Required and Recommended Supplies
I present a list of required supplies that you will need to post ears. In addition, I also list other items that I use/have used and recommend. You do not need to purchase the items via the link I provide, you can procure from your favorite business.
EAR TAPING SUPPLIES
Having the right supplies ensures successful ear posting. Investing the time, energy, and patience into posting their ears will yield a lifetime of beauty and health for your Doberman.
| Backer rod | To make the ear posts. You will need 1/2” and 5/8” |
| Zonas tape 1” | Wrap around the base of the ear, and make the bridge. You will need 3-4 rolls. MAY BE UNAVAILABLE. |
| Coach tape 1 1/2″ | Wrap around the base of the ear, and make the bridge. This is a good replacement for Zonas if you find Zonas unavailable |
| Covidien tape 1” | Backtape around the post. You will need 5-6 rolls. This is stickier than Zonas or Coach. |
| Gauztex tape 1” OR Guardtex | Wrap around the ear to secure the post. You will need 5-6 rolls and will need scissors to cut it off. Only need Gauztex OR Guardtex, not both. Don’t forget to fold the end of the roll over itself otherwise you won’t be able to find the end again. It sticks to itself but NOT hair or skin. It is PERFECT for wrapping around the ear. I have been using this for over 3 decades. |
| Duck tape | To stiffen up the backer rod and also secure the zip ties (if used). I find Gorrilla brand stiffer than Duck brand |
| Zip ties | To stiffen up the backer rod as needed (optional) |
| Gold bond powder | For fold of ear as well as ear canal |
| Ear cleaner | Cleanse the ear in between tapings and part of routine grooming and care |
| QTips and Cotton Balls | To cleanse the ears |
| Scissors (straight) | Small scissors for cutting tape off ears |
| Scissors (curved) | Small scissors for cutting tape off ears |
| Scissors (bandage) | Safety bandage scissors for cutting off the Gauztex/Guardtex |
| Tincture of Benzoin | Swab on the ears before wrapping if irritation is noticed. It protects the skin and also makes the ear tacky so that the post adheres better. |
| Ear Posting How To | This is a good resource for ear posting. |
ORAL CARE
Your dog’s oral health is of paramount importance. Under normal circumstances, there is no reason to ever have to take your dog into the vet for an oral cleaning under anesthesia. Keeping up on your dog’s oral health should be part of your daily/weekly routine. When you Dremel their nails (at least once to twice a week), check their teeth. Scrape off any tartar and brush their teeth. If you can get into the habit of brushing their teeth every day/a few times a week… EVEN BETTER! It only takes a minute or two and will keep their mouth clean, healthy, and fresh smelling. Bacteria that enters their system via the mouth can cause long term health issues, so brush those teeth!
| Toothpaste | Make your own or something similar to this: |
| Toothbrush | Long brush style |
| Toothbrush | Finger style brush |
| Tooth scraper kit | Keep up on their teeth for their entire life |
| Dental additive for water | This works really well to keep teeth clean |
| Bones | In addition to providing a constructive activity for your dog, proper bones also contribute to oral health. Ostrich bones are soft enough to not break teeth. Himalayan Yak bones are also good. As are bully sticks. |
| Farm Hounds | Dog treats and chews that support family farms, regenerative agriculture, & humane farming practices! |
NUTRITION
These are supplements I use
| Vitamin C powder | For ligament support and overall immune boosting |
| NuVet Plus K-9 Wafers | A great all around supplement |
| Probiotic | Many to choose from. I advise that you switch up the products you use. This is a great one to start with because it’s plant based which is better than dairy based. |
| Psyllium Husk Powder | Firms up loose stools |
| CoQ10 | Heart health. 100 mg starting at 1 year of age (or you can do 60 mg twice a day) |
| Fish Oil | You want fish oil to have high amounts of EPA and DHA. These are 1250 EPA and 488 DHA per serving |
GROOMING
These are products I use
| Dremel for toenails | Adjustable speed (more than just off/low/high) |
| Brush | Coat care with a curey brush. These work great for removing dead hair |
| Body poof | Bath time. Put/lather shampoo on the poof NEVER on the dog. |
| Artero clippers | The BEST clippers I have used to get them ready for a show. Trim their ears, whiskers, neck, legs, etc. Comfortable in my hand, just the perfect size, lightweight. I love these! |
VIDEOS
Below are some helpful videos
| Backer rod ear posting with solid bridge | This is pretty close to what I recommend. I do not wrap the ears with Zonas or Kendall. I recommend Gauztex or Guardtex for around the ears (video courtesy of Teresa Mahle) |
| Backer rod ear posting with solid bridge | Another good video, courtesy of Colleen Nicholson, Kelview Dobermans. Colleeen uses paper tape and that is a method that I approve as paper tape is gentle. |
| Zip tie method part 1 Zip tie method part 2 |
Zip ties can be a good alternative method of posting ears, courtesy of Lynne Coleman, Lyndobe Dobermans |
| Zip-tie method ear posting | Can use this after bases of ears are standing correctly, and shaped by using backer rod method |
| Spay/Neuter | Dr. Becker: The Truth About Spaying and Neutering |
| Vaccines | The truth about vaccines |
| Vaccines | Are Vaccines Necessary for Pets? |
GENERAL
| Washable Pee Pads | Optional item as a puppy |
| Toys | Buddy Bone Jack is a great toy even without the disc inserts |
| Martingale collar | When, not IF, but WHEN your pup gets spooked by something they cannot back out of a properly adjusted martingale collar – you cannot get a flat buckle collar tight enough to keep your puppy from backing out of it and getting loose and possibly lost or injured. It’s the safest collar to use until your dog is fully trained. |
| NO rawhides | Do not give your dog rawhides |
| Farm Hounds | Dog treats and chews that support family farms, regenerative agriculture, & humane farming practices! |