I monitor ears all the time. Watch for excess dirt or wax. Good indication is a dog who is constatnly shaking their head or scratching at their ears. The ear once infected does have a rather sour smell.

NowI just monitor and do really nothing. If I suspect a problemI will clean ears out with a saline rinse and a swab. If it persists I use Panalog cream I purchased from my vet.

Long haired dogs are more prone to this than your GSP. But if any question contact your vet.

Once I bath my dogs - I always wash ears.....they don't like it ....but I do it anyhow...

JW