How to put up a dog's ears?

How to put up a dog's ears? - briefly

To raise a dog's ears, you need to follow these steps:

Gentle Handling: Start by gently handling your dog's ears. Use a soft touch and be patient, as sudden or rough movements can startle the dog.
Ear Massage: Gently massage the base of the ear where it meets the head. This helps to relax the muscles around the ear and makes it easier for the ear to stand up.
Use of Ear Tape: For some breeds, especially those with droopy ears, you may need to use ear tape. Place a small piece of tape on the inside of the ear, near the base, and then gently pull the tape upward while securing it to the top of the ear.
Consistency: Repeat these steps consistently over time. It can take several weeks for the ears to stay up permanently, so patience is key.
Professional Help: If your dog's ears do not respond to these methods, consider seeking help from a veterinarian or a professional groomer who has experience with ear setting.

How to put up a dog's ears? - in detail

Training a dog to keep its ears up involves a combination of proper technique, patience, and consistency. This process is particularly crucial for breeds known for their erect ear carriage, such as German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Siberian Huskies. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Understanding Ear Carriage

Dogs have different ear types, including prick ears (erect), drop ears (floppy), and semi-prick ears (somewhat erect but not fully). Breed standards often specify the desired ear carriage for each breed. For instance, German Shepherds should have medium-sized, upright ears.

Initial Assessment

Before starting any training, assess your dog's ear condition:

Age: Puppies’ ear muscles are not fully developed, so they might need more time to hold their ears up naturally.
Health: Check for any signs of infection or discomfort that could affect the dog’s ability to hold its ears up. If you notice redness, swelling, or your dog is frequently shaking its head, consult a veterinarian.

Gradual Training Process

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise whenever it holds its ears up naturally. This encourages the dog to associate the upright ear position with positive experiences.
Consistency: Ensure that all family members follow the same training method. Inconsistencies can confuse the dog and slow down the learning process.
Hand Signals: Use a gentle touch or hand signal to guide your dog's ears into an upright position. For example, place your fingers on the base of the ear and gently lift it up while saying a command like "ears up" or "alert."
Tape or Bandages: In some cases, vets may recommend using tape or bandages to help keep the ears in an upright position temporarily. This is usually done for puppies with droopy ears to help them develop the necessary muscle strength. However, this should be done under veterinary guidance to avoid discomfort or injury.
Exercise and Stimulation: Engage your dog in activities that encourage alertness and attention, such as playing fetch or practicing obedience commands. Alert dogs are more likely to keep their ears up naturally.
Patience and Persistence: Training a dog to keep its ears up can take time, sometimes even months. Stay patient and persistent, reinforcing the desired behavior consistently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forcing Ears Up: Never force your dog’s ears into an upright position as this can cause discomfort or injury.
Overusing Tape/Bandages: Excessive use of tape or bandages without veterinary advice can lead to skin irritation or damage.
Neglecting Health Issues: If your dog has persistent ear problems, addressing the underlying health issue is crucial before attempting any training.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you find that your dog is not responding to your efforts despite consistent training and patience, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s breed, age, and specific needs.

By following these steps and maintaining a patient, positive approach, you can help your dog develop the habit of keeping its ears up naturally.