I have been asked by several members how I post the ears of my Dobermans. I use an old school technique I learned from my vet in Virginia in 1984 when I had Hans' ears cropped. I still use the same basic technique I learned from her, with a few minor changes.

She used the sticks from the medical Q-Tips found in MD and DVM offices. I don't have a source of them but use bambo skewers instead. I prefer the 6", but this last time I could not find them, so I spent the extra $1 for the 12 inch. A pack of 100 was $2 at WalMart several weeks back.

It takes 3 12" or 6 6" to do the job. I generally cut them to about 5 1/4", measured for the dogs ear. The first set of posts I make full length and place in the ear, pull the ear up a bit and mark the post then cut with a pair of side cutters as sissors generally don't have the strength to cut through all the material. After that point, I cut the sticks to length so the post is easier to work with.

I next take three of them and wrap tape around them near the end to hold them together for the wrap.

The last step before the wrap is to tape over one end with tape. This is to keep the cut edge of the sticks from rubbing the inner part of the ear raw.

Then take a half paper towel and fold it again in half. I use the rolls that are perfed in half sheets so it makes it easier to get a half a towel. If you fold it in half and then half again it get rather bulky.

The roll the towel tighly against the sticks and with two short pieces of tape (about 2") wrap around near the ends to keep it rolled. Feel the end where the rolled towel is longer than the sticks and trim it back.

The next step is to start at the bottom end of the post (stick ends are taped) and start wrapping the post in a spiral method with the tape. For all of this, I use what used to be called adhesive tape, but is now simply called waterproof tape, I get it 1/2" wide and 60 yards long, again at WM. When you get about 1/3 of the way up rotate the tape 180 degees so that the sticky side is now out and keep wrapping in a spiral method. A slight overlap of the edge of the tape will allow the tape to stick to itself.

Make two posts. Cut or tear eight pieces of tape. Four of them about 2" long two about 3" long and 2 about 5" long.

Now, get your victim er puppy. I use the grooming table I got for the Min Schnauzers and it even has the upper bar with the loop to keep the puppy in place. Place the smooth (non sticky) end of one post into the one ear bell, pull gently up on the puppy's ear and press against the stick end of the post. Then take one of the short pieces of tape go up the outside of the ear, over the top of the post and then down the other side of the post. This keeps the tip in place. Take another of the short pieces of tape and gently wrap around the top portion of the ear. Be gentle, do not wrap too tight or you will cut of the circulation to the ear and it will be a disaster for both of you.

Remember the tape is to hold the ear against the stick part of the post. It is far better to be too loose and have the post come out than to damage the ear.

Then wrap the longest piece of tape around the bottom part of the ear, starting at the post and tucking the ear around the post as you gently wrap the tape. Then take the middle length of the tape and gently wrap the middle of the ear.

Here are two photos of Jake's posts: