EAR TAPING

You will find that a dogs ear set can change up until they are 2 years or more, depending on the blood lines. Mine tend to mature between two and three years of age, but many lines mature before that age.

I find that I really don't worry about the ears until around the 6th to the 9th month of age, and with a lazy ear set, the dogs can actually change their ear set later and some ears will actually change during an adult life.

Personally I don't like to glue the ears as I have had problems with the glue. Other dogs sometimes tear off the glue thus allowing the hair to tear off.

I prefer to use two pieces of tape. I purchase the tape from my vet as it is the stronger of the tapes. I purchase a 1" vet surgical tape to use. Then I cut two pieces of tape the same length. Facing the tape away from the dogs hair, attach one piece of tape to the end of one of the dog's ear, down near the tip. Make sure you have enough of the ear to hold the tape to the ear. Then taking one end of the tape already attached to the ear, run the tape under the neck of the dog to the end of the other ear. Then take the second piece of tape over the top of the first piece of tape, from one ear to the other while covering the original piece of the tape. This will form a basket type handle under the dogs head, close to the neck. Push the two pieces of tape together to form a strong bond, run your finger under the tape to make sure it isn't sticking to the exposed then trim the tape around on the ears to give a strong, not too long, bond.

The tape can be left on for several weeks at a time. Make sure to check the ear frequently to avoid any ear infections. I usually trim the dirt at the front of the ear to allow the ear to breath better.

Sometimes one usage will straighten the ears, sometimes it is several times spaced a few weeks apart. Sometimes the ears look good for a while and go back un-level when the teething starts again.

Remember too that a dog's ears will tend to be like those of the dam and sire. Example, your dam and sire have rose ears, therefore it is likely that your dog will take on the traits of the dam and sire.

Don't expect to get what can not be there. The taping is only to help the ear stay straight during the teething times.

Some day I will get pictures of this to make it easier, but now if anyone needs any further instructions, feel free to contact me personally.