If you think your dog’s ears are just cute accessories, think again. Those twitchy, floppy, or pointed ears are actually little mood indicators, and they can be downright hilarious. Pinto Bean, a rescue dog, recently inspired his owner to share a playful and detailed video explaining exactly what each ear position means. This TikTok might just change the way you watch your pup the next time he gives you “the look.”
Rescue Pit Bull mix ear positions have different meanings
Pinto Bean, a Pit Bull mix, apparently has a whole vocabulary made up of just his ears. His owner shared a video explaining the different “ear modes” Pinto switches between, and what each one says about his mood.
The first position, called “Sport Mode,” shows Pinto’s ears completely pinned back against his head. According to the video, this ear position signals intense focus. Whether he’s locked in on a squirrel or just sprinting ahead with determination, this mode means he’s “on a mission.”
Next up is “Floppies Mode,” which happens when Pinto Bean is out for a walk and his ears flop up and down as he moves. His owner suggests he is daydreaming about treats or simply enjoying the outdoors. She jokes that this is also when he’s “preparing for takeoff,” as his flappy ears look ready to fly.
The “Docile Mode” shows Pinto Bean at his calmest. His ears rest flat, and his face has that classic “give me a massage” look that every dog parent knows. It’s when he is ready to wind down, almost asleep, and using his cuteness to get a little extra attention.
The “Stuck Mode” is a funny one. Here, Pinto has one ear standing up and the other flopping down. This can happen if the pup has had a deep nap or seems a little confused or embarrassed. His owner also jokingly says it might be when he’s listening closely to distant sounds like the ocean.
Finally, the “Satellite Mode” is when Pinto’s ears are fully upright and scanning the environment. The video caption describes it as him “downloading data from the mothership” and “watching u mike wazowski” — a nod to the character from “Monsters, Inc.”
This clever breakdown gives us a glimpse into how dogs use ear movements as part of their communication toolkit. While not every pooch will have modes as clearly defined as Pinto’s, learning to read their ears can deepen the connection between you and your furry companion.
