This is especially true if combined with other facial and body signals associated with this emotion. Fearĭog ears that are pulled back can often indicate fearfulness. I once saw a dog pull his ears back like this when he saw some of his pup buddies playing but he couldn’t join them because he was on a leash. Dogs may show this when a favorite person departs. One possibility is sadness, which often results in ears that are tucked down close to the sides of the head. Here are a few common reasons why dogs pull their ears back. The Emotional Signals Your Dog’s Ears Are Sending Youĭog ears that are tucked close to the head often indicate negative emotions. That is especially true when the dog’s ears are pulled back or held close to the head.Īs a general rule, a dog’s level of attention can be determined by watching their ears: Erect ears facing forward indicate that they’re engaged, and slightly pulled-back ears signal that they’re feeling friendly but dog ears laid tightly back against the head suggest a fearful or timid reaction.

Dog ears are more challenging to read and understand, and they usually have to be assessed in conjunction with other visual signals to make a useful interpretation.

The eyes may be the mirror to a dog’s soul, and careful observations of both the mouth and the tail can yield all sorts of information about a dog’s intentions and emotional state - but a dog’s ears are a more complicated matter.

Dog ear trainer