Achieving the Perfect Doberman Ear Stance Without Surgery.
Dobermans are known for their sleek, muscular build and their iconic, pointy ears. But did you know that those ears don't naturally stand up on their own? In fact, many Dobermans have their ears cropped to achieve this look, which is a controversial practice. In this blog post, we'll explore ways to make your Doberman's ears stand up without cropping them.
Table of Contents :
Let's get started together right now 👇
Before diving into the methods for making your Doberman's ears stand up without cropping, it's important to understand the anatomy of their ears. Doberman ears are naturally floppy and hang down on the sides of their head. The cartilage within the ear, which is responsible for providing structure and support, needs time and assistance to strengthen.
As your Doberman grows, the cartilage may develop enough to support the ears standing up on their own. However, this doesn't always happen, which is why some owners turn to non-surgical methods to achieve the desired Doberman ear look.
One of the most popular and effective ways to make Doberman ears stand up without cropping is through taping. This involves using adhesive tape to secure the ears in an upright position, allowing the cartilage to strengthen over time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tape your Doberman's ears:
Materials:
Procedure:
Clean the Doberman ears: Make sure your Doberman's ears are clean and dry before applying tape. Any dirt or moisture can cause irritation and prevent the tape from sticking properly.
Cut the tape: Cut two pieces of tape that are long enough to wrap around your Doberman's ears from the base to the tip.
Apply the support inserts: Position the foam or plastic inserts inside the Doberman ear, ensuring they are snug against the inner ear cartilage.
Wrap the tape: Starting at the base of the Doberman ear, wrap the tape around the ear and support insert, making sure it's tight enough to hold the ear in place but not so tight that it restricts blood flow.
Repeat for the other Doberman ear: Follow the same steps to tape the other ear.
Monitor your dog: Keep a close eye on your Doberman for any signs of discomfort or irritation. If your dog seems to be in pain or constantly tries to remove the tape, it may be best to remove it and consult a professional.
Another non-surgical option to make Doberman ears stand up without cropping is the gluing method. This involves using a skin-safe adhesive to bond the ears together in an upright position. Here's how to do it:
Materials:
Procedure:
In addition to taping and gluing, there are a few other methods that you can try to help your Doberman's ears stand up without cropping:
Regardless of which method you choose, it's important to properly care for your Doberman's ears throughout the process. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy Doberman ears:
By following these tips and trying the non-surgical methods outlined above, you can help your Doberman achieve the iconic, upright ear stance without the need for cropping. With patience, persistence, and proper care, your Doberman's ears will stand tall and proud!
For those curious about the growth timeline of a Doberman, our comprehensive article on the growth stages of Doberman Pinschers provides a wealth of information.
The duration for posting Doberman ears can vary widely, often depending on the individual dog's ear cartilage and the method used. Generally, owners might find themselves posting for several weeks to a few months. Consistency and gentle care during the posting process are crucial to successfully train the ears to stand without the need for cropping.
After a Doberman’s ears are cropped, the standing process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. The exact duration can depend on factors like the cropping style, the dog’s age at the time of cropping, and the aftercare and posting process followed post-surgery. It's essential to follow a vet’s guidance and ensure that the ears are cared for meticulously during the healing and posting process to facilitate standing.
While some Dobermans may naturally develop standing ears without extensive posting, it's not guaranteed. The posting process helps to guide and support the ears as they develop the strength to stand independently. However, the duration and intensity of posting can depend on the dog’s age, ear condition, and individual development.
Cropping Doberman ears involves surgical removal of a portion of the ear and a subsequent posting process to encourage the ears to stand. Risks can include infection, poor healing, and the potential for the ears not to stand despite the procedure. Additionally, the dog experiences pain and discomfort during the recovery process, which is a significant ethical consideration for many owners.
While there isn’t a strict age to start posting Doberman ears to encourage natural standing, many owners begin the process when the dog is a few months old. Starting while the dog is still young and the ear cartilage is developing can sometimes yield more effective results. However, always approach the process gently and consult with a vet to ensure safe and effective methods are used.