How to Post a Doberman's Ears

Doberman pincers are often kept as guard dogs and house pets. Their distinctive raised ears are thought to be the result of their history as guard and hunting dogs. With the ears permanently upright, they were always on alert for strange sounds. But naturally, most dobermans' ears flop like any other long-eared dog. Ear posting in puppies can train the cartilage to stand up as it grows. It can be used with ear cropping, or alone.

Things You'll Need

4 gauze pads
2 large drinking straws
porous medical adhesive tape

Instructions

Making the Posts
- 1
  Open the straw and two gauze pads. Stack the pads on top of each each other. Lay the straw in the center of the pads so that the end of the straw is 1 inch from the end of the gauze. Tape the straw in place
- 2
  Roll the gauze around the straws. Wrap the roll in tape. Do not cut the tape.
- 3
  Twist the tape and continue to wrap the tape around the gauze with the sticky side out. When the entire post is taped and sticky, cut the tape and set aside
- 4
  Repeat Steps 1 through 3 to make a second post.
Taping the Ears
- 5
  Cut four pieces of tape about 4 or 5 inches long.
- 6
  Hold the puppy securely between your legs or have someone else hold the dog.
- 7
  Insert the post into the puppy's ear, gauze side down. Tape securely in place with two pieces of tape. Repeat with the other ear.
- 8
  Wrap the tape around both ears using a figure eight pattern, crossing over the top of the puppy's head. You can split the tape, using only half the width.
- 9
  Tape the center of the figure eight to the top of the puppy's head with a full-size piece of tape about 2 inches long.
- 10
  Trim the posts so that they are flush with the points of the puppy's ears.
- 11
  Leave the posts in for 8 days. Remove for several hours, but not overnight. Replace with fresh posts. Repeat until the dog's ears stand consistently on their own.