Dogs have lots of different ear shapes that may or may not facilitate different movements and body signals involving their ears. Here are a few pics of ear positions that our dog, Boon displays and what she’s saying with those ears.

I call these Boon’s batman ears as they are angled off on the side of her head and in a soft relaxed state.

These ears tell me she’s comfortable, calm, ready to rest.

Her ears are cocked to listen to something happening around her, eyes may be attuned to the sound, and she has a relaxed mouth.

These ears (& eyes) tell me that there was maybe a noise that she focused on, but it wasn’t scary or something to worry about (so far).

Here her ears are more at attention yet still a bit to the side of her head.

These ears tell me she’s ready for action while still being in a neutral, calm state.

Boon’s ears are now fully forward on alert as she has caught scent of some deer roaming in the old town, plus you can see a bit of a wrinkle on the top of her forehead, and her neck hair is fluffed out, not yet to the point of being raised (aka piloerection or hackles).

Her ears and other body signals tell me she’s alert but also still in a comfortable state.

By observing and being able to “read” Boon’s body language signals, I have a better sense of where she’s at. Note I didn’t write “a better sense of her state of mind or how’s she’s feeling” because honestly I can’t ask her and I can’t get a direct answer from her even though there are many days I wish we could communicate like that.

A lot of pet parents I work with know their dog’s body language when they are extremely distressed or working their way up to a full throttle melt down. It’s understandable because these are big behaviors and easy to observe. These big body signals also may have an impact on the humans ie have a lasting impression as they can be disconcerting or even embarrassing. I call these behaviors screaming or shouting to communicate while behaviors like ear movements are more like whispers.

What whispers have you observed of your pet(s)? Besides ear movements above, I mentioned behaviors like head position, eyes that are soft, smooth forehead or slight brow, and the hair on her neck fluffing out a bit. Getting more familiar with your furry friend’s whispers gives you an advantage with training and I think improves your relationship and bond with your furball. I know I appreciate friends with whom I can have a low-key conversation and feel like I’m being heard.

How about seeing if you can observe and identify some of your pet’s whispers this week?

Cheers Tracy

How Boon’s Ears Whisper to Me

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