How do I know when finished posting?

[mejms]

Her ears were cropped at 10 weeks. She is 3.5 months old now. I'd say that she has a medium crop. I have read that posting should continue until at least 6 months old. I think that this is because 6 months is the time by which the ear cartilage has hardened.

Posting has been difficult lately because we have two playful puppies: our 3.5 month old doberman and a 4.5 month old german shepherd. We kept them apart after the crop and during healing, but we were looking forward to the day that they could play together. Once the ears fully healed, we let them play but that has resulted in the posts constantly coming out. If we have to continue posting, we'll probably need to separate them again.

I'm wondering what I should expect the ears to normally look like once posting is done. Should they normally stand? I took out the posts a day and a half ago to see how they would look. They do go up sometimes, but normally sit in "airplane mode" or pointed back. Does this mean that posting should definitely continue? Should I be concerned based on attached photos or is this to be expected at this point in the process?

I'm looking for the best indicator to know when we are done posting.

By the way, didn't manage to get a photo of when the ears stand up even more, but normally they are in one of the positions in the photos.

 

[Firestar Dobe]

You are nowhere near done posting if you want the ears to stand. The very minimum would be once teething is done and then for a medium crop you may have to post for a few months after that. What posting method are you using. I have 2 Dobes, 6 months apart in age and they played like crazy but the posts never came out. You may want to search this site as there is a ton of info on posting. Ask as many questions as you want, the people here are very knowledgeable and more than happy to help!

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

[JanS]

Welcome!

I agree that you need a lot more posting and it's important to leave them in all the time, except when you're changing them and cleaning them. They shouldn't be left unposted for more than an hour or two or you'll lose progress that takes way longer to make up.

The posts shouldn't be coming out when they play together if you have them seated deep enough into the ear.

 

[Ddski5]

Keep posting….

You see in the picts that the ears are somewhat breaking in the middle? That’s a sign that they are not strong enough or are not formed just yet. In the third pict the left is somewhat trying to stand and the right is not close to being ready.

Keep doing the deed, don’t falter and give up. You still have a lot of time to go. Keep your eyes on the prize!!

I don’t know if there is a best indicator because you really need to post through the teething process which generally ends around 6months. I posted both of my Dobermans through 7.5months.

Good luck

 

[mejms]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I will keep posting.

Someone linked the below video as a good tutorial for posting. In the video, she tapes between the two ears (I think that this would be considered a "bridge"). I have seen other videos where they emphasize that it's important that the ears can move independently and should be at the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions, so no bridge.

Thoughts?

 

[Ddski5]

Ehhh….
Kinda a judgement call.

When in post does she have unilateral ear control? Meaning, is she able to move and control ears or do they flop around uncontrollably?

Really need to see her in post without bridge to make a sound decision but at 3.5months, I may be apt to put a bridge on.

 

[Matlock]

Her ears were cropped at 10 weeks. She is 3.5 months old now. I'd say that she has a medium crop. I have read that posting should continue until at least 6 months old. I think that this is because 6 months is the time by which the ear cartilage has hardened.

Posting has been difficult lately because we have two playful puppies: our 3.5 month old doberman and a 4.5 month old german shepherd. We kept them apart after the crop and during healing, but we were looking forward to the day that they could play together. Once the ears fully healed, we let them play but that has resulted in the posts constantly coming out. If we have to continue posting, we'll probably need to separate them again.

I'm wondering what I should expect the ears to normally look like once posting is done. Should they normally stand? I took out the posts a day and a half ago to see how they would look. They do go up sometimes, but normally sit in "airplane mode" or pointed back. Does this mean that posting should definitely continue? Should I be concerned based on attached photos or is this to be expected at this point in the process?

I'm looking for the best indicator to know when we are done posting.

By the way, didn't manage to get a photo of when the ears stand up even more, but normally they are in one of the positions in the photos.

Puppies are always hard. You may already do this, but it's key to have all your supplies ready to go before you start. Have all your tap cut to length, post ready to go and some treats handy. They do get use to going through the process, and it will get easier. My experience is that minimally the process is going to take until the pup is 6/7 months old, and 9/10 months with a really long crop. BUT, every dog/ear is different. I use nasal strips for few months even after that. (much easier than posting) Just stick with it. I know it seems like an eternity but stopping too soon makes all that work for nothing. You'll be done before you know it! Best of luck.

 

[mejms]

Thank you, everyone! I posted again a few days ago and the posts are still in! The tape that I used this time made a huge difference. The previous tape that I used was a bit cheaper and not quite as sticky.

My puppy whines a bit when I push the posts into her ear. I haven't seen that reaction from other dobermans in videos. Once they're in, she shakes her head a bit and then calms down. She's fine now that it's been a few days. Should I be concerned?

 

[Ddski5]

I think you/she is fine…. That’s exactly what I would do to make sure they were down into the bell good- push and twist down until he squirmed and sometimes whimper. Then after taped up, if it looked too forced then I would tug on it just a little to free it up some but sounds like yours did it for you by shaking her head.

If you need to, schedule a fun walk or do some training afterwards to get her attention off the post. After awhile she will get use to them being in.

 

[Liberty & Justice]

Freedom is at 9 months and I have a ways to go still. I opted for the show crop so I' m in for the long haul. My last two ended sooner but each breed line can differ. My current one for example has thin ears. I looked at the Mom and she had them as well, so it depends on so many different variables. I can go just about 2 weeks without posting but as soon as it starts to sag, I post. You should look into Jan S method with the backing rod. I fine that her method works best and have tried every option but the surgical wire ( requires surgery ). And I doubt you could find anyone that even does it anymore.

Good luck, it get's easier with every post. I have been using this:

Amazon.com: SB SOX Kinesiology Tape (16ft Uncut Roll) – Best Latex Free, Water Resistant Tape for Muscles & Joints – Perfect for Any Activity – Easy to Apply/Use, Works Great, Stays on for Several Days! (Green) : Health & Household


it is by far the best. It's light, breathable and holds better than any store bought tape.

Well keep posting for the next several months, it's too soon to let them flop around like the pics show, clean them air out for an hour or so and then repost.

 

[strykerdobe]

They are not done yet.
Some people also give Vitamin C to their pups. Try 500mg 1x a day for a few days. Because too much might cause diarrhea. Then go up to 500mg 2x's a day. Vit. C also helps growing joints and good for the Immune System.

Not all supplements are equal.
I like NOW Brands. This one below is a 1000mg in capsules. But you can wet their food a little and sprinkle half on the food.



I always say when you think they are done still post for another month.

 

[Duke Nuke Em]

I know this post is old but I was wondering how long it took for you to achieve the desired look. My boy had his ears done at 12 weeks and 5 days. He is 8 months old now and the vet says I can stops posting. I’m skeptical. He told me I shouldn’t expect the ears to stand straight all the time but I worry. When he is not alert I start to panic. The vet said after 10 months I won’t see much progress. I’ve heard of people posting for 18 months! I’m lost on that to do.

 

[Duke Nuke Em]

I know this post is old but I was wondering how long it took for you to achieve the desired look. My boy had his ears done at 12 weeks and 5 days. He is 8 months old now and the vet says I can stops posting. I’m skeptical. He told me I shouldn’t expect the ears to stand straight all the time but I worry. When he is not alert I start to panic. The vet said after 10 months I won’t see much progress. I’ve heard of people posting for 18 months! I’m lost on that to do.

Btw these pics are after being out of posts for 3 days

 

[JanS]

the vet says I can stops posting. I’m skeptical. He told me I shouldn’t expect the ears to stand straight all the time but I worry. When he is not alert I start to panic. The vet said after 10 months I won’t see much progress. I’ve heard of people posting for 18 months! I’m lost on that to do.

When it comes to ear posting I never listen to a vet since most of them believe in the really old school ways that don't work well. If he has thick cartilage that isn't completely firmed up, posting after 8 months definitely helps.
His ears look good. Do they ever droop or sag?

 

[Ravenbird]

The ears look great - does one ever flop in a crease when the other is erect? That would be a signal that they aren't done. If this is your first Doberman be aware that the ears do have other positions besides alert & forward and that's totally normal. But one standing and one down, you still need to keep posting.

 

[Ddski5]

These are the other positions that @Ravenbird is referring to.

So it’s very normal for the ears to fall. The question is…do they bend, fold or lag when the ears are in the alert position?