My vet tapes after a cropping, but doesnt use any kind of solid supports. He puts tape (like Ace Bandage tape) along the inside and outside of each ear, then tapes across the top holding both ears together at the top of the head. We've always had great luck, and the tape stays on for 7 -10 days before stitches come out. He will retape for another week if they don't stand after the first taping. It doesnt seem to bother the pups to have the tape on, but by the 3rd or 4th day, they begin to itch around the stitches and want to scratch, so we had to watch out for toenails getting caught. OUCH!