Have you ever wondered, ‘why do Huskies put their ears back?’ More importantly, why does YOUR Husky put their ears back? If you have, you’re not alone.
In fact, it’s one of the most common questions Husky owners ask. While it may seem like a simple enough question, the answer can be quite complex because of the varying ways that dogs communicate.
Husky ears are put back for a variety of reasons, some of which are positive and some of which are negative. Let’s take a closer look at four of the most common reasons why Huskies put their ears back.
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4 Reasons Why Huskies Put Their Ears Back
One of the most common reasons Huskies put their ears back is because they are happy, intrigued and open to being social. When a Husky is around people or other dogs that it knows and trusts, it might put its ears back as a sign of happiness and contentment.
Huskies are also known to be very curious dogs, so if they hear a noise that catches their attention, they may put their ears back as they try to figure out what it is.
Lastly, Huskies are highly social creatures that love being around people. If you’re petting your Husky and it puts its ears back, it’s likely enjoying the affection and attention.
Further reading:
2. They are nervous, scared or being submissive
Huskies also put their ears back when they are feeling nervous or scared. If you see your Husky do this around strangers or other dogs that it doesn’t know well, they could be feeling intimidated or threatened in some way.
Huskies may also put their ears back when they are trying to be submissive. This is most likely to happen if your Husky is around another dog that it perceives to be the alpha dog in the pack. By putting its ears back, your Husky is showing that it doesn’t want any trouble and is willing to submit to the other dog’s authority.
3. They are feeling ill
Sometimes Huskies will put their ears back because they are feeling ill. If your Husky seems tired or lethargic and is putting its ears back more often than usual, it may be sick and in need of veterinary care.
Other signs that your Husky may be ill include:
- lack of appetite
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- excessive thirst
- excessive urination
If you think your Husky may be ill, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment.
4. They are signaling aggression
Finally, Huskies may put their ears back when they are signalling aggression. This is most likely to happen if your Husky feels threatened in some way or if it perceives someone or something to be a threat to its pack (i.e., you and your family).
If you see your Husky putting its ears back while growling or barking aggressively at someone or something, take caution and remove yourself and/or your family (or Husky!) from the situation if possible.
Further reading:
- Why does my Husky’s hair stand up?
- How to deal with an aggressive Husky
- Where do Huskies like to be pet?
Don’t just look at their ear position
Your Husky’s ear position is only part of the story. A Husky’s overall body language can provide important clues about their mood and intentions.
For example, a Husky who is standing still with their head held high is likely feeling confident and alert while a Husky who is crouching low to the ground may be feeling submissive or fearful.
By paying attention to a Husky’s entire body, you can get a much better sense of what they are trying to communicate.
Why is your Husky putting their ears back?
So, why do Huskies put their ears back? The most common reason why your Husky behaves this way is because they are happy, intrigued and sociable.
However, they also put their ears back when they are nervous, scared or being submissive.
Also, if a Husky is feeling ill, they will probably put their ears back as a way of telling us that they aren’t feeling well.
What is the most common reason why your Husky puts their ears back?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
