The Boxer Blog...

Thursday, Jul 22, 2010 10:40 PM

Ear Posting (for cropped ears)

By Heather McIntosh

(4 comments)

Here is a photo gallery of how to get cropped ears to stand erect :)

  • Materials, latex foam makeup wedges, waterproof tape (1" width) cloth athletic tape, gauze squares, wooden craft (popcicle) sticks cut to length ear powder, and surgical skin adhesive.
  • Cut makeup wedge in half
  • cut the WIDE piece of the make wedge in half again
  • Split the 2 halves in the middle (NOT all the way through)
  • wedge should look something like this (2 of them ;)
  • line the craft sticks with waterproof tape to prevent the sharp edges of the wood from cutting your pups ears (I had to use 1/2 " width doubled, but purchasing 1" width saves you the hasle ;)
  • Stick should look like this after this step (lined on both sides) then trimmed to shape
  • add the split foam wedge to the end of the lined craft stick, for cushion in the ear base
  • use athletic tape to secure the wedge to the craft stick
  • add a piece of the square gauze over the end of the foam latex pad (some dogs are allergic to latex, and this adds extra absorbency for ear discharge)
  • again, secure the gauze with athletic tape
  • finished product should look like this
  • add a layer of the surgical skin adhesive and allow to set up for about 5 minutes (gets tacky instead of wet)
  • get your outer wrap tape ready (athletic tape) because your pup won't sit still for long!!
  • add a thin layer of the surgical adhesive to the inside of your pups ear
  • insert the post FAR down into the ear canal, setting the padded end ALL the way at the bottom
  • pull the ear leather up tight and allow the adhesive sides to stick together
  • secure posts in place with athletic (cloth) tape, very loosely! (wrapping tapes too tight can lead to loss of circulation and possible amputation of the ear)
  • see the loosely wrapped tape?
  • then squeeze the ear and tapes together for a secure hold
  • tape tightens down on itself
  • finished product! ( may take 2-6 months of repeatedly changing wraps weekly to achieve erect ears)

4 comments so far:

By Anonymous

(Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 12:45 AM)

this is terrible. there is no reason to crop dog ears or dock their tails. the days of dogfighting and bullbaiting are over. it is time for us humans to catch up and let the dog's ears to grow naturally.

By Heather

(Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 1:13 AM)

You are entitled to your opinion. It is true that early reasons for cropping and docking was to avoid injury, but if you do any sort if research, the American Boxer Club set the standard for the breed, to include cropped ears for expression, etc. The ABC just recently revised the standard to include natural ears, but still frowns on a natural tail. I believe in time the cropping / docking will be banned here in the USA as it is in many other countries, but it totally changes the essence of the breed as it has always been known. The additional problem lies with ( the show community) and the old school conformation judges that will hardly give a natural dog a second glance.

The othe thing many people don't realize, is how many breeds crop and not for dog fighting or bull baiting. Dobermans, Great Danes, Schnauzers, Brussles Griffon, most if the Pincher breeds, some Bostons, Beauceron, etc.

By Boxer Lover

(Friday, Aug 5, 2011 4:15 PM)

If you hane ever had a dog with a long whip-like tail, it can be a problem, especially for dogs kept in the home. It hits everything and is very annoying. I have two Boxers with natural ears and cropped tails but have had one with cropped ears too. My only problem with getting ears cropped is the knowledge and know how of the one doing the cropping. There seems to be different styles of cropped wars too. I have seen tall pointy (no natural curve) ears that look absolutely rediculous (in my opinion) and then I have seen beautifully done ears that are cropped following the more natural curve of the ears that come to a point.

By Boxer Lover

(Friday, Aug 5, 2011 4:27 PM)

I love the way Tesla's ears are done!

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