Why do dogs move their ears?

Answer 1

It's been my experience that the dog may have ear mites. Most dogs do and that causes the inner ear to itch. It's their way of scratching it. You can go to Walmart, K-Mart or a pet store and get ear mite treatments for the dog in the pet section. It's not too expensive either and shoud be considered a regular part of doggie's maintainance. --------------- I have two Chihuahuas, and they flap their ears (loudly!) many times a day, even though their ears are healthy. They do it especially upon awakening....it seems they are shaking themselves into consciousness. When one dog does the ear flap, it seems to trigger a sympathetic ear flap response in the other. Two chihuahuas flapping away early in the morning can create quite a ruckus that will waken everyone within "ear"shot! If anyone has an explanation as to what evolutionary benefit ear-flapping would convey, please email me at biz@michaelhanko.com. (Also to let me know if other breeds engage in this behavior.) -------------- My Toy Poodle is the same as your chihuahuas :-) Plus - when I tell her to do something she does not quite approve of - (I dont mean a command such as sit but more a request to go out of the kitchen - she does a LOUD ear flap to announce her annoyance - It seems to be a way of shedding annoyances - even the waking up annoyances in the morning :-)

Answer 2

Their ears prick up to enhance their hearing ability when unknown sounds are present. Normally their ears are down in a resting position where they can still hear well, but when there are suspicious sounds near their territory, their ears will prick up and they often will run over to the area to check.

By aiming each ear in a slightly different direction, some dogs and other mammals, are able to pinpoint the exact spot the sound is coming from as well! Humans lack the necessary ear muscles (and big ears) so we need to turn our heads to figure out the source, or even direction a sound is coming from.

Answer 3

Dogs have keen hearing (some breeds more than others) and they are simply hearing something and it's almost like using a radar screen.

Answer 4

they hear sounds 22 times stronger than humans, so they can semi rotate their ears to hear better.

Answer 5

To communicate, show expressions, and hear better.

Answer 6

Dogs move their ears to detect from which direction a sound is coming.

Answer 7

When dogs become submissive they put the ear back and also when you move your hand to the dog's head.

Answer 8

they do this because their ears or sensitive to the sound and they are then ready and alert for any another sounds that may follow

Answer 9

Because they are exited!!!