What is what does it mean when a dog's ears are back?

A dog's ears back can mean a few different things depending on the context and the rest of the dog's body language. Here are some common interpretations:

• Submission or Appeasement: This is a very common reason. When a dog feels threatened or is trying to avoid conflict, they might flatten their ears against their head as a sign of submission. This is often accompanied by other appeasement behaviors like avoiding eye contact, licking their lips, tucking their tail, or lowering their body. They are essentially saying, "I'm not a threat."

• Fear or Anxiety: A frightened dog will often flatten their ears. This can be in response to a loud noise, an unfamiliar person, or a stressful situation. Watch for other signs of fear, like trembling, panting, wide eyes, or trying to hide.

• Relaxation or Contentment: Sometimes, especially if the ears are only slightly back and the dog appears relaxed, it can indicate contentment. This is often seen when a dog is being petted or is resting comfortably. The key here is to look at the overall body language - is the dog loose and relaxed, or tense?

• Greeting or Affection: Some dogs will flatten their ears when greeting people they like, especially if they are also wagging their tail and showing other signs of excitement.

• Concentration or Focus: In some cases, a dog might pull their ears back slightly when focusing on something, like a treat or a toy.

• Medical Issue: In rare cases, a dog holding its ears back could be a sign of pain or discomfort, especially if it's a new behavior and the dog is also showing other signs of illness. If you suspect a medical problem, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian.