What does this behavior mean?

Smitherman · 03-14-2013, 12:18 PM

I have noticed when I come to my GSD or she comes to me she will automatically sit & her ears go straight back. She will be 18 weeks tomorrow, what could this behavior mean? Shes done it for a while & I'm curious

Rangers-mom · 03-14-2013, 12:34 PM

My GSD does the same thing and I think it is adorable. I don't have any dog psychology experience, but I always assumed it was just a friendly slightly submissive approach.

Jax08 · 03-14-2013, 12:39 PM

I think it's a submissive thing. Jax does the same thing with her ears. The sitting may be something you unconsciously trained.

Longfisher · 03-14-2013, 12:42 PM

...but also useful.

My 4.5 mos. puppy does this when approached by those for which he has no fear or suspicion. Doesn't when he does.

So, we know when to tell the kids in the neighborhood that it's OK to let the dog approach them to greet them.

LF

Smitherman · 03-14-2013, 01:29 PM

I have always been curious, I look at it as a respect thing? I dont know but it is so adorable when she does do it!!

qbchottu · 03-14-2013, 01:35 PM

Depending on the situation, it can mean many different things. Submissive, being happy, enjoying something, fear, anger, concentration, familiarity, greeting, uncertainty etc...

many theories:
Ears back
is pulling the ears back submissive?
Ears go down when greeting/new experience?
flattening ears
A small behavior question

03-14-2013, 12:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Smitherman Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 113	What does this behavior mean? I have noticed when I come to my GSD or she comes to me she will automatically sit & her ears go straight back. She will be 18 weeks tomorrow, what could this behavior mean? Shes done it for a while & I'm curious

03-14-2013, 12:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 19,237	I think it's a submissive thing. Jax does the same thing with her ears. The sitting may be something you unconsciously trained. __________________ Michelle _________________________________________ Jax Von Monkeybutt, CGC Queen Banshee Boo Sierra the Undecided Cracker, The Great Shedder Rich N Handsome, "Red"

03-14-2013, 12:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
Longfisher Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 124	Yep, Submissive... ...but also useful. My 4.5 mos. puppy does this when approached by those for which he has no fear or suspicion. Doesn't when he does. So, we know when to tell the kids in the neighborhood that it's OK to let the dog approach them to greet them. LF

03-14-2013, 12:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rangers-mom Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 294	My GSD does the same thing and I think it is adorable. I don't have any dog psychology experience, but I always assumed it was just a friendly slightly submissive approach.

03-14-2013, 01:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Smitherman Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 113	I have always been curious, I look at it as a respect thing? I dont know but it is so adorable when she does do it!!

03-14-2013, 01:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
qbchottu Knighted Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,788	Depending on the situation, it can mean many different things. Submissive, being happy, enjoying something, fear, anger, concentration, familiarity, greeting, uncertainty etc... many theories: Ears back is pulling the ears back submissive? Ears go down when greeting/new experience? flattening ears A small behavior question

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