I wasn't sure where to put this, so if a mod thinks it belongs elsewhere, feel free to move it!
I have been asked more times than I can count how I post my dogs' ears and what materials I use. There are always loads of questions in the puppy forum regarding posting, so I figured a photo tutorial of my particular method might be of some assistance. I am in no way claiming to be an expert by any means, nor do I think my method is best for everyone. Do what works for you and your puppy!
First, the materials I use:
Duct tape, Johnson & Johnson Zonas tape, 3M Vet Wrap or Coban Wrap (optional!), scissors, backer rod (available at Home Depot or Lowes in 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" sizes), and Caldesene powder
Before posting the ears, I clean the inside and outside thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely.
Next, I cut two strips of backer rod that are long enough to rest in the bottom of the ear and still support the tips of the ear when in place. For these photos, I used pretty long pieces because a.) Liberty has a very long crop, and b.) I wanted a bit extra to hold for photos. I also cut a piece that is roughly 2" lengthwise to serve as "bumpers." They keep the ear from developing pockets near the base where it is wider. They are entirely optional, and many people post ears successfully without ever using them.
In the next step, I use duct tape to straighten and stiffen the backer rod, so it can adequately support the puppy's ears. Cut a piece that is approximately the same length as your two posts, and roll the rod across the tape lengthwise. Repeat this step once or twice more for additional support (I personally use three layers of duct tape to make the rod quite firm).
I usually allow a small portion of the foam to protrude from the bottom of the duct tape to avoid rubbing the base of the ear with the rough-edged tape. You can also tape a small piece of cotton or gauze on the end as an alternative. I placed a small piece of black tape on one end of the backer rod in this next photo to simply show you which end I am going to use as the top. It serves no additional purpose. The measuring tape is just present to give you a general idea of the size of the rods I made.
The next step requires two more pieces of duct tape to be cut that are roughly 3" in length. Take one of the "bumpers," and lie it across the tape horizontally.
Use the tape to secure the bumper to the rod roughly an inch from the base.
Before placing the posts in my puppy's ears, I use a cotton pad to apply powder to the inside of the ear. I tried it without the pad in the past, but the mess that resulted was quite a pain.
To tape the posts, I prefer to use Johnson & Johnson Zonas tape. Some people prefer coach tape and others prefer Kendall Curity tape. Again, use what works best for your puppy, but please do NOT do this step with duct tape. It could seriously injure the inside of the puppy's ears. As you can see in the following photo, the roll of Zonas tape is 2" in width. I prefer (and suggest that you use) the 1" width. Unfortunately, when I went on my last tape run to the store, the 1" variety was out of stock, and I now must cut the tape in half before preparing posts.
I start taping at the top of the post with the adhesive side facing the post. Once I have completely gone around the post one time, I flip the tape over on itself, so the sticky side faces out.
From there, I spiral the tape downward until the entire post is covered with tape (adhesive side out).
Next, I cut four pieces of tape. Two pieces are roughly 4" long, and the other two are 8-10" long. I prefer the long pieces to be too long rather than too short because I can easily trim the excess later.
I then cut a piece of vet wrap that is 7-8" long off of the roll. I cut it in half at a slight angle which creates two identical pieces of wrap that are slightly longer on one side than the other.
It's finally time to post those ears! Grab that wriggly puppy, and get situated within reach of those materials!
First, place the bottom of one of the posts securely at the base of the ear. Do not worry, because of the shape of the canine ear canal, you will not harm the puppy's ear (assuming you don't jam something down there with all your might). Note that in the photo, the bumper on the post is not visible. It is facing the bell of the ear.
Next, stretch the puppy's ear up the post as far as it will comfortably go. Then, place one end of one of the shorter strips of tape against the post near the top. Proceed to drape it across the ear and around the post. Though it appears flush with the post in the photo, it was actually quite loose. Do not wrap the tape tightly! Once it is in place, gently squeeze the end of the ear and post with your hand to secure the tape in place.
Keep in mind that this step is optional. I prefer to use the wrap because it keeps everything secure and tidy, and it adds a splash of color to the otherwise completely silly-looking posts. Place the straight (not slightly slanted) edge of the wrap against the post, and wrap it around the ear beginning at the front edge. This allows the natural fold in the ear to remain undisturbed. Absolutely do not, under any circumstances, stretch or tug on the Vet/Coban wrap. It should simply be placed around the ear.
After the wrap has been placed around the entire ear, run a finger along the overlapping edge, and it will stay in place. Please, please, please do not stretch the wrap when applying it to the ear, or you run the risk of cutting off circulation. Vet wrap tends to constrict a bit over time, so it might be beneficial to check it occasionally to make sure it does not feel too snug.
Finally, I use the long piece of tape to secure the bottom edge of the ear. Apply it in the same manner as the first, shorter piece of tape used on the tip. Press one end against the post, and drape the rest around the ear once or twice. Cut off excess tape if necessary. It helps to hold the ear out at the 10 or 2 o'clock position when doing this step.
Scrunch the base of the ear with your hand to secure everything.
The end result:
Also! Do not forget the most important step! Provide tasty treats and LOADS of lovin' to your furry participant once the chore is complete!
I hope this helps, and if anyone has any further questions, feel free to PM me! Liberty is open to questions as well.
I have been asked more times than I can count how I post my dogs' ears and what materials I use. There are always loads of questions in the puppy forum regarding posting, so I figured a photo tutorial of my particular method might be of some assistance. I am in no way claiming to be an expert by any means, nor do I think my method is best for everyone. Do what works for you and your puppy!
First, the materials I use:
Duct tape, Johnson & Johnson Zonas tape, 3M Vet Wrap or Coban Wrap (optional!), scissors, backer rod (available at Home Depot or Lowes in 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" sizes), and Caldesene powder
Before posting the ears, I clean the inside and outside thoroughly, and allow them to dry completely.
Next, I cut two strips of backer rod that are long enough to rest in the bottom of the ear and still support the tips of the ear when in place. For these photos, I used pretty long pieces because a.) Liberty has a very long crop, and b.) I wanted a bit extra to hold for photos. I also cut a piece that is roughly 2" lengthwise to serve as "bumpers." They keep the ear from developing pockets near the base where it is wider. They are entirely optional, and many people post ears successfully without ever using them.
In the next step, I use duct tape to straighten and stiffen the backer rod, so it can adequately support the puppy's ears. Cut a piece that is approximately the same length as your two posts, and roll the rod across the tape lengthwise. Repeat this step once or twice more for additional support (I personally use three layers of duct tape to make the rod quite firm).
I usually allow a small portion of the foam to protrude from the bottom of the duct tape to avoid rubbing the base of the ear with the rough-edged tape. You can also tape a small piece of cotton or gauze on the end as an alternative. I placed a small piece of black tape on one end of the backer rod in this next photo to simply show you which end I am going to use as the top. It serves no additional purpose. The measuring tape is just present to give you a general idea of the size of the rods I made.
The next step requires two more pieces of duct tape to be cut that are roughly 3" in length. Take one of the "bumpers," and lie it across the tape horizontally.
Use the tape to secure the bumper to the rod roughly an inch from the base.
Before placing the posts in my puppy's ears, I use a cotton pad to apply powder to the inside of the ear. I tried it without the pad in the past, but the mess that resulted was quite a pain.
To tape the posts, I prefer to use Johnson & Johnson Zonas tape. Some people prefer coach tape and others prefer Kendall Curity tape. Again, use what works best for your puppy, but please do NOT do this step with duct tape. It could seriously injure the inside of the puppy's ears. As you can see in the following photo, the roll of Zonas tape is 2" in width. I prefer (and suggest that you use) the 1" width. Unfortunately, when I went on my last tape run to the store, the 1" variety was out of stock, and I now must cut the tape in half before preparing posts.
I start taping at the top of the post with the adhesive side facing the post. Once I have completely gone around the post one time, I flip the tape over on itself, so the sticky side faces out.
From there, I spiral the tape downward until the entire post is covered with tape (adhesive side out).
Next, I cut four pieces of tape. Two pieces are roughly 4" long, and the other two are 8-10" long. I prefer the long pieces to be too long rather than too short because I can easily trim the excess later.
I then cut a piece of vet wrap that is 7-8" long off of the roll. I cut it in half at a slight angle which creates two identical pieces of wrap that are slightly longer on one side than the other.
It's finally time to post those ears! Grab that wriggly puppy, and get situated within reach of those materials!
First, place the bottom of one of the posts securely at the base of the ear. Do not worry, because of the shape of the canine ear canal, you will not harm the puppy's ear (assuming you don't jam something down there with all your might). Note that in the photo, the bumper on the post is not visible. It is facing the bell of the ear.
Next, stretch the puppy's ear up the post as far as it will comfortably go. Then, place one end of one of the shorter strips of tape against the post near the top. Proceed to drape it across the ear and around the post. Though it appears flush with the post in the photo, it was actually quite loose. Do not wrap the tape tightly! Once it is in place, gently squeeze the end of the ear and post with your hand to secure the tape in place.
Keep in mind that this step is optional. I prefer to use the wrap because it keeps everything secure and tidy, and it adds a splash of color to the otherwise completely silly-looking posts. Place the straight (not slightly slanted) edge of the wrap against the post, and wrap it around the ear beginning at the front edge. This allows the natural fold in the ear to remain undisturbed. Absolutely do not, under any circumstances, stretch or tug on the Vet/Coban wrap. It should simply be placed around the ear.
After the wrap has been placed around the entire ear, run a finger along the overlapping edge, and it will stay in place. Please, please, please do not stretch the wrap when applying it to the ear, or you run the risk of cutting off circulation. Vet wrap tends to constrict a bit over time, so it might be beneficial to check it occasionally to make sure it does not feel too snug.
Finally, I use the long piece of tape to secure the bottom edge of the ear. Apply it in the same manner as the first, shorter piece of tape used on the tip. Press one end against the post, and drape the rest around the ear once or twice. Cut off excess tape if necessary. It helps to hold the ear out at the 10 or 2 o'clock position when doing this step.
Scrunch the base of the ear with your hand to secure everything.
The end result:
Also! Do not forget the most important step! Provide tasty treats and LOADS of lovin' to your furry participant once the chore is complete!
I hope this helps, and if anyone has any further questions, feel free to PM me! Liberty is open to questions as well.