Dog ducking when I go and stroke his head. What could this be?

[Doggyyyyy]

My cocker spaniel (who is 5) has been ducking his head when I go and stroke him. He has also been wincing and crying unusually when he gets cuddles around the ear area. I took him to the vet and she said no ear infection and listened to everything I said, but hasn’t suggested anything. (He’s very anxious at the vet - she said spaniels are.)

Anyway he is also shivering a little bit lately too and really not himself - quite nervy, which isn’t like him (except at the vet).

I’m worried! What on earth could it be?

My dog did this after coming back from the groomers. Never went there again.

And mine. I trim him myself now, poor poppet.

Mine does this when his ears need a good clean.