Have you ever wondered what your German Shepherd is trying to tell you when they pin their ears back? It’s a common behavior, and understanding it can deepen your bond with your furry friend. Dogs, including German Shepherds, use their ears to communicate a variety of emotions and intentions. Let’s explore the reasons behind this behavior and what you should pay attention to.
Understanding Canine Communication
Dogs have about three times more muscles in their ears than humans, allowing for a wide range of movement and expression. They use these muscles to enhance hearing and communicate with other dogs. By observing your German Shepherd’s ear positions, you can gain valuable insights into their emotional state and what they’re trying to communicate.
Reasons Why German Shepherds Put Their Ears Back
There are several reasons why your German Shepherd might put their ears back. It’s essential to consider the context and other body language cues to accurately interpret what they’re feeling. Here are some common reasons:
Fear: When a dog is scared, they often pull their ears back. This is especially true if it’s accompanied by a hunched posture, tucked tail, and avoidance of eye contact. Other signs of fear include panting, dilated pupils, shaking, and frequent yawning.
Anxiety: Anxious dogs may also pin their ears back, along with other signs of stress such as panting, looking away, lip licking, and restlessness. Some dogs have specific anxieties, like storms or vet visits, while others are generally anxious in many situations.
Sadness: Dogs can experience feelings similar to sadness or depression, especially after losing a companion or being asked to do something they dislike. This can manifest as ears pulled close to the head, often intertwined with anxiety or fear.
Appeasement: When greeting other dogs or initiating play, German Shepherds might pull their ears back slightly as an appeasement gesture to show they mean no harm. This is usually accompanied by a loose, wiggly body, friendly tail wags, and play bows.
Submission: A submissive or doubtful German Shepherd might slide their ears down the back of their head. This is a way of showing that they are not a threat and acknowledge the dominance of another dog or person.
Extreme Situations: In extreme situations, such as when demonstrating love, a German Shepherd might flatten their ears completely. This is often seen when a mother dog interacts with her puppies.
Aggression: Dogs that feel threatened or are displaying aggression will often pull their ears far back, almost flat against their head. This is often accompanied by a stiff body posture, growling, staring, and lunging. This is a clear warning to back off.
Courting: A male dog might pull his ears back when approaching a female dog as a sign that he’s not a threat. This behavior can overlap with appeasement gestures.
Pain or Discomfort: If your German Shepherd is sick or in pain, they may hold their ears back. This can be due to fear and anxiety related to the pain, and they’ll likely show other signs of discomfort. If they hold one ear back or down, it could be a sign of an ear infection or other discomfort.
Listening: Dogs move their ears to improve their hearing. By moving their ears in the direction of a sound, they can amplify faint sounds. If your German Shepherd cocks its head and puts its ears back, it might just be trying to hear something better.
Natural Position: Some dogs naturally have their ears in a pulled-back position due to their breed or injuries that have caused scarring or deformation of the ear. Aural hematomas, for example, can change the shape of the ears.
Interpreting the Full Picture
It’s crucial to look at the whole picture when trying to understand why your German Shepherd is putting their ears back. Consider their overall body language, the context of the situation, and their past experiences.
When to Use Caution
If you see a dog with ears pulled back, be cautious and look for other signs like fear, pain, or aggression. Understanding your dog’s ear positions can help you know how they are feeling and when to intervene to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Other Ear Positions and What They Mean
Ears Up: When a German Shepherd’s ears are straight up, it can indicate pride, joy, or dominance. They might also be rotating their ears to take in more information.
One Ear Up, One Ear Down: This is often a sign of extreme cuteness and not necessarily associated with a specific mood. It can also indicate that the dog is still developing or has an injury to one ear.
Folded Ears: If a dog’s ears are folded back, they are likely just temporarily stuck that way. A quick shake or gentle help from you can return the ear to its normal position.
Conclusion
Understanding your German Shepherd’s ear positions is a key part of effective communication. By paying attention to these subtle signals and considering the overall context, you can deepen your relationship with your furry companion and better understand their needs and emotions.