[Crogers]

Are these pockets? Or a "natural crease in the ear"? I have tried to figure out a way to get that crease out. I've used bumpers, made sure his ears are stretched up the post and started using a bigger baker rod...

I have pushed around on the inside of his ear, trying to find the "spot" to put a bumper and can't seem to get that "crease" out.

Here is also pic of the inside of his ear and a couple of what his ears look like while waiting to dry and repost.

I began to get concerned last "dry out hour." When he went outside and became super alert, his ears did not touch, but did come in toward each other.

I tried to repost being more mindful of what I said earlier, bumper placement, etc. They seem to be okay when I get his attention, but if that crease by his head and ear is a pocket I need help and advice on how to get it out.

Thank you greatly.

 

[Crogers]

I think you answered my question, it is indeed that slight indention right beyond the fold of the ear.
I just wanted to be certain that wasn't the reason his ears almost touched at the tips the other day when he was extremely excited. I think maybe I posted and put the bridge too tight? I'm not sure...
They seem to be better after the past post of three days. Unfortunately, I've already reposted for the evening so a head on picture will have to come a bit later.
I think I might be over thinking...I just want to be sure his ears are what is expected.
Thank you for the response!

 

[Crogers]

So, here I go again:

Update, I see that for sure my pup has natural ear indentions and it is not an ear pocket.

I stopped bridging, but now when I take down his ears they stand more at 2 and 10 immediately following, until I get his attention, then we are good.
So, I have corrected the inward slant for sure.

However, my next question is this: what is the expectation? What are "normal" ear stances for a Dobermans ears? He seems to be very expressive with his ears and sometimes turns them where the leather of the ear is facing outward instead of towards the front.

...and I read that dobebug, you prefer to tape the ear all the way up instead of just the 3 places (bottom, middle and tip)?
Please correct me if I am wrong.

With that being said, how do I get rid of the wave I sometimes see after being posted, especially on the back side close to the head, where the bell is bigger. That wave seems to come and go.
I try very hard to ensure an even, "uniform" tape job, but find myself struggling to get it right.

I know, that perfect is never going to be achievable. However, again, as said many times before: I want to be sure I am doing all I can to get the best after his ear crop. As this crop was a difficult decision for me.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[Crogers]

the ears certainly don't have pockets; howerever, it does seem like they are weak about 1/3 of the way up on each side. Are you by chance folding the "natural fold" around the post instead of back on to itself? This will cause the look that the ears currently have. Since your puppy has very hairy ears I would recommend using clippers to trim the inside, bases, and outer edges of his ears when you post. It will give a cleaner appearance and make removing the posts easier.

I will definitely do a "hair cut" before posting again, thank you for the tip.

However, I am folding the ear back on to itself. Am I not folding it enough?

 

[Crogers]

The fold in the ear is "natural" then, and there are no pockets.

I've followed the method of taping suggested many times and have looked at that picture tutorial too many times to count. 🥴

 

[Crogers]

the ears certainly don't have pockets; howerever, it does seem like they are weak about 1/3 of the way up on each side. Are you by chance folding the "natural fold" around the post instead of back on to itself? This will cause the look that the ears currently have. Since your puppy has very hairy ears I would recommend using clippers to trim the inside, bases, and outer edges of his ears when you post. It will give a cleaner appearance and make removing the posts easier.

I will do a trim, I use alot of unisol for sure.

So, if I am indeed folding the ear correctly, and have studied the ear posting tutorial like a book, am I over thinking?

I will redo his posts in a few days and attach a picture of the finished job. I am not sure why the ear looks a bit weak toward the top. So, maybe a critique of my posting job will be helpful.

I would take a pic now, but he is in doggy daycare and I fully cover his ears with tape the days he goes. I cover the two little sections of exposed ear with a layer of tape too. So you can not really see the three pieces I put on very strategically.
(I use the word strategically, like I know what I am doing and not second guessing every time I retape 🙄)

*Within the past year we lost our pitbull, Karl, from cancer at the age of 11 and then another, Luca, died shortly after due to old age and, I say, loneliness.

I did my research before deciding on a Doberman, but these damn ears, boy! With a pitbull you cut them and make sure they heal properly. That is it, they stand.

I knew I had to post, but didn't think I would be having so much trouble.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Crogers]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Winston is 5 months. I know I have a while to go, for sure.

I appreciate you clarifying the process and how the ears strengthen.

The vet who cropped his ears didn't ask my husband what crop he wanted, so I wasn't involved. I was going to go for medium crop and wasnt clear with my husband, so he just dropped him off.

Winston has the "shortest show crop"- vets words. So, I knew I was in for the long haul.

I know I've said this before, but again I appreciate your help!

 

[Crogers]

Thank you for sharing! LOVE!