Why does my dog flatten his ears?

Why does my dog flatten his ears?

This is a more complicated expression and can mean a varying of emotions. This can vary widely at both ends of the emotional scale. (From play to submission and right at the end of the scale, aggression)

  • A fearful dog will have a smooth forward, ear back and cower
  • An aggressive dog’s forehead will be tense and usually wrinkled
  • A curious dog will pull his ears back to concentrate
  • A sad dog may lie on his front paws with ears back and usually won’t move

Also, dogs will pull ears back just before a fight in order to protect them from bites or stretches.

The main ear movement we look for is for a sign of submission, this is the method a dog will use to demonstrate his lower ranking to other dogs.

Here’s a perfect example of “Lexie”, a stunning, compassionate, friendly dog showing her kind and submissive nature, taken at our Day Care Centre:

Flat ears like Lexi's show case a kind, gentle submissive dog.

Flat ears like Lexi’s show case a kind, gentle submissive dog.

Lovely isn’t it?

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