When a dog is fearful, how might its ears appear?

When a dog is feeling fearful, one of the most noticeable physical signs is the position of its ears. Ears that are fully flattened against the head indicate a state of submission or fear. This behavior is a way for the dog to appear less threatening to others and shows that it may be trying to withdraw from a stressful situation.

In contrast, ears that are perked up and forward suggest curiosity or alertness, while relaxed and hanging down ears indicate a calm state. Stiff ears that are moving vigorously are typically signs of agitation or high arousal, rather than fear. Therefore, understanding that a dog's ears flattened against the head clearly signals fear is crucial for interpreting canine body language in stressful situations.