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Ear Posting

1K views 4 replies 5 participants last post by  4x4bike ped 
#1 ·
After ear crop surgery does everyone start posting ears themselves?
We had surgery done about 2 hours away and cant keep going there for posting
I have tried and seem to be getting a little better.
I read they may need to be posted thru teething, not sure.
There is not a vet in my area to post the ears.
Curious what others have done

thanks:2smile:
 
#3 · (Edited)
Typically you will need to post a dog through teething, sometimes longer (maybe even months longer) depending on the individual dog.

It is much better to learn to post them yourself—that way you can deal with the little emergencies that may crop up (things like posts that have gotten wet or dirty, the post popping out of the bottom of the ear, a possible infection starting to show up) right away instead of having to wait for an appointment. A posting should be changed every 3-5 days—it can be tough to get to the vet that often. A lot of vets don't do that good a job of posting anyway—they have other areas that they need to focus on knowing how to do right; posting ears is way down the list.

It's not really that hard—you WILL feel all thumbs at first and likely get a little frustrated, but pretty soon, you'll practically be able to post ears in your sleep.

We have some tutorials that show the method that most of us use; take a look at these:

Ear cropping and aftercare, do's and don'ts
https://www.dobermantalk.com/ear-cropping-posting/302945-ear-cropping-aftercare-do-s-don-ts.html

How To: Post Using Backer Rod
https://www.dobermantalk.com/ear-cr...sting-show-cropped-ears-using-backer-rod.html

How To: Gently Remove Ear Posts
https://www.dobermantalk.com/ear-cropping-posting/302298-how-gently-remove-ear-posts.html

You can also browse though the ear cropping sub forum here:
https://www.dobermantalk.com/ear-cropping-posting/

I gather you're working on figuring out how to post yourself? Feel free to ask questions here or even come on and moan about your problems. If you post a picture of your posting job, we might be able to give you a few tips about what you might need to do (praise and support is nice too :)) Just about everyone here has had to learn how to post for the first time—believe me—we've all been there.

By the way, just an extra comment (I don't know what stage you are at in this process)—you can't post ears until the crop is COMPLETELY healed—if you see any scabs or open areas, it's too soon. Typically it is about a week after the stitches are removed before you can start posting.

If you tell us about where you live, we might be able to refer you to someone who can guide you through the steps in person—seeing something done once and doing it yourself under hands-on guidance is so much easier than learning through online pictures, no matter how good they are.
 
#4 ·
Master posting yourself.
No one will do it better than yourself.
Once you have posted numerous times before you know it you will be posting and watching TV........just takes getting some practice under your belt.
These dogs love routines so as you post try to devise a routine.
For instance same chair, same music, same room, same time of day, same treats, etc.
With Hoss I used Pink Floyd comfortable numb and treats. Treats provided when we were all done with posting.
Pup will start to pick up on these signs, especially if pup will work for food.
Always complete your mission In a very matter of fact way no reactions to the whining or whatever just keep to your business at hand, never let pup win if pup is a wiggler during posting.
For an inexperienced person Sometimes when you first start posting it can be a two person job until pup gets used to posting.
Once pup has learned through repetition they will never win pup becomes more tolerant.
Never let pup win the wiggle game.
 
#5 ·
Hi djc! And elcome from the Pacific NW.

Everything Mel and LD said^^^

Our youngest, McCoy was posted through his 7th month. He has a pretty average length show type crop. His ears look great.

Make it a calm and fun experience for both of you. McCoy got used to posting very quickly. In fact, he actually learned to like it. (High value treats do wonders!) For me, it was the perfect opportunity to bond with our new puppy.

Today, our boy can be touched or handled by anyone that we approve of. He stands or lies comfortably for procedures like physical exams, shots, temperature readings, echocardiograms, ear cleaning, etc. Of course he still expects his treats.

I am convinced that this is, in part, is due to all of the time we spent on his ears. His vet, who is very familiar with Dobermans, agrees.

IMO, the other main advantage is to be able to quickly deal with possible issues as they come up. Things like posts popping out, ears getting wet, an irritation needing attention, and the like, are minor problems that can, and do, sometimes come up. It is so much easier just to be able to deal with them immediately and confidently. (This is where DT and all the great members really shine! LOL)

Best to you and your pup

John Lichtwardt
Portland OR
 
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