How to Use a Figure Eight With Ears

Ear cropping is a standard procedure in a number of dog breeds. Ear cropping involves removing the longer portions of the ear flaps so the ears stand erect. Cropped ears must be taped and supported as the muscles strengthen and hold the ears upright. Using a figure eight with ears helps to pull the ears together and hold them into the proper position, making for firm, erect ears.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2-inch backer rod
  • Medical tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim two strips of backer rod approximately 1 inch longer than the dog̵7;s ear. Backer rod is a firm, round foam that can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

    • 2

      Wrap a long strip of tape around each backer rod, turning the tape around at the end of the rod and spiraling it back towards the top, sticky side out. The sticky side of the tape will hold to the ear and keep the rod from falling out.

    • 3

      Set the rod inside the ear, pressing it down into the small cup at the bottom. Wrap the ear flap around the rod, pressing gently to stick the ear and rod together.

    • 4

      Take a small piece of tape and wrap it around the top of the ear and rod. The tape needs to be pulled tight enough to hold the ear secure but not so tight as to cut off circulation.

    • 5

      Add another strip of tape midway down the ear flap, completely encircling the ear. Make sure the ear is wrapped properly around the rod with no folds or wrinkles to prevent injuring the dog.

    • 6

      Repeat this process on the remaining ear to hold both ears fully erect. Both ears should stand upright without any large gaps between the rods and ear flaps. If there are any gaps, add additional strips of tape to fully secure the ears.

    • 7

      Place a large strip of tape at the base of one ear, wrapping it around the outside of the other ear and back to the center in a figure eight design. The formation helps to hold the ears in the center of the head and trains the muscles to hold the ears upright over the center of the head.

    • 8

      Cut another piece of tape and add another figure eight strip of tape directly above the first. This will secure the ears together and keep them from falling off to the side if the first wrap comes loose.