Ear
Training Introduction
I am
not entering into the “to crop or not to crop” debate. I personally
prefer my show dogs to have cropped ears, but I do find natural
ears to be quite attractive also. The majority of Giant Schnauzer
puppy buyers prefer cropped ears but few understand the possibly
immense effort required to train the ears to stand in an attractive
manner. The following training procedures are examples of methods
we have found to be effective and to stay in place longer while
puppies play with each other. You might simplify our methods
if you find that your puppy needs less support. There are many
more methods that have been found to work well such as an inverted
cup placed on the center of the head with the ears taped to
each side. For simple tipping at the top of the ear I have found
the plastic strips sold in the pharmacy for snoring problems
to work well and easily. You may come up with an easy method
of which I would be glad to look at photos of your procedure
and possibly include them on my website to share with others.
Ear cropping is a difficult procedure for any puppy to endure.
Be VERY sure that you are up to the task of training the ears
to stand in an attractive position otherwise the puppy has endured
needlessly. The training might be as short as one month post
cropping or as long as one year. It is not rocket science, there
is no crystal ball that will indicate the amount of time involved.
If you do not believe you have time in your daily schedule to
re-apply lost ear supports than I suggest that you consider
a puppy with natural ears. The goal is to leave supports in
place for 5 days, remove the supports and glue and allow the
ears to air out for 1-2 days and then re-apply supports. This
schedule should be kept up until the ears are standing correctly
by themselves. After the puppy turns 4 ½ months old the
ears may stand correctly for a longer period of time. Allow
them to stand as long as possible on their own, if they begin
to tip or fall you will again apply the ear training for 5 days.
Repeat as necessary. You may find that your dogs’ ears have
stood perfectly for several months, only to droop again at around
6-8 months old. Molars are probably beginning to erupt which
can affect the sinus cavity and ear canals. If this happens,
you will need to support the ears again using the same methods
as you used previously.
Our puppies are trained to sit still on the grooming table for
the tedious removal of old glue, shaving of the ear, ear canal
cleaning and re-application of the training supports. You will
need to allocate a bench or find an elevated location that the
puppy can feel comfortable on and you can work around the puppy
from all directions. Your supplies should be within easy reach.
It is helpful to have two persons involved in the beginning
until you are able to accomplish the task by yourself. Insist
that the puppy sit still and under control. Once you have performed
the procedure several times you will become more efficient and
it will take less time and probably less hands.
Sports tape and duct tape are our personal preference. I must
emphasize the importance of NEVER pulling any tape or material
tightly around the ear-NEVER, EVER! What happens when you cut
off the normal blood flow to an appendage? You really don’t
want to find out! NEVER EVER stretch your tape or pull your
tape when wrapping. Our photos show our method of pinching the
tape to form a snug fit, this method will not restrict the blood
flow to the top of the ear if done correctly.
The following ear training methods are offered as examples of
methods we have found effective. If you have a wonderful Fanta
C Giant Schnauzer puppy and need further assistance, feel free
to call me.
Methods of Ear Training:
- Foam Post and Tape
- Pipe Insulation
- Moleskin and Tape
