Why Do Dogs Put Their Ears Back When Petting Them?

When a dog is trying to convey information, they will use various signs and signals which are at their disposal. They can make vocalizations such as barking, whining and even growling. However, much of their communication is based on non-auditory signals. Their ears are particularly expressive and their movement is easily understood by other dogs.

Not all dogs have the same types of ears. Certain dog breeds were crossed to result in dogs with different physical characteristics, including a specific ear-type. For example, Basset Hounds have very distinctive long drooping ears which contrast starkly to a Chihuahua's short and erect ears. Although the movement of the former can be more difficult to discern, dog ear movement usually conforms to the same principles. Examples include:

• Ears erect and slightly tilted forward: indicates the dog is paying attention to some stimulus and trying to interpret its meaning. If the stimulus gets too much of their attention, the animal may turn their head to either side.
• Ears erect and tilted very far forward: this ear position implies the dog is very alert. They can also show an offensive attitude towards certain stimuli, such as a potential prey animal. If the animal then stares intently, wrinkles their snout and bares their teeth, it means they are preparing to attack.
• Ears erect, tail up, body leaning forward: this offensive position usually indicates the dog is highly alert and ready to attack. It can happen when one dog is dominant to another. We can also observe the bristling of their hair hair, rigid extremities and very dilated pupils.
• Ears Back: a dog will often flatten their ears back when they are feeling fearful or insecure. If the animal also lowers their head, puts their tail between their legs and keep their eyes half open, it means they are quite scared.
• Ears backwards and body crouched: if we observe the dog with their ears backwards, body hunched, fur bristling and mouth wide open, the dog is displaying a posture of defensive aggressiveness.

As we have explained, each dog has unique ears with special characteristics. We must be able to differentiate a relaxed position the animal adopts when they are calm from when they are trying to communicate. This is something we can see when dogs put their ears back, something we explain in more detail in the following section.

It is also vital we look at the context of the circumstance to best interpret what they are trying to tell us. If the dog is in a stressful situation, it is more likely their ear movement will reflect their environment. When the situation is more relaxed, a similar signal can have a different interpretation.

Some of the body language dogs use is known as ‘calming signals’. These are signs the dogs use when they feel threatened by someone or something. They are important signals which need to be respected as they can lead to aggression if the dog feels sufficiently threatened.

If your dog is constantly making calming signals, it means they are either stressed or suffering from a health problem. They feel threatened and insecure, something which can lead to aggression. You will need to take them to a veterinarian or canine ethologist to asses their physical and emotional well-being.