Too soft ears that won't stand

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xerospin

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How do you tape ears that are too soft to stand? The back of the ears won't stand and the pup is already 9months old. Is there a specific way we can do to adjust it? Or is it too late?
 
Soft, low-breaking ears are the hardest ears to work with. I hope someone with more ear-expertise than I can chime in with some suggestions, but unfortunately, you may not be able to do much. Taping is definitely the place to start (because the thickness of the tape helps support the ear in standing), but it may not be enough.
 
The problem is that the ear leather is too thin to support the ear vertically, so they "break" really low.
This is a problem with no solution.
Many people have tried many things, to give the ear cup more support, but as soon as the brace is removed the ear droops down again.
My suggestion would be to do a normal brace with japanese tape and yarn, and hope for the best. At least you will be changing where the ear bends, while the puppy is growing. It might work, and it might not.
 
yes the worst type of ear to deal with...ive heard though of people using the breathe right strips as a support and than using the Japanese tape to keep them in.. im not sure if that is something that you can get in your area...
 
I see. Yes his ear leather is very soft and simply would not stand without a brace. I read about corgis that have floppy ears the lady used drinking straw to help supporting it. I wonder if I can try the same? Is it too late though? Since he is already 9 almost 10months old...

Maybe some calcium supplements? Or chondroitin?

He's a sweet lil guy. I would love to adopt him, but I also would like to have a show dog as my second dog. Hmmmm decisions decisions.
 
It wouldn't hurt to try the drinking straws (or anything, really). Yes, he is old for you to start trying to "fix" the problem. However:

xerospin said:
He's a sweet lil guy. I would love to adopt him, but I also would like to have a show dog as my second dog. Hmmmm decisions decisions.
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Honestly? If he isn't your dog yet... if you haven't yet made an investment of time, money, and attachment... and if you really want your next dog to be a show dog... if it were me, I'd let this one go. Correct ears are a huge part of Sheltie expression and Sheltie type, and it's very likely that, if you bought him, you would be dealing with low-breaking ears on this dog for a long time to come. The right show puppy will come, if you're willing to wait.

On the other hand, if you just want an agility dog and companion, go for it! If the ears turn out, it's a bonus, and if they don't, there's nothing lost.
 
Im sorta attached with this guy because he is related to the pup I lost a year ago...astro. Im interested in showing, but not sure if I would choose that over this pup that has a great personality and is related to astro. Arghh!
 
xerospin said:
Im sorta attached with this guy because he is related to the pup I lost a year ago...astro. Im interested in showing, but not sure if I would choose that over this pup that has a great personality and is related to astro. Arghh!
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I had to make this decision with Birch, my current puppy. He is looking like he is going to be oversized. It came down to deciding what is more important to me. Showing or a great companion/preformance dog if he when over. I chose Birch even though it means likely giving up showing my own dog for a long while.

Only you can make that decision. But I have seen lots of people trying to work with low ears and it is hard if not impossible at 9 months.
 
Justicemom said:
It came down to deciding what is more important to me. Showing or a great companion/preformance dog if he when over.
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Sums it up perfectly. You need to weigh out your goals and your needs for this puppy, and then make the decision that works best for you. Good luck!
 
I don't have anything to add, except to say that I don't envy you your position, that's a tough call.

Good luck, looking forward to hearing what you decide!
 
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