back are a universal sign of a dog that feels threatened or is about to bite.

Still, knowing a dog's typical ear positions and watching for other body language cues can help people better understand and respond to their dogs, which in turn can lead to a stronger bond between people and their pets. Hill's Pet points out that a dog's ear position is just one part of a larger body language system that also includes a dog's posture, tail position, and sounds.

Dogs Use Their Ears to Communicate with Other Dogs

Dogs use a lot of body language, including the position of their ears, to communicate with other dogs. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, ears pulled back can indicate submission, fear, or aggression, depending on the situation and other body language. Ears forward can indicate interest, friendliness, or aggression.

As noted in the PMC study, dogs will change their facial expressions and ear positions based on whether or not the other dog is looking at them. This shows that dogs are very aware of the information their ears are sending to other dogs. This is important for dog owners to understand so they can better understand dog-dog interactions and potential issues or play.

According to Lake City Animal Hospital, ears that are flat against the head can indicate submission if the dog is also showing other signs of submission, while ears that are "up" can indicate excitement and a desire to continue playing. This is important for dog owners to understand so they can help their dogs have positive interactions with other dogs.

Conclusion: What Does It Mean When a Dog's Ears Are Back?

Dogs communicate a lot of information through their ears. When a dog's ears are back or flat against their head, it can indicate a number of things, including submission, anxiety, and fear. As noted by Dogster, the ears-back position is a defensive one for dogs, and the closer the dog's ears are to his head, the more fearful he is.

If a dog's ears are back but not pressed tightly against his head, it usually means he's happy. The Spruce Pets says that this ear position is often seen when a dog is getting petted on the head or giving kisses. However, a dog with his ears back may also be warning that he's about to bite if the situation doesn't change.

A dog may also put his ears back due to an injury, illness, or to better hear what's going on behind him. Hill's Pet says that a dog's ear position is just one part of their body language, which also includes their posture, tail position, and sounds. It's important to consider all of these factors when trying to determine what a dog is feeling. Learning more about dog body language and communication can help you further connect with your pet.