Puppy ears

[WendiS]

I have a question about puppy ears. Our puppy's ears (he's 6 mo.) are laying nicely in the front but stick out like crazy in the back. They remind me of that Carol Burnette 'gone with the wind' episode with the curtains rods sticking out at the shoulders ( I know whoever reads this will have to be in a certain age group to know what I mean) but they really stand out in the back. I hope this makes sense and I'm describing it clearly. I guess what I would like to know is if this is just a part of the occasional puppy uglies or if he's going to have goofy, stand out at the back of his head ears for the rest of his life?

Looking for insight from anyone experienced with puppy growth and physical developement

[OnyxGold1]

I'm not an expert...sorry but based on your description it somewhat sounds like your pup is experiencing "flying ears" which are typically the effect of teething. Sometimes the effect of stress and teething!! There is a great write up on taping/gluing ears in the Conformation Section which can explain it far better than I as to the exact physical changes that a maturing pup is going through and what causes these flying ears. Its been my experience that genetically speaking if both parents have correct ear sets and that if there are not a great many incorrect ear sets in the line then your pup should be just fine after teething is completed. I have massaged my pups ears but have never had to tape/glue ......Just my experience though....I would highly encourage you to read through the Conformation Section on Gluing/Taping Ears to get a better understanding of it all. AND by all means contact your breeder to determine this is common in his/her lines and at what age the majority of his/her dogs have resumed a normal looking ear set. Best of luck

[prettygirl]

i am going through this myself now. I was shown this link on exactly how to tape ears.... I havent done it myself yet .
http://www.claussenk9rottweilers.com/Tape.html

[Judi W]

No, if the ear is lying against the cheek it is fine and they are not flying ears. It just means that she has hearty cartilege. Don't worry about them at all. Flying ears are when they fold back. Do not tape them.

[jazzie23]

One of Jazmin's ears flies back constantly and it stick out to the side a little, do I need to tape them?

[Judi W]

Originally Posted by jazzie23

One of Jazmin's ears flies back constantly and it stick out to the side a little, do I need to tape them?

I don't see why. The only people I know who would tape an ear are those determined to show the dog and untrusting to the genetics for the ear to come right after teething.

[denverday]

Judi thank you for that.I was just going to ask if it is normal to tape a pups ears.My sis inlaw has a new sheltie and the ears were taped.So now I was begining to wonder if that was what was done with rottie to give that look.In other words Denver will stay free
Thanks

[Judi W]

The tip of a Sheltie's ear is glued down because they have to have that tip at the top turned under. Hardly the same as a Rottweiler ear which hangs naturally according to the ear set and leather. The ear set and leather is a result of genetics.

[HUGGYBEAR]

Muriel Freemans book "The Complete Rottweiler" Has some ear massaging techniques in there , complete with illustrations, you can look up on that. She suggests that rather than or in addition to ear taping/glue.

[Judi W]

I believe that the idea is massage can help the cartilege learn to bend. Even better, however is to simply teach the pup work her ears, which exercises the muscles that bring them forward to the correct position. Talk to the pup. When the ears come forward in an alert and proper position, praise and treat. When the ears are back in a "poor little me" position, walk away, no praise or treat. You'd be surprised how quickly the pup learns to hold that look. Each time, as the pup learns what is wanted, then delay the treat a few seconds longer.

[HUGGYBEAR]

Good Idea; I never thought of even teaching that. Encourage alertness, and attractiveness at the same time.

[BrandiJ]

Yeah, like Huggybear, I read about the massage technique in Muriel Freeman's book. You might try that. (You should get the book anyway, it's a good one.)

[marsol]

Sydneys ears flip back when she runs around a lot used to a lot when she was a pup and now occasionally aduring a strenous play session one will flip back. This is the first I have everheard about flying ears