It sounds like Malone may have a yeast infection in his ear. Poodles frequently are plagued by these nasty infections and it is one of the reasons why plucking the hairs out of a poodle's ears is so necessary. Out of the 6 poodles that I have had, 3 have had this problem including Bella. I get an ear wash from the vet and there is also a salve that he gives me to use when it flares up. You will need to take Malone to the vet, though, to make sure just exactly what kind of infection it is. They get a culture with a cotten swab and can tell you pretty much right away what it is. Poor Malone. I can tell when Bella is starting up with one because she does a lot of shaking of her head. Let us know what the vet says, OK? ((hugs)) to Malone. Bella says it is no fun.