German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Theyre known for their loyalty and intelligence, which makes them great guard dogs and companions.
In fact, German Shepherds are frequently used by police officers as well as people who want a companion animal who will protect them.
However, there is one characteristic that sets German Shepherds apart from other breeds: theyre ears!
If youve ever met a German Shepherd before, then youve probably noticed how floppy their ears can be sometimes (especially when theyre young). But when do German Shepherds put their ears up?
| Takeaways |
|---|
| German Shepherd ears typically start to stand up between 3 to 7 months of age. |
| Posting ears can help encourage German Shepherd ears to stand up. |
| Manipulating a German Shepherd’s ears manually is not recommended. |
| Consult a veterinarian if your German Shepherd’s ears don’t stand up within the expected timeframe. |
| Underlying health issues or genetics can affect German Shepherd ear development. |
Situations Where German Shepherds Put Their Ears Up
As your German Shepherd’s owner, you’ll want to be aware of these situations and make sure that your dog is trained to respond appropriately.
When you’re walking down the street together, he may put his ears up when he sees another person or animal.
He’ll probably raise them when you come home from work or arrive at a friend’s house.
Your German Shepherd may even lift them when he hears thunder! This can be a reaction to fear or excitement (or both), so it’s important that you train him not to do this in certain situations for example, if there are other dogs nearby who might misinterpret his ear-raising as aggression toward themselves or their owner.
When it comes to German Shepherds, patience is key. Understanding how long it takes a German Shepherd to be fully grown is essential for their development, including the fascinating process of ear growth and positioning.
When Theyre Excited Or Interested
When German shepherds put their ears up, it means they’re interested in something. If you see your dog’s ears raise up, chances are he’s excited about something perhaps a new toy or treat.
He may also be showing interest in something that has caught his eye but hasn’t been given to him yet, such as another dog walking down the street or a squirrel running through the yard.
A third possibility is that your GSD is surprised by something! For example, if someone were to enter the room without first announcing himself/herself or making noise (like knocking on the door), it would likely surprise your German shepherd and cause him to put his ears up as a sign of caution.
While it’s important not to confuse excitement with aggression when observing this behavior online or in person around other dogs who aren’t familiar with each other yet
If there’s any doubt about whether another animal might pose an imminent threat then please keep everyone safe by keeping them apart until they’ve had plenty of time together under controlled circumstances where no one gets hurt during introductions!
| Stimulus | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Excitement | Increased energy levels |
| Interest | Heightened curiosity |
| Novelty | Enhanced focus |
| Playfulness | Engaging in playful behavior |
| Alertness | Heightened attentiveness |
When Theyre Feeling Curious Or Playful
German shepherds have a very expressive face, which is why they’re often used as detection dogs or police dogs.
If you see your German shepherd with their ears up, it’s a good indication that they’re interested in something (or someone). They might be seeking attention from you or just trying to show off their cuteness!
A happy German Shepherd is a joy to be around. Discover actionable tips and insights to gauge your GSD’s happiness in our comprehensive guide on how to know if your GSD is happy. Ensuring their well-being contributes to their overall ear health and demeanor
When Theyre Alert
This is a tricky one, as there are many reasons why dogs might put their ears up. It seems that most of the time they do it when they’re alert and listening to sounds around them (which makes sense, since dogs have very good hearing).
However, sometimes they do it when they’re excited about something and sometimes it can be difficult to tell which reason your dog’s giving you!
You may notice that your German shepherd puts his ears up when he’s listening intently for sounds like doorbells ringing, children playing in the yard outside and even barking from other animals.
When this happens, however, it might also mean that he’s apprehensive about something happening too close by like an unfamiliar person entering the house or someone getting too close to where he’s sitting/laying down
When trying figure out why your German shepherd has raised his head and ears upwards then look around yourself because there could be something going on near you which makes him feel uncomfortable
When They Listen To Someone
- If a German Shepherd is listening to someone.
- If you can see the whites of their eyes or you see them tilting their head to one side, they are listening and not necessarily growling at you.
It’s important to know that this behavior can be misinterpreted by humans as aggression, but in fact it’s just a sign of curiosity and interest.
It could also mean that they want something from you or that they have something on their mind (usually food).
The key is reading body language for context clues before assuming anything about what your dog might be thinking about during this time frame since every dog has different interpretations for this gesture based on past experiences with other dogs or humans who have trained them over time through positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training .
Dreaming of a fluffy German Shepherd? Our easy tips will guide you on how to get a fluffy German Shepherd, encompassing grooming techniques and care that enhance not just their appearance but also their adorable ears.
When Theyre Feeling Nervous Or Guilty
German shepherds are known for having an adorable, alert look that’s almost always on their face.
The ears being up and forward is a sign of excitement or curiosity about something, but it can also indicate that your dog is feeling nervous or guilty about something.
If you notice your German shepherd’s ears go up and forward when he sees you about to give him a bath (or when you catch him chewing on the couch), he may be trying to regain control of the situation in which he feels powerless.
It could also mean that he’s feeling guilt over something he did wrong for example, if they chew through your new phone charger while you were away from home because they were bored of being alone all day.
Whatever it means for your dog specifically depends upon his personality traits as well as his history with people who punish him when they’re upset with what he did wrong!
To Show Their Affection
Dogs have a way of showing their affection in many ways, such as licking and nuzzling you or pawing at you. When your dog puts his ears up when he sees you, this is a sign that he’s happy to see you and wants to show how much he appreciates your company.
| Expression | Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Tail wagging | Wagging tail |
| Cuddling | Snuggling or leaning against someone |
| Licking | Licking their owner or other animals |
| Nudging | Gentle nudges with their nose |
| Leaning | Leaning against their owner or object |
Because Theyre In Pain
If you notice your dog is putting his ears up, it could be due to a few things. If he’s doing this while he’s sleepy or relaxed, that’s normal!
A German shepherd’s ears are like a mood ring of sorts; they’re an excellent indicator of how theyre feeling.
If you see your dog with the ear flaps tucked down and pointing forward on a regular basis, it could mean that he is in pain or discomfort or at least uncomfortable with what hes experiencing.
If this happens during playtime, take note and make sure not to push him too hard into situations where he may feel stressed out by being forced into something too fast for him (like jumping off of furniture).
Other signs include whining, shaking their heads back and forth vigorously from side-to-side without any provocation from other animals around them (or even humans!).
If this happens more than once over several days consecutively then you should definitely consult with a vet about what might be causing the discomfort.
Training a German Shepherd is an important responsibility for owners. Discover effective techniques and insights on how to train a German Shepherd not to attack to foster a well-behaved dog who listens and understands the world around them, including the proper handling of their ears.
Because Theyre Focused On Something
If your German Shepherd is focused on something, you’re going to notice that his ears will be up.
This could mean that he’s looking at something or listening to something. His nose may even be twitching as he sniffs the air for a scent. He might even be watching other dogs run around and play together in the park!
If your dog is sitting next to you at dinner time, his ears will perk up if he notices something delicious on your plate! Maybe it’s green beans or potatoes heck, maybe it’s cheese!
During A Sudden Movement
When a dog suddenly moves, it’s a good idea for them to put their ears up. This helps them hear better and be aware of what’s going on around them.
A dog has an incredible sense of hearing and is able to hear sounds that humans cannot hear as well as they can hear sounds from much further away than humans can.
A German Shepherd also has very keen senses that allow him/her to hear even the faintest noises (such as someone coming up behind you).
| Situation | Dog’s Reaction |
|---|---|
| Startle | Jumping or jolting |
| Quick Turn | Sudden change in direction |
| Loud Noise | Ears perking up |
| Sudden Movement | Alertness and attention |
| Surprising Appearance | Freeze or cautious approach |
When They Feel Insecure Or Threatened
This is a pretty serious sign that your German shepherd is feeling threatened or insecure. He or she might be doing it because they’re trying to protect themselves, you, their territory or food. These are things that we all feel protective over in life and it’s just part of our nature to want to protect what’s ours when someone threatens it – even if the threat is imagined.
When this happens, try talking softly and gently petting them as you explain what’s going on so they can understand why you may have gotten upset.
If there really isn’t anything wrong but your dog still feels like his ears are up because he doesn’t know how else to show his frustration with the situation then try distracting him with something fun he enjoys like playing fetch or tug-of-war before coming back inside for dinner!
While German Shepherds enjoy outdoor activities, responsible care is paramount. Explore our article on how long you can leave a German Shepherd outside to understand the factors involved and ensure your dog’s safety, including protecting their sensitive ears from potential harm.
When Theyre In An Unusual Situation (Such As Traveling)
When a dog is in an unusual situation, such as traveling or meeting new people, they might put their ears up.
This is not because they are nervous about the location or person you’re with—it’s because they don’t know what to expect and want to be prepared for whatever it may be. For example:
- A dog will often put his ears up when he sees another animal that he hasn’t seen before (such as a cat)
- A dog will also often put his ears up when meeting someone new
Conclusion
In the end, it’s important to remember that German Shepherds are pack animals. They want to be part of a group and contribute in whatever way they can.
That includes listening to commands from their owner, which means that if you want them to sit up straight and put their ears up all the time, then you need to train them accordingly. It may take some time for your pup
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic of German Shepherd ear development:
Posting Ears: A Guide to Helping German Shepherd Ears Stand: Learn about the process of posting German Shepherd ears to encourage them to stand upright and achieve the desired appearance.
German Shepherd Ears Standing Up: What You Need to Know: Gain insights into the factors influencing the standing of German Shepherd ears, including tips on how to promote their natural development.
When Should Your German Shepherd’s Ears Stand? What You Can Do If They Don’t: Explore information about the typical timeline for German Shepherd ears to stand up and potential remedies if they do not, providing helpful guidance for concerned owners.
FAQs
How long does it take for a German Shepherd’s ears to stand up naturally?
The timeline for German Shepherd ear development can vary, but typically, their ears start to stand up naturally between 3 to 7 months of age.
Are there any techniques to help encourage German Shepherd ears to stand?
Yes, one technique is called “ear posting,” where supportive measures like taping or bracing are used to help train the ears to stand upright.
Can I manually make my German Shepherd’s ears stand up?
Manually manipulating a German Shepherd’s ears is not recommended, as it can cause harm or discomfort. Allow the ears to develop naturally, but consult a veterinarian if you have concerns.
What if my German Shepherd’s ears don’t stand up by the expected timeframe?
If your German Shepherd’s ears do not stand up naturally within the expected timeframe, it is best to consult with a veterinarian. They can assess the situation and provide guidance based on the individual dog’s needs.
Are there any underlying health issues that can affect German Shepherd ear development?
In some cases, underlying health issues or genetics can impact German Shepherd ear development. If you suspect any health concerns, it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying conditions.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, I’ve spent my career working with dogs, and I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to understand the individual needs of each breed. I want to share my knowledge of dog breeds with you so that you can make informed decisions about which dog will be best for your household and lifestyle.