Ears

[Tim McCormick]

Hello to all. I am new to the site and need some help with my dogs ears. I have a 5 month old female Ziva from MidAtlantic Boerboels. Parents are Groenberg Jaap x Giant Bella born 12-16-11. We have glued her ears 3 times with no success. The glue is on for 5-7 days each time. Am using Bush's vinyl and leather adhesive. Anyone have any suggestions.

[Midhad]

Why would you glue her ears?

[Marco]

This is a process people tend to do to get ears to stand up.  They will use glue or tape to hold the ear in position.  I also think this is used some with cropped ears as well, but I really don't know much about it.  Are you trying to tape or glue your dogs ears down because they are starting to lift?  If so this is more a genitic issue, will most likely not fix the problem, and only annoy your dog.  Some links below that came up on a google search that may be of help.  I did not read through them, always research.

 

Ears

Tape or Glue

How to Glue & Tape Natural Ears

Nip, Snip, Clip, Crop, Slice, Tack, Glue, Tape, or Tuck? ... Dog Ea...

 

[Tim McCormick]

Both parents ears are perfect. In this case it is not a genetic issue. The reason a boerboels ears lift is due to chewing. It is normal form a dog to pin its ears back when they chew which in turn affects the cartlidge. My breeder has had this problem with one of his pups and the gluing was a success. The dog was 7 months when he glued the ears. The glue is placed on the inside of the ear flap and then laid the way it is supposed to along the face which should force the cartridge back in place. I have also tried massaging the cartridge with no help.

[Marco]

As I said before I don't know much about it, so these are just my thoughts. :)  I may be wrong but I think its still all about genetics.  Both parents can have good ears but the problem can still be down the line somewhere.  Also keep in mind at 7 months the dog still had a lot of growing to do, and its possible he grew into them.  I hope there are others here that might be able to offer more insight.  Good luck, I wish all the best with your pup.

[JonP]

You may want to give her ears some more time to develop before you resort to glue and other techniques. I have heard (and noticed) that they will change as the pup matures, and at 5 months you have a long way to go. Are you trying to get the ears to be more symmetrical (in other words, is one ear already as you like it or close)? I have heard of breeders doing this for pictures and such, but I did not realize that there would be a permanent effect on the dog regardless of age, massage, or how often they are glued. I hope someone else that knows more will chime in here. 

[Marco]

Thinking back now when I owned a GSD, I remember someone made mention of massaging, and feeding cottage cheese.