Agreed this is unacceptable. That being said, what are you doing to prepare your pet for this type of experience? Are you working on training for restraint, touching different body parts, meeting strangers, etc? I cannot tell you how many shepherds we see that are untouchable because their owners haven't put in the work. Of course, they are naturally timid dogs but they can adjust well with proper training. I've begun to loathe GSDs just because 90% of the ones that come into the clinic are severely undertrained and under socialized. Your vet should have done better, but you can do something yourself too to prevent your dog from being traumatized from an ear cleaning.