How To Half Post Cropped Ears

Archer

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A few members have requested I create a thread on how to half post. Here ya go! It's just as easy as using a full post, just slightly different.

This method is to be used only after you have a strong bell. It works well for when 3/4 of the ear flap is having issues, but right above the bell is solid. It required the bell and first part of the ear to be strong as it has to hold the support of the post. If your puppy's ear base isn't strong, please continue to use full posts. This can be used as an alternative method to posting during issues like ear infections or when there are sores from posting on the inside of the ear.


Here are all the supplies you will need:
  • Backer Rod (I use 1/2" with my narrow crops)
  • Duct tape
  • Zonas tape 1" roll (I also use 1.5")
  • Mole Skin Padding roll (not Molefoam)
  • Torbots
  • Telesis adhesive remover
  • Ear cleaner
  • Cotton balls
  • Scissors
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STEP ONE:
  • Clean ear canal and allow to dry. I also shave the hair off the inside of the ear to help adhere the post better.
  • If you are using adhesive remover, wash ears with shampoo and rinse after using the remover. Allow to dry before posting.
STEP TWO:
  • Find nub on inside of ear. This will guide you on how long to cut the post and will be where you post to in place of the bell. See picture below

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  • Measure backer rod from nub to tip of ear. This will be the length of your half post.

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STEP THREE
  • Duct tape your half posts

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  • Using your Moleskin, cut a piece to fit around the bottom of the post. This prevents the post from causing tape rub on the nub. This is extra and something I do on full posts too. It prevents the post from rubbing the inner ear raw. Just wanted to share.
  • Wrap Moleskin around bottom of post. Secure it around post and trim edges.
  • Start backtaping post around the upper seam of the Moleskin.
  • I then use the Torbots on the TAPED part of the post. Let set for 1-3 minutes. You also want to put Torbots on the inner ear flap. I didn't take a picture of this step because I was using both hands, lol.
  • You can also get by without using Torbots and just backtaping, but with half posts I feel the Torbots gives it a better hold since you aren't anchoring the post in the bell. Also, you don't have to backtape when using the Torbots.
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STEP FOUR
  • Put bottom of post (Moleskin side) on ear nub. Hold on nub with one hand. With the other hand, pull up on tip of ear and attach it to top of post.
  • Squeeze ear to post
  • Secure with tape above base of post and at tip. You will see here that I have used the 1.5" tape. That is an uncommon size. The 1" is appropriate for most posting. I am using a wider tape on Faith to help strengthen certain areas of her ears that are still flopping.
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Close up of the post by the nub
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Finished product! Keep in mind I used more tape on the actual ear than what is required because I am corrective posting Faith. A single piece on the top and bottom will suffice.
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Thank you to Faith for being such a sweet and patient ear model! ❤️
 
Is this method generally used on older pups that already have a firm base to the ear?
Yes. I mentioned that in the second paragraph, but should perhaps should have been more clear. It takes a strong/firm base and is indeed meant for older puppies or young dogs that are having continual issues that require posting, but no longer need the support of a full post.
 
Ya we used the half post method till Ares was about 5 months old cuz I was afraid to post his ears myself. Once I started using the full post method and was doing it myself it was so simple I didn't really know why I was freaking out so much lol I will say I liked both methods but the full post method was a saving grace and I believe why his ears are doing so good today :) it's been over a month out of posts I think and using breathe right strips :) yay !! Great tutorial :)
 
Thanks for posting this - very helpful!

Once I started using the full post method and was doing it myself it was so simple I didn't really know why I was freaking out so much
LOL, we all have that creep through our mind the first time we post a pup, but it turns out to be so easy.
 
Ya we used the half post method till Ares was about 5 months old cuz I was afraid to post his ears myself. Once I started using the full post method and was doing it myself it was so simple I didn't really know why I was freaking out so much lol I will say I liked both methods but the full post method was a saving grace and I believe why his ears are doing so good today :) it's been over a month out of posts I think and using breathe right strips :) yay !! Great tutorial :)
The full posts are always best to use first as they are the only way to firm up the base of the ear.

Glad his ears are doing doing so well.
 
Not sure if this is the right place to post this but I am using the half post right now because my pup had bleeding sores in her ear. A neighbor helped me post for the first time saying she new how to cause she did her 2 great Danes, but I think she stretched the bell to much I had an off feeking so I took them out the next day and her poor ears.I've read everything g I could but now I'm wondering how long it should take for her ears to heal enough to do a full post again? Thanks in advance
 
I don't think stretching the bell caused the sores. No matter how hard we try rub sores occasionally happen. What size backer rod are you using? Sometimes if it is too large it will cause sores inside the bell.
 
I've read everything g I could but now I'm wondering how long it should take for her ears to heal enough to do a full post again?
Can you get a pic of the sores to give an idea how sore they might be? It would help give us a better idea of how long it would take.
I agree that stretching them shouldn't cause sores and they do really need to be stretched.
 
I've been cleaning them with rubbing alcohol and trying to keep them dry. Being in canada we don't have a lot of products available to us that I see being used so I try to find alternatives. I just really don't want to mess up her beautiful little ears
 
Being in canada we don't have a lot of products available to us that I see being used so I try to find alternatives. I just really don't want to mess up her beautiful little ears
I bought EVERYTHING I needed off of Amazon. Torbots, zonas, adhesive remover, even my scissors, lol Well I did pick up the backerrod at H.D., but I'm sure you can get it online. Good Luck, you'll be fine! :thumbsup2:

She is young, you have time. My Ruby got those rub sores before. I just took a break till they healed...a few days. When the scabs come off, repost.
 
Thanks yeah I tried to get the torbot on amazon and it won't let me add it to my cart, but thank you I will keep you guys "posted" on her progress
 
Thanks yeah I tried to get the torbot on amazon and it won't let me add it to my cart, but thank you I will keep you guys "posted" on her progress
You can find Torbots on ebay if you are still looking at getting some. Personally I highly recommend it. My boy was always scratching at the backer rod + tape method. We switched to a method using zip-ties and molefoam and torbots. After that he acted like nothing was there except for the first hour or two after changing them.
 
The sores you guys are seeing is from post rub. This is why I use the Moleskin
On the bottom of the post. It prevents it. If you are using Moleskin still getting the rub it means the tape is too loose at the bottom of the post.
 

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