Decoding Dog Ear Movements: A Guide to Canine Communica
Humans and our primate relatives aside, dogs might be one of the most expressive creatures on Earth. They have an incredible ability to convey emotions and needs using a variety of body parts.
Dogs' ears are composed of over 18 muscles, allowing them to rotate in numerous directions. Interestingly, they can independently control their left and right ears. Not only do they use their ears to hear, but they also communicate with other dogs and humans through them.
With a wide variety of breeds comes a diverse array of ear shapes. Some dogs have ears that hang low, while others have short, alert ears perched atop their heads. Regardless of the shape, dogs can easily manipulate their ears to send various signals to their surroundings through changes in form and posture.
Dog Ear Positions and Their Meanings:
Ears Perked Up
With ears standing almost as tall as an antenna, a dog's hearing is incredibly sharp. The slightest sound can trigger their alertness or pique their interest. When they lift their ears, it's to better hear the sound, focusing intently on detecting threats or intriguing occurrences. Typically, they'll lower their ears once their mission is accomplished, so it's best not to disturb them during this time. This is fundamental to their role as guardians of the home.
For dogs with a strong aggressive nature, ears perked up might also indicate a question or warning towards a specific target. It's wise for owners to investigate what the dog is warning about, reinforcing trust by showing they can handle any issues reported by their loyal companion.
Ears Forward
Even the most humble of dogs can exhibit pride, often seen when they receive praise, have just been groomed, or have won a battle with a peer. To show off to others, their ears will turn forward, exuding a sense of confidence and enthusiasm. This is a great opportunity for owners to offer praise, which can improve a dog's willingness to cooperate. However, if the victory was achieved through conflict, it's important for owners to provide proper education to prevent the dog from becoming overly aggressive in search of praise.
Ears Flattened Back
When a dog encounters a superior or higherranking individual, they may flatten their ears back to show submission or friendliness, losing their previous dominance. If the other party is unresponsive, the dog's ears may flatten even more, indicating fear and anxiety. This is a warning that they may retaliate if threatened further. Some dogs might also use this posture to invite play. When dealing with a human, showing your most friendly side and accepting their peace offering is crucial. If the dog remains cautious, using their favorite toy can help bridge the gap. For interactions with other dogs, toys or affection can help soothe their tension and encourage them to leave the area.
Ears Tugged Tight
When a dog feels threatened or anxious, they may exhibit intense behaviors. This isn't just a sign of confusion; it's the result of a fierce internal struggle, which is reflected in their ears being pulled back and slightly outward. Once they've made a decision, they'll choose to fight or flee. To ensure their safety, it's best not to act impulsively. Only once the dog has calmed down can you communicate effectively and alleviate their unease.
Ears Trembling
Like humans, dogs may hesitate when faced with the unknown, torn between fighting or fleeing. To avoid an attack, they may tremble their ears, moving them forward and then backward, expressing a strong desire for peace or fear and submission. To help ease their fears, distract them with their favorite toy and gently stroke their neck and belly to show them you are on their side.
Ears Rotating
Dogs can rotate their ears with remarkable agility, turning them towards interesting or strange sounds as if they are signal receivers. If your dog is particularly curious, they may follow the sound until they identify its source. It's important to redirect their attention and engage with them to prevent excessive barking at unfamiliar noises.
Ears Suddenly Perked Up
Even the most eventempered dogs can have their breaking point. If they feel their submission is ineffective and they continue to face threats or provocation, their previously relaxed ears will suddenly stand up, signaling an impending attack. This isn't a psychological tactic; it's a genuine intention to fight. To avoid unnecessary conflict and injury, it's crucial to calm the dog's emotions immediately. Gently stroke their back and speak softly to help them relax and regain composure.
Ears with Raised Fur Around Them
When humans are scared, we often get a "goosebumps" feeling, and dogs exhibit a similar response. When a dog is frightened, the fur around their ears may stand on end, with the severity of the fear influencing the extent of the reaction. To help ease their fear, quickly bring them to a familiar environment, let them sniff familiar scents, and soothe them with a gentle voice. This can make them feel protected and deepen their admiration for you.
It's important to note that not all dogs express fear in this way. Sometimes, it could be a signal of an impending aggressive action. Owners should use their knowledge of their dog's personality to make a judgment and take immediate action to stop the behavior, if necessary, to assert their authority and educate the dog.