How to Tape a Doberman's Ears After Cropping

Doberman Pinschers are known as guard dogs, and are often exhibited by their owners in American Kennel Club (AKC) events. For these reasons, many owners choose to have their Doberman's ears cropped between eight to 12 weeks of age. Ear cropping not only results in the dog appearing perpetually alert, it also helps the dog localize sound. In order to get the dog's ears to stand up properly, they must be taped after cropping. Taping is a process that must be executed correctly and routinely for a period of two to four months in order to ensure that the ears will stand up without assistance.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibacterial soap
  • Warm water
  • Scissors (blunt end)
  • 1/2- or 5/8-inch diameter backer rod
  • 2 rolls of 1/2- or 5/8-inch waterproof first aid tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the puppy's ears are clean and dry before beginning. If they are not, cleanse them on the inside and out with antibacterial hand soap, and rinse them with warm water. Allow them to completely air dry before taping.

    • 2

      Cut a 6- to 8-inch piece of backer rod, and cut six 5-inch pieces of first aid tape. Tape one end of each piece of tape to a surface close to where you will be taping the puppy's ears. You will need to be able to retrieve this tape once you place the backer rod in the ear well.

    • 3

      Wrap the backer rod, in a spiral pattern, with first aid tape. Ensure that approximately 1/4 inch at one end of the rod is uncovered to avoid irritating the puppy's ear when the rod is inserted in the ear well.

    • 4

      Wrap the backer rod, again, in a spiral pattern, with the sticky side of the first aid tape exposed. Leave approximately 1/4 inch of the end of the rod uncovered.

    • 5

      Place the uncovered end of the backer rod into the puppy's ear well. Do not insert it into the ear canal.
      Wrap the edges of the ear around the rod and press them so they will stick to the rod. Gently stretch the ear by holding the tip. Press the inside of the ear to the backer rod, so that the ear is in an erect position.

    • 6

      Hold the tape horizontally, and press the end of one of the 6-inch pieces of tape to the backer rod and the ear where the base of the ear meets the head of the dog. Wrap the tape around the back of the ear, and overlap it with the starting point of the tape. Ensure that you do not wrap the tape so tightly that it will interfere with the circulation in the area.

    • 7

      Repeat Step 6 by placing a piece of tape midway between the base of the ear and the top of the ear, and then place another piece at the tip of the ear. Cut off any excess backer rod that is past the tip of the ear.

    • 8

      Repeat Steps 2 through 7 with the other ear. Repeat every five to six days, unless the tape becomes damaged or dirty, then replace the tape immediately. Continue for eight to 16 weeks until the ears stand fully erect, with no drooping, on their own.