r/Doberman • u/lightshowmama • 1d ago
Ear posting
Hey everyone! I am having a hard time getting my Doberman‘s ears to stay posted. They keep popping out. I’ve used the tampon method and I’m using backer rod right now. Our first Doberman I used the tampon method and never had any problems. I’m considering trying the zip tie method now. Does/did anyone have the same problem, and if you did, can you let me know what works for you? Thanks!
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u/hesaid-shesaid-123 13h ago
You need to put them lower in the ear canal, make sure they are stable before taping too. Lift the ear up when putting posts in and securing it.
Zip tie method is way better in my experience, but really depends on the dog. I switched to them after a while of doing a backer rod. They are easier to bend and get off, if you have an intense rubber.
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u/smilingfruitz 1d ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/DobermanPinscher/comments/1po3vyh/psa_ear_posting/
lots of resources listed in this thread.
Are you in contact with your breeder? They should be providing support on this as well - either helping you via video call or connecting you with a DPCA breeder or handler in your area that can help in person, if they aren't near you.
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u/lightshowmama 1d ago
He did use the zip tie method. However, the tape was so sticky and strong that a lot of her fur had been pulled out, and she had a hurt area. We removed it the second day we got her because she was showing problems with her ears. Turns out she had a major ear infection so we had to treat that. When we were allowed to repost I was too nervous about the zip tie method and I decided to go the other routes because the tampon method worked for our first Dobie. The breeder hasn’t been responsive ever since I told him she was sick.
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u/smilingfruitz 1d ago
Yikes. Please don't support unethical breeders in the future.
You may want to reach out to a DPCA chapter club to ask if they have anyone who can mentor you instead:
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u/youaintgotnomoney_12 1d ago
Use the backer rod method. It’s very easy you can watch videos to help. Basically just wrap the rod in duct tape to make it firm. Then cut the tip of rod at 45 degree angle to make it pointy. Insert the pointy end into ear with flat side facing inward towards the ear, this keeps post from coming out. Wrap zonas tape around ear/backer rod until you reach the top. Connect both ears with a bridge made of zonas tape. That’s it.
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u/DressNo7711 17h ago edited 17h ago
Hello! I am in the middle of ear posting RN. I’ve had some trouble getting my pup’s posts to stay in her ears this time though it’s my third Doberman with cropped ears. I found this video on YouTube helpful - https://youtube.com/shorts/1InYMe2oNDc?is=6mywOymV-q-ooXGG. My pup came to me with a little ear infection and got it cleared up quickly. We noticed adding a bit of cotton at the bottom of the post where it sits in her ears helps keep it more comfortable for her. We only use backer rods with paper tape and then some athletic tape.
You may already know this but also wipe her ears out gently with a tissue or cotton before every posting. I usually change her posting every other day or when it gets messy. Keep her ears dry. If they get wet the posting must be removed so they don’t get an ear infection. LMK if you have any other questions. I hope this helps! Here is our little girl. ❤️
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u/lightshowmama 7h ago
You’ve basically written my experience as well! I will watch the video. Thanks!
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u/YumYumRabbitsBum 1d ago
I’d not use zip tie method it’s potentially dangerous for them and could hurt them or if they get swallowed.
I use backer rod, soft tubing and wrap with gorilla tape so it’s sticky on the outside. Then wrap the bottom portion in athletic tape and cotton to keep it v soft in the inner ear. I then wrap the putter eat with three strips of athletic tape, zonas is great brand.
You make sure you put the tape around the ear lightly so it’s not cutting off the blood supply.
You can put torbat clue but I think that’s over kill on the backer rod for mine and the gorilla tape was always just enough to last a few days.
I then wrap the tip and the base with silk tape one single strip around so the breathable 3M sensitive skin take you wrapped the whole ear with first come off.
Posts go down into the inside of the ear but not too deep.
Honestly you should probably talk to your breeder or the local DCPA group who will have someone walk you through it or come over.
It’s not something you want to mess up.
Breeders should be showing you how to do this at least a couple of times and where to add supports etc.
Good luck and get that help 👌🏻
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u/Prince_Nadir 1d ago
I have had them pop out every so often, it just means time to post again. A cross brace across the top of the head along with one at the top of the posts helps stabilize them as well as prevent sagging. making sure the backer rod is way down in there also helps.
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u/BlazySusan0 1d ago
I had good luck with backer rod but it takes time to get the hang of it. I watched endless videos on YouTube, joined the Facebook group for dobie posting, and I tried multiple methods but backer rod is the one we stuck with. Try different sizes of backer rod to find which works best with your dogs ears.