I know that some professional handlers use lead in the ears to weigh them down. But, from what I've heard only some people can get away with it because it's not legal (technically).
We call it "loading ears" when you use the lead to weigh them down, to form a better tip for dogs with unwilling ears. And as far as being "legal", water and a brush is basically all that you technically can use (maybe grooming sprays, I believe). But if you do them right, no one will notice.
As to the weighting the ears issue, my understanding is that it is against AKC to do this. That being said, it's done quite often. I'm of two minds regarding it. I want Deja to be judged for who she is, not for who I can make her up to be but it would be nice if the dogs she was being judged against held to the same standard. Weighing the ears, loading the coat etc. are all accepted practices in the show ring. I think last year there was a sheltie that had so much baby powder in her coat that it looked like it snowed where she was standing.
Grooming certain ways doesn't take away from your dog for what she is. YOU should know what your dogs faults are, and if YOU are breeding your dog, then YOU know what to breed to, and what not to. If you happen to "fix" something for your dog in the ring (grooming wise), there is nothing wrong with that. Although, if you are doing UKC or INT'L, I think they are a bit more strict. If it's AKC, then go ahead and do it lol.
I may be commiting Sheltie Sacrilege here, but it seems to me I've heard that prick ears are becoming acceptable in the show ring, although I'm sure some judges penalize for it. I am certainly not very knowledgeable in the ways of showing yet, but perhaps missjennygirl, tofupup, lightplum or one of our other show veterans could speak to this. If that is indeed the case, and Deja is conformationally good otherwise, why not continue to show her and see what happens?
I've never seen a prick eared dog win, and I am sure that it is HIGHLY penalized. The tipping of the ears plays a big role in the dogs expression as a whole.
So basically what I'm saying is that if you are competing strongly in the AKC, I would recommend that you find a very good groomer, and get those ears to tip. Otherwise, if you are just doing UKC, you might just want to keep glueing between shows and see what happens. Another suggestion is to keep her ears glued until the day of the show, maybe a few hours before you go in the ring, and then take them out. If they continue to be prick, and you want to keep putting money towards her in entry fees, gas, motel, and whatever else, then go ahead and show her. But be aware that dogs with the proper ear tip might have a better chance than your girl. I'm sure she's just a darling girl, so if all fails, you will always have her to love and be loved!
