Good question. Since broken down ears is a disqualification
in our Chihuahua Standard we, as breeders, want to give a puppy having a
difficult time with his ears every chance to get them up. Doing so is perfectly
legal and this demonstration is merely one method of getting a chihuahuas'
ears up and standing. There are many, many other methods that work, such
as shaving all the hair off the back side of the ear -- but this method has
been successful for us for many years. It does not seem to bother them after
the first hour or so nor hurt them in anyway. If you are unsure, PLEASE CONTACT
YOUR VET FIRST. We don't worry too much about ears until they are around
14 weeks of age.
Risen checking out the supplies. Looks simple enough he thinks!
All that is needed is 3M Transpore tape, rubbing alcohol and Q-Tips or cotton
balls. Before taping the ears, clean the ear leather with the Q-Tip or cotton
balls moistened with the alcohol to dry up any oil on them that would prevent
the tape from sticking really well. I do not shave any hair off the ears.
Then let the ear air out a few minutes before applying the tape. NOTE: Transpore
Tape is available at most drug stores in the first aide section. 3M uses
latex in its glue so be sure to check your puppy's ears everyday for any
redness or sensitivity.We have NEVER had a problem with it, but if
redness or unnecessary irritation occurs on your puppy remove the tape
immediately.
To begin, tear off about a 4 inch piece of 3M tape. When
positioning the tape on the ear, make sure the tape seam will be in back
of the ear. Also make sure the tape does not touch the corner of his ear,
next to the top of his head. Doing so can make a sore there. Gently rub the
tape onto the ear leather by placing your thumb on the inside of the ear
and your three fingers on the outside of the ear until you can tell the tape
is in place and will not move.
Next rap the remaining tape to that back side of the ear,
making sure to pinch the edges of the tape between 1/8 or 1/4 inch from ears.
I have provided both measurements so you can see the difference. DO NOT crease,
cramp or crinkle the edge of the ear leather in any way -- doing so will
cause irritation and an infection very quickly.
On the back of the ear you can leave 1/4 or 3/4 inch overlap
in the tape seam, depending on the strength of the ear leather. The 3M tape
is very easy to tear off any excess tape you have left after wrapping the
tape around the ear. You want the tape to stay as light weight as
possible.
From a side view of the ear, you can see how thin the tape
is and why it really doesn't bother the puppies too much. After a couple
of days they don't even notice it on there. In the meantime they are learning
what it feels like to have their ears all the way up. Keep a very close watch
on their ears everyday. Sometimes the oil in the dogs ear leather will loosen
up the tape on the inside of the ear. As long as the tape edges on the back
side are holding the tape on and the ear up, I'd won't bother redoing the
whole tape process.
Ahhh -- Risen does not appear too impressed, but his ears
will be up in a week or so and he'll never be bothered with this process
again. I keep the ears taped up 3 days, then down for 1 day. Keep repeating
the 3 days taped and 1 day not taped until the ears remain standing when
not taped. If you have more than one puppy, keeping the puppies separated
during this time is highly suggested. However, applying Bitter Apple is sometimes
enough to discourage siblings from chewing on their taped siblings' ears.
To remove the tape, just get the tape wet and it will come right
off.
Taping Worked For Risen
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians. Anyone trying
this
method releases Legend Chihuahuas from any and
all liability should they encounter
unsatisfactory results.
Longcoats can be taped the same way. However we like to shave
the
the hair off the back and the inside of the ears, first.
If your lines are known for heavy ear leather, shave the hair
off before they are 9 weeks old, that way the hair will
grow back before it's time to show them.
Which Is Best
For You, Puppy Or Adult?
Two Separate Varieties,
LC and SC
What's Underneath That Bundle
Of Fur?
Copyright Infringement
Warning
A Bit Of Chihuahua
History
So You Want To Breed?
Ears....To Tape Or Not To Tape
Getting Around The Dog
Shows
Show Training Begins At
Birth
Housebreaking Your
Chihuahua
Is Teacup The Correct
Term?
Chihuahua Growth Chart
Chihuahua Share
Time
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