hi, when my just bought my barkbark, his ear also got this kinda funny smell...
did you bring him to the vet, what did the vet said?
i laern frm yahoo's ans & ques to use a few drips of mineral oil (johnson's baby oil) & cotton bud to cleanse the affected ear. becareful not to pour too much of oil into the ear it may cloak the ear.
after doing that for a few days, his ear is recovered. maybe you can try it too... but the most recommanded treatment is to bring him to the vet.
my johnny boy has the same problem also....i've clear his ear with ear clearner plus ear power everydat but still the same...tot want to bring him to vet alredry...will try to use general oil as u mentioned....thanks for sharing us yr experience