Ears back

[JES72]

In my search for a new dog I found a gundog site that has adverisements for partly trained or fully trained dogs as well as puppies. I'm not thinking too seriousely about buying a trained dog as I'd rather rehome from a resue. Most of the trained dogs are usually between 9 months a two years old - and quite expensive. A lot of them apear to hold their ears back and flat rather that flopping forward. It makes me think that these dogs look a bit nervous or frightened rather than confident and happy. Or am I reading too much into this. Here's a link to show what I mean. 26805.html
26788.html

 

[HAH]

That’s really interesting @JES72 , and I know what you mean - this sort of thing makes me yearn for Fiona’s old threads on body language which taught me so much!

My main thoughts are that you can’t read much from a static photo, as tempting as it is. In the dogs I know, that ear position is likely to indicate concern, anxiety, unrest - which could be a dislike of being photographed (our boys sometimes do a little lick when I take a photo) or something else, or likely a combination of things. Acknowledging it does seem to be a site for people looking for working gun dogs, so that’s the primary focus, I’d want to see much more description up front of the dog’s character, likes and dislikes, and how they’re currently homed. The main context given is a small amount on their retrieving behaviour which is fairly niche when they’re so young. I’d definitely want a visit or 5 before considering it fully.
[edited for clarity]

 

[JES72]

I know what you mean about not liking their photos being taken, Homer would always come forward and bark at you if we pointed our camera or phone at him to take a picture. It's definitely a site more for gun dogs rather than pets.

 

[kateincornwall]

Reuben often looks thoroughly miserable when I take photos of him and he definitely isnt an unhappy boy . I couldnt help , looking at the write ups for the two dogs , that it must take a certain type of person who lets a dog go due to wanting to reduce numbers but then I know this happens a lot in the gundog world x

 

[edzbird]

Meg is in full agreement - don't judge the ears on a photo. She hates having her picture taken. Lovely dogs though.....

 

[Beanwood]

I think when considering body language, context is key, as already mentioned. I have attached a photo of Woody - taken by a professional photographer, photo of Teasel - with a gory halloween prop. A one of a foster who isn't used to his photo being taken. What do you SEE in these photos?

Going back to part-trained gundogs from a kennel. They may be a little on the submissive side, and unsure of why a smartphone is being pointed at them. Saying that doesn't mean anything is wrong with them, and for sure there are a lot of young gundogs for sale, might be because litters are not selling right now so breeders who have one or two are keeping grow on and train.

If you are looking to rehome a part-trained dog, then it might be helpful to look at the kennel where they come from. I do know of a couple of beauties available, that I would personally snap up, if I was allowed! But I know their background and feel comfortable with how they are trained, bred and habituated in our busy busy society.

 

[Jelinga]

Well, my nearly 8 month old pup came from gun dog kennels and as far as I can see, no training and very afraid of a lead and she didn't have her ears back! I think if they haven't been socialised to the outside world, though confident in kennels, it is an uphill battle. But you may be lucky and have a little star, I would certainly go and have a look as they are like gold dust to find.

 

[JES72]

@Beanwood If you think any may be suitable, would you mind sending me details. Thanks