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Ears to You!

© Deborah J. Myers

Dobermans may have natural or uncropped ears and still be within the breed standard. Although many people may mistake your dog for a coonhound or other breed, and your dog will be more prone to ear infections, that’s your choice.

If you’ve decided to get your Doberman puppy’s ears cropped, you have to put up the chore of making them heal correctly. If the ears “fall,” they won’t be very attractive. Here’s how you can ensure that they will stand.

First, make sure that a qualified veterinarian who is trained in cropping performs the procedure. Ask Doberman-owning friends or contact your local Doberman club for a reference. Ask the veterinarian how many DOBERMAN ears he has cropped. Other breeds have cropped ears, but your Doberman has ears that are different from other dogs’. Make sure you know what kind of crop you want, and how it will look. Ask the veterinarian to show you photographs of the different types of crops he can perform.

Second, follow your veterinarian’s advice. Keep the tape on. Check the ears for foul smells or moisture. Make sure the dog isn’t tampering with the tape. Change the dressings when the veterinarian tells you, or as needed. Usually once per week is enough.

The Quick Brace Method (http://www.hoytt.com/ears) is a good means of tapping because it avoids applying tape to the furry backs of the ears and the device is minimally obtrusive. The Quick Brace is a squared-off u-shape of heavy wire that is padded with fabric tape on both ends. The crosspiece goes above the head between the ears. The sides are fastened on the insides of the ears with surgical glue applied to the fabric tape. Adhesive remover is included.

It’s a good idea to fill in the area between the sides of the Quick Brace with masking tape so that his ears don’t hang up the dog quite so easily.

Third, keep the ears tapped for as long as it takes for them to stand unsupported. It may seem like it’s taking ages and ages, but the inconvenience is only a matter of several weeks. Both you and your Doberman will soon forget the hassle.

Although taping ears may seem like an ordeal, your puppy is learning an important lesson. He is learning at an early age to stand still. After the ears are standing, you will notice that your Doberman will probably be a lot more patient with you during grooming sessions.

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