Gallant Edge German Shepherds

A general rule of thumb is if you have seen both ears go up, even periodically prior to the five month age, they will go up.  If you or the breeder have never seen the ears up (ever) by the 5 month mark, then you may want to consider gluing or taping the ears at that time or even earlier.  It helps them to stand erect all the time and get stronger. Most german shepherd puppy ears do go up on their own even after the 5 month age but there are some odd ones  (a small percent of german shepherds) who if their ears have never stood up on their own by that 5 month mark, or have remained floppy could stay floppy without the appropriate help (gluing and/or taping).

If your dog has ears that are remaining floppy after the 4 month stage you may wish to glue or tape to avoid having the ear crease at the place the ear flops, this can and does occur.   If the ears are quite strong and do go up but are down a great deal due to teething, you might want to purchase some Molskin from a drugstore pharmacy.   It has a sticky back, can be cut in the shape of the ear.  We have seen dogs with beautiful erect ears get a crease in them during teething, thus preventing the ears from staying up. 

Some breeders swear by gluing and taping earlier to avoid problems, at the 3 or 4 month age.  It is much easier on the dog and on you to glue or tape early (because they are smaller and younger, they don't tend to try so hard to remove it.  If owners wait too long before doing this procedure there will come a point when it will be too late to help your dogs ears stand.  Your best chances of helping your dog are between 4-6 months it has been known to be successful when done a couple months later.  The older the dog gets, the more difficult it gets to keep the ears glued or taped or to undue the crease in the ears.  If unsure whether your dogs ears need to be glued or taped you can always err on the side of caution and tape or glue at 3-5 months.

For adult dogs whose ears are floppy gluing and taping will not help.  There are implants that can be inserted in the ear and this would require a consultation with a vet who does it or can refer you to one that does.

Gluing the ears together
Some people simply both ears together to help them stand up.  More information about this procedure can be found at the below links.

Gluing Support To The Inside of The Ear
Gluing is a process where something like that spongy pipe insulation is cut out in the shape of the ear and glued with a special adhesive to the inside of the ear.  This usually stays on for approximately 1 month (the pups do try to get it off at first).  Once removed the pups ears should stand on their own, and the ears usually soft but they will harden more in time.  I have heard of  and experienced ears needing to be re-glued for a another go around.  Also when gluing, a special medical glue should be used.  I am using Skin Bond by Smith and Nephew available at Medical Supply Stores.  A special Glue Remover will also need to be purchased at that time.  You will also need to keep your pup still while the glue sets, approx 4-5 minutes.  The spongy insulation will stay on the ear for approx. 3 -4 weeks.   For more info click on my link to photos of gluing puppy's ears.

Step by Step Photo Instructions -
How To Glue Your German Shepherd Puppy Ear
Photos of Gluing a Puppy's Ear
www.gallantshepherds.com/gluingpuppyears.htm

ABOUT TAPING THE GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY EARS
Taping is a process whereby a support is placed inside the ear or glued inside the ear as above (some people use a breathable spongy roller with the plastic removed)  Medical tape is wrapped around the ear with the roller.  Thus holding the ear erect, and preventing removal of the sponge or insulation.  Some people like to both glue and tape the ear because the puppy may remove the tape and the insert will fall out.  If you are having trouble keeping the insert in, you might wish to both glue and tape as an extra precaution.

At first the glued or taped ears fall over, until they have enough strength to stand on their own, but the ears themselves are not permitted to flop with the gluing or taping.  a Bridge support can be added using a tongue depressor or popsicle stick.  If you find the ears are still floppy after removing the tape or glue you might wish to repeat the process.

If doing this for the first time, it is a good idea to ask your breeder to assist you with this if it is required. Attached some articles that you may find helpful which further describe each technique and include photos for your information. 

http://selah1.homestead.com/ears.html
http://leerburg.com/tapingears.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Tape-up-Those-Stubborn-German-Shepherd-Puppy-Ears

STRENGTHEN MUSCLES BY CHEWING
Puppies Chew Alot! And so will yours, especially when teething.   

Purchase some Bully's (Bull Thingy's) at the pet store for chewing.  They are great for german shepherds and I never run out of them.  They are natural, inexpensive, clean and last a long time, and my german shepherds love them.  They also love the large bones filled with rollover.  Kongs are another favorite to chew on (so long as they have something they like inside.)  They love to chase them when thrown they bounce all over.   Not only do these save your hands, fingers and toes from those razer sharp puppy teeth that want to chew, and nip on you, (especially with no other pups around) they also keep your pup occupied and strengthen the jaw muscles (including the muscles around the ears to help the ears go up.

Please do not hesitate to check out the Help and Info sections of my website for further puppy information and german shepherd care, training or behavior issues.  I also recommend purchasing some good books about German Shepherds to help you with all the stages of your puppy's life.

    
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