Madisonhunt
New Member
Thank you! I will give this a try! She is also so interested in playing with my adult dog so I may have to put him up while I do her ears so that she’s not trying to run to him the whole time
Doberman ear posting - improved method
- Thread starter JanS
- Start date
Madisonhunt
New Member
Yes! I already almost cried haha. The posts just keep popping out at the bottom so I’m hoping the bonding glue will help with that. Is 3/8 too small of a backer rod to use?@Ravenbird said it best - never fear, it will get easier and faster as you go!
I used to cry my eyes out doing it and it was so stressful. I wanted to quit and DCF supported me. Now I can do it in 2 min tops by myself. My girl is 7.5 months now.
Trial and error will get you there and lots of reps. It will happen.
Always have some snacks ready too give her some before, during the process, and after.
Also, I find it best to have a tired pup even still when I do her ears.
Good luck hang in there
MichiH
Hot Topics Subscriber
I am not sure about backer rods. @JanS and @Ravenbird will know. Sounds like they’re too big or not deep enough if popping out.
I use the tampon method and make sure they’re deep in the ear, back tape the tampons with paper tape.
But I will say lots of trial and error to get our method down.
Def get a tired puppy, supplies all ready, snack ready, and if you do it alone which I do - no one wanted to help me…
I sit with my back against a wall and Pepper, my pup in between my legs with my ankles crossed. The table method didn’t work as Pepper tried to dive off many times and too much wiggle room with only me doing it.
Definitely put the other dog out of sight. And the reason for the table is they can't run, or even want to, so no temptations. Have a leash attached for safety if it makes you more comfortable.
Better too small than too big. You want to seat it way down in the canal as far as it will go. You can't go too deep - the canal is L shaped. Just go straight down. Posts pop out most often from not being deep enough.
You can do this!
MichiH
Hot Topics Subscriber
I think you were the one who told me to do this! Thank you saved usPutting them between your legs as mentioned; works great. Kinda pin them in with your feet around their butt! Here is a pup I trained last fall, 'assuming the position'
I would say yes, it is too small. I always start with 1/2" when they are small, then go to 5/8" when they get bigger.
Madisonhunt
New Member
This makes sense to me because I have put them in to the point where they stop. Which is what I am assuming is the bottom of the bell of their ear and she still gets it out. I will try a bigger size and see if it helps. One ear has surprisingly held on but the other is a monster haha.
Thank you everyone!!
Madisonhunt
New Member
I am definitely going to try this and put her in a table with a leash. I have my boyfriend and he tries to hold her. But I think he’s afraid of hurting her so he’s not holding her still. She’s still flailing aroundPutting them between your legs as mentioned; works great. Kinda pin them in with your feet around their butt! Here is a pup I trained last fall, 'assuming the position'
I didn't have time to read all the content here, so did anyone tell you to place the backer rods deeply down into the ears? A gently rotating back and forth action helps. This will not hurt the innards of the ear. I may have had to place something soft on the bottom part of the rods to avoid irritation. It's been a few years now.
My previous Dobe presented the problem of laying on his ears such that he bent the rods repeatedly. This, despite my wrapping them in successively more duct tape as I reposted. This bending caused them to pop out at the bottoms. It was a struggle.
My previous Dobe presented the problem of laying on his ears such that he bent the rods repeatedly. This, despite my wrapping them in successively more duct tape as I reposted. This bending caused them to pop out at the bottoms. It was a struggle.
Madisonhunt
New Member
Yes, I have been told to do that but I’m now wondering if I’m putting them in the wrong way somehow? And the tape doesn’t seem like it’s quite sticky enough because she can get the whole post off in one piece tape and rod all intact. I tried putting a thin cotton ball at the bottom but then it wouldn’t go in. I may have to just thin it out though. I just wish I had someone around here that could show me in person.
We live in Cincinnati. I don't know where in OH you live. If you happened to be in this town or nearby, I might be able to make time to show you.
Madisonhunt
New Member
Unfortunately I am in Cleveland but if I was close I would take you up on that. I feel like I’m getting the hang of it more. Just wish there was someone to confirm that I’m doing it correctly.
The tape is very important since that make all the difference. The Kendall/Covidien standard porous tape is my go to since it holds well.
I personally don't use a cotton ball with the backer rod method since the posts have a hard time fitting right.
Madisonhunt
New Member
Does it ever cause more irritation? I’m just worried about sores forming bc of the styrofoam
It shouldn't as long as you have it in deep enough and secured well.
Is that safe to use? The hockey tape I remember left a lot of residue on the stick.
