The Unique Dog Language Many Owners Ignore

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Dogs communicate with the world in a number of ways, one of which is through ear positions
• Canine ears come in many different shapes and sizes, and they’re used for more than just a keen sense of hearing; the muscles in the ears allow dogs to tilt, turn, raise, and lower their ears, and move them independently
• Understanding your dog’s ear language takes a bit of practice, and should also involve observing his eyes, mouth, tail, and vocalizations
• Even during the quiet of overnight hours, the world is noisy to your dog, because he hears sounds you don’t even realize exist
• A dog who suddenly begins holding her ears in an unusual way, or is scratching or digging at one or both ears, should be checked for a possible ear infection