Did you know that taping a Doberman’s ears is expected in the breed? Dobermans naturally have long, floppy ears, but many owners prefer their ears to be pointed. The taping process involves adhering lightweight medical tape to the top half of the ear to train them to stand upright.
Do you know how to tape Doberman ears? If not, you’re in luck!
In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of taping your Doberman’s ears without ear cropping. This is crucial in training your Doberman and ensuring its ears stay healthy and strong. Let’s get started!
Considerations Before Taping
Before you start taping your Doberman’s ears, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Make sure that your dog is comfortable with the process. Some dogs may not like having their ears touched, so getting them used to it is essential before you start taping. You can gently pet their ears and massage them with your fingers.
If your dog is resistant to touching its ears, you may consider having a professional do the taping for you. This is especially important if you have never taped a dog’s ears.
Another thing to consider is the time of year.
Taping takes time and patience, so you’ll need to be prepared to commit to the process. If you’re not sure you can commit to taping your dog’s ears every day for several months, it’s best to wait until the weather is cooler.
The last thing you want is for your dog’s ears to get too hot and sweaty under the tape.
The Supplies You’ll Need to Tape Doberman Ears
If you want to tape your Doberman’s uncropped ears, you’ll need a few essential supplies.
- Ear tape. This specialized adhesive tape is designed specifically for taping ears and comes in various widths depending on the size of your dog’s ears.
- You’ll also need cotton or gauze pads to cushion the inside of the ear flap/ ear canal and tape scissors or cutters for precise cutting and trimming.
- Finally, having alcohol pads on hand can help ensure the cleanliness of your dog’s ears before taping. With these supplies at the ready, you’ll have everything needed for a successful taping session with your Doberman Pinscher.
- Styrofoam cup (Optional)
Optional:
Ear Powder
If you’re having trouble getting the tape to stick or if your dog’s ears are particularly hairy, you may want to use ear powder. This will help the tape adhere better and prevent hair from getting caught in the adhesive. Ear powder can be found at most pet stores or online retailers that sell dog supplies.
How to Tape Doberman Ears
Now that you have all the necessary supplies, it’s time to learn how to tape Doberman ears. This process is relatively simple but requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps for the best results:
1) To begin taping, clean your dog’s ears with alcohol pads to remove dirt, debris, or wax build-up. This will help the tape adhere better and prevent infection.
2) Cut cotton or gauze pads into small squares that fit inside your dog’s ear flaps.
3) Place a cotton pad inside your dog’s ear flaps, using a small amount of adhesive to secure them if necessary.
4) Apply adhesive to the top half of each ear flap, starting at the base and working your way up.
5) Place a strip of ear tape over the adhesive, smoothing it down as you go.
6) Repeat steps 4-5 until each ear flap’s top half is covered in tape.
7) Trim the excess tape with scissors or cutters, be careful not to cut the ear flap.
8) Repeat steps 1-7 as necessary to maintain upright ears.
The Importance of Taping Doberman Ears
Taping Doberman ears is an essential step in the ear cropping process. Many people believe that taping helps shape and placement of the cropped ears, but there are also various other benefits.
- First, taping puts pressure on the ear and helps it stand upright. This improves the appearance and the dog’s hearing ability by keeping the ear in the optimal position for sound reception.
- Taping can prevent scarring and infection by protecting the crop site as it heals.
- Taping can provide pain relief for the dog during the healing process.
- Taping can aid in developing strong cartilage within the cropped ear for sturdy standing ability long-term.
- Lastly, regular taping throughout a dog’s life can help maintain proper ear posture and reduce sagging as they age.
How to Care For Taped Doberman Ears
Once you’ve successfully taped your Doberman’s ears, it’s essential to know how to care for them properly. Here are a few tips:
1) Check the tape regularly to ensure it is secure and has not come loose.
2) Clean your puppy’s ears as needed to prevent infection. Alcohol pads can be used daily if desired.
3) Re-tape the ears as necessary to maintain upright ears. This is typically done every 3-5 days but may be more or less often, depending on your dog’s individual needs.
4) If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge, or other signs of infection, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How Long Should Doberman Ears Be Taped?
When it comes to taping Doberman ears, the general rule of thumb is 4-6 months of consistent daily posting. However, every dog’s ears are unique, and there may be variations in the time necessary for success.
It’s essential to work closely with your veterinarian and follow their advice throughout the ear posting process. Some breeds, like Boxers and Great Danes, require taping to achieve proper Doberman ear shape.
In those cases, ear posting can begin after surgery and typically lasts 4-6 months.
Remember that genetics play a role in ear shape and leather strength, so even with diligent taping, some dogs may not be able to achieve upright clean ears.
Overall, it’s essential to be patient during the ear posting process and stay committed to your dog’s individual needs. With consistency and proper technique, you can help your Doberman achieve its desired ear shape and make them feel more confident in its appearance.
FAQs
Difference Between Posting Ears and Taping Ears
To post ears, you need to use an ear-posting kit that includes surgical glue and posts. Taping ears does not require any surgery; you only need tape and cotton pads for the dogs ear.
Are There Different Types of Ear Tapes?
There are many different types and brands of ear tapes for dog owners available on the market. The two most common types are vet wrap and self-adhesive wrap.
