Why Does My Dogs Ears Go Back

Understanding Why Your Dog’s Ears Go Back

If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s ears go back, you may have wondered what it means. Is your dog scared, anxious, or angry? Does it indicate pain or discomfort? Or is it just a normal behavior that dogs do for some reason? In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why dogs’ ears go back and what you can do to interpret and respond to this behavior.

First of all, let’s clarify what we mean by “ears go back”. Dogs’ ears are usually upright or semi-pricked, depending on their breed and individual anatomy. However, when a dog’s ears go back, they may lay flat against the head or curve backward in a more passive or submissive posture. This can happen to one ear or both ears, and can be accompanied by other body language signals such as tail tucking, crouching, licking lips, avoiding eye contact, or yawning. Depending on the context and the dog’s personality and past experiences, different interpretations may apply.

Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs’ ears go back:

1. Fear
One of the most instinctual responses that dogs have to potential danger is to prepare for fight or flight. When a dog perceives a threat or a stressor that they cannot escape from, they may resort to freezing or submitting as a last resort. In such cases, going still and making themselves smaller can help them avoid further harm or aggression from the perceived threat. This includes flattening their ears against their head to protect them from being bitten or injured.

For example, if your dog hears loud thunder or fireworks outside and has nowhere to hide or flee, they may cower in fear with their ears back. Similarly, if your dog encounters an aggressive dog on a walk and feels intimidated or threatened, they may lower their head and flatten their ears as a sign of submission. Other common triggers of fear that can cause dogs’ ears to go back include strangers, unfamiliar objects or sounds, veterinary visits, car rides, and separation anxiety.

If you notice your dog’s ears going back in fearful situations, try to avoid or minimize the triggers as much as possible. Provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog to retreat to when they feel threatened or anxious. Use positive reinforcement training techniques to build your dog’s confidence and trust in you and other humans and animals. Consider consulting a professional animal behaviorist if your dog has severe anxiety or phobias that interfere with their quality of life.

2. Aggression
While fear can make dogs submissive and passive, anger or frustration can make dogs aggressive and defensive. When a dog feels challenged or threatened by another dog or person, they may raise their hackles, bare their teeth, growl, snarl, or snap. In some cases, they may also flatten their ears against their head as a warning signal that they are ready to attack if provoked further.

For example, if your dog is guarding a toy or food bowl and another dog approaches too closely, your dog may growl and show their teeth while also lowering their head and flattening their ears. This posture communicates that your dog is prepared to defend their resources but also willing to avoid direct conflict if possible. Similarly, if your dog feels territorial or protective of you or your property and perceives a stranger as a threat, they may bark loudly with their ears back as a way of warning the stranger to stay away.

If you notice your dog’s ears going back in aggressive situations, try to remove them from the trigger as soon as possible. Do not punish or scold your dog for showing aggression, as this can reinforce the behavior and make them more defensive. Instead, use positive reinforcement training techniques to teach your dog alternative behaviors that are more appropriate and socially acceptable. Consider consulting a professional animal behaviorist if your dog has a history of aggression or bites.

3. Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes, dogs’ ears go back not because of emotional states but physical ones. If your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort in their ears or head, they may flatten their ears as a way of alleviating the pressure or tension. For example, if your dog has an ear infection, ear mites, or allergies that cause itching and irritation, they may shake their head and scratch their ears while also flattening them against their head.

If you suspect that your dog’s ears going back are due to pain or discomfort, take them to a veterinarian for a check-up. The vet can examine your dog’s ears and head for signs of infection, inflammation, or injury and prescribe appropriate treatment. You may also need to clean your dog’s ears regularly with gentle solutions to prevent future infections or infestations.

4. Comfort or Relaxation
Finally, sometimes dogs’ ears go back not because of negative emotions but positive ones. When a dog is feeling comfortable or relaxed in their environment, they may express it by letting their guard down and assuming more submissive postures. This can include flattening their ears against their head to indicate that they pose no threat and are ready to receive affection or attention from humans or other dogs.

For example, if your dog is lying on their back with their belly exposed and their paws up while also flattening their ears, they are likely signaling that they trust you and want you to pet them. Similarly, if your dog is cuddling with another dog and both have flattened ears while wagging their tails, they are likely enjoying each other’s company without any conflict or competition.

If you notice your dog’s ears going back in comfortable situations, feel free to reward them with praise and affection. However, be mindful of overstimulating them or invading their personal space if they show signs of discomfort or avoidance. Respect your dog’s boundaries and preferences for how they want to interact with you and other dogs.

In conclusion, dogs’ ears go back for various reasons, some of which are related to negative emotions such as fear, aggression, pain, or discomfort, while others are related to positive emotions such as comfort or relaxation. To understand why your dog’s ears go back, observe their body language and context carefully, and consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if necessary. By doing so, you can strengthen your bond with your dog and ensure their physical and emotional well-being.