I always wondered “Why are my dogs ears back” & then the reasons have made me surprised.
I got to know that dog ears back meaning that they want to tell us something.
Dogs put their ears back to show fear, or anxiety, signaling to other dogs or humans that they are feeling uncomfortable or threatened in a situation. It is an instinct for dogs to protect themselves when feeling vulnerable.
15 Reasons Why Do Dogs Put Their Ears Back?
We’ve to understand dog ear expressions because they show many emotional states or responses to their environment. Here are 15 reasons why dogs ears back.
1. Submission
Dogs often put their ears back when they’re showing submissive behavior towards another dog or person.
This is a way of signaling that they are not a threat & acknowledging the other as dominant.
2. Fear
When a dog feels scared or threatened, it may pull its ears back to protect them & make itself appear smaller.
This is often accompanied by other signs of fear such as cowering, tail tucking, or shivering.
3. Anxiety
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Dogs might put their ears back because of anxiety or stress. This can be in response to a specific stressor, such as a loud noise or an unfamiliar environment.
So, it’s necessary to understand the dog ear language.
4. Uncertainty
Dogs might put their ears back when they are unsure of a situation or how to react.
This can be a sign that they are trying to assess the environment & figure out how to proceed which makes it important for us to know the dog ear position meaning.
5. Guilt or Shame
If a dog knows it has done something it shouldn’t have, such as chewing on a shoe or making a mess, it might put its ears back as a sign of guilt or shame, especially if it perceives that its owner is upset.
6. Attention Seeking
Sometimes, dogs put their ears back when they want attention.
They might combine this with other behaviors like pawing at you or nudging you with their nose.
7. Listening Intently
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Dogs can put their ears back to better focus on a sound coming from behind them or listen to something that might be of interest or concern.
8. Submission During Play
During play, dogs might put their ears back to show that they are being submissive & non-threatening to their playmate.
This helps to keep the play friendly & non-aggressive.
9. Affection
When dogs are affectionate, they might put their ears back, especially when they are nuzzling or seeking close contact with their owners or other dogs.
So, you’ve to understand why is your dogs ears pinned back.
10. Discomfort
If a dog is experiencing discomfort or pain, it might pull its ears back.
This can happen in response to an injury or illness, or even when they are being groomed or touched in a sensitive area.
11. Preparation for a Fight or Flight Response
In some cases, dogs put their ears back as part of the fight or flight response, getting ready to either defend themselves or flee from a threat.
12. Submission to Authority
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Dogs might put their ears back in the presence of a more dominant dog or human to show respect & acknowledge the other’s higher status.
13. Greeting Another Dog or Person
When greeting another dog or person, a dog might put its ears back as a friendly gesture, indicating that it poses no threat & is open to interaction.
For this reason, the dog puts ears back when happy.
14. Protecting Their Ears
In situations where there is a danger, dogs might pull their ears back to protect them from injury, it is like a defensive action.
15. Physical Reasons
Sometimes, dogs put their ears back for practical reasons, such as to avoid wind, rain, or debris, or because they are grooming or shaking their heads.
Tips For Helping A Dog Feel More Comfortable
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Some tips for helping a dog feel more comfortable are creating a safe space for your dog, sticking to a routine, giving enough exercise & mental stimulation, respecting your dog’s boundaries, build trust & bonding with your dog.
- Create a safe space for your dog: Set up a comfortable area for your dog with their bed, favorite toys & blankets where they can retreat when they need some alone time.
- Stick to a routine: Try to stick to a regular schedule for feeding, walking & playtime. This will help your dog feel more secure & comfortable in their environment.
- Give enough exercise & mental stimulation: Dogs need regular exercise & mental stimulation to stay happy & healthy. Make sure to take your dog for daily walks, engage in playtime & provide them with interactive toys to keep their minds busy.
- Use positive reinforcement: When helping your dog feel more comfortable in certain situations, use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise & affection to help them associate positive feelings with the experience.
- Respect your dog’s boundaries: Every dog is different, so be mindful of your dog’s body language & signals to determine when they may need space or when they are ready to interact with you or others.
- Build trust & bond with your dog: Spend quality time with your dog, engage in bonding activities & establish trust with them. This will help your dog feel more secure & comfortable in your presence.
- Expose your dog to new experiences: If your dog is feeling anxious or uncomfortable in certain situations, introduce them to new experiences at their own pace to help them adjust & feel more comfortable.
- Consult with a professional: If your dog is showing signs of fear or anxiety that you are unable to address on your own, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance & support.
Also Read:
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Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding “why dogs put their ears back” helps us interpret their emotions.
By recognizing this body language, we can support them better, create a healthy environment & strengthen our bond.
Positive reinforcement, routines, boundaries, trust & professional help when needed are important for addressing behavioral concerns.
FAQs
Why does my dog put his ears back when he sees me?
Your dog may be putting his ears back as a sign of submission or nervousness when he sees you.
Why does my dog put his ears back when he looks at me?
Your dog puts his ears back when looking at you as a sign of submission or uncertainty.
Why do dogs put their ears back when you stroke them?
Dogs may put their ears back when being stroked as a submissive gesture, showing they are enjoying the interaction & feel comfortable with you.
Why are my dog’s ears back but the tail wagging?
Your dog’s ears may be back because they are feeling scared or anxious, but their tail wagging shows they are still feeling overall happy & approachable.
Why does my dog put her ears back when I kiss her?
Your dog puts her ears back when you kiss her because she may be feeling submissive or anxious at that moment.
Why do dogs put their ears back when happy?
Dogs put their ears back when happy as a sign of relaxation & contentment.
What are dogs thinking when their ears are back?
When a dog’s ears are back, they may be feeling fearful, submissive, or anxious.
Why do dogs put their ears back when you pet them?
Dogs put their ears back when you pet them as a sign of submission & relaxation, showing that they are enjoying the physical contact.
Why do dogs put their ears back when you talk to them?
Dogs may put their ears back when you talk to them as a sign of submission or to show that they are listening attentively.
Why do dogs put their ears back when walking?
Dogs put their ears back when walking as a sign of submission or fear.
Why do dogs put their ears back when they are happy?
Dogs put their ears back when they are happy as a sign of contentment & relaxation.
Why do dogs put their ears back when you look at them?
Dogs put their ears back when you look at them as a submissive gesture to show that they are not a threat.
Why do dogs put their ears back when they run?
Dogs put their ears back when they run to streamline their bodies & reduce air resistance, allowing for faster speeds.
Why do dogs put their ears back when they see you?
Dogs often put their ears back when they see you as a sign of submission or fear.
Why do huskies put their ears back?
Huskies may put their ears back as a sign of submission or discomfort in social interaction.
![Nitish Kumar](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1711610265602.jpg)
I love animals & want to know more about different creatures & sharing their stories with everyone. From my childhood, I’ve been exploring forests & watching animals in their homes.
Now, I write about my adventures & all the amazing things I learned. My blogs are easy to understand & make you want to know more about animals. I teach about why animals are important & why we should take care of them.