How to Keep a Terrier's Ears From Standing Up

If you have a terrier or any breed of dog with ears that always stand up, you can train the dog's ears to make them point downward instead. All you need are a few simple tips and you can keep your terrier's ears from standing up in no time. After a few weeks of training, your dog's ears should permanently stay in a downward position.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog ear tape
  • Scissors
  • Tape remover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a strip of dog ear tape long enough to stretch from the middle of one of the dog's ears to the middle of the other ear. Cut a notch in this tape in the center, in a trapezoid shape, and fold the notch down (see reference section for a diagram).

    • 2

      Spread the tape between the dog's ears, attaching each end of the tape to the inside of the dog's ears near the base of the ear. Try not to get any hairs caught under the tape, as they will pull and hurt the dog. The notch you cut out will now be between the dog's ears on top of his head.

    • 3

      Cut another piece of tape that is approximately two inches long, and roll it so the sticky side is out. Place this inside the dog's ear near the tip on each side.

    • 4

      Fold down the sticky tape section so the rolled tape latches onto the brace you made with the first strip of tape. Gently squeeze to secure it in place. Now your dog's ears are taped down in the position you want them to form naturally.

    • 5

      Wait two to three weeks for the tape to do its job, then remove it with an adhesive remover such as Detachol. If the ears flop down on their own, your job is done. If not, repeat steps 1 through 4.