Ear Taping for 16week old Aussie

Question
Anne, We have a 16wk old pup who's ears look similar to "Goofy". They both appear to be the correct size and shape however both have started to hang down at sides of head. Breeder recommends we have them taped if we plan on showing him in confirmation. What are your beliefs? Does it hurt them and for how long must they be taped? How and what do you use to tape them? Thanks for your help.

Answer
If you check out this site, you can see the acceptable ear sets for Aussies.  http://www.theaustralianshepherd.net/info/anatomy/ear.shtml
So, if your dog has one of the accepted ear sets, there is no reason to tape.  Any judge that only puts up a dog with one of those sets is not judging to the breed standard, and you would look to show under judges that do.
If you do choose to tape, have your breeder show you how, for your dog's specific situation, and what materials to use.  But, remember that you must tape so that there is still air circulation to the ear and ear flap, so that you don't get an infection or lose part of an ear.  
Also, understand that many dogs whose ears do weird things when they are puppies, sometimes resolve on their own and get gorgeous after they are done the teething period from about age 6-12 months.  This is really a personal cosmetic decision that only you can make, and it might give you a win or two in the ring.  But, if you were to put your dog up for breeding, I think it would be unethical not to tell puppy buyers that the dog's ears were taped for the set, and not natural, since buyers looking for a show prospect might want the genes for a naturally occurring correct ear set, which in your dog might not be there.  I hope that I've helped, and that whatever you decide, you have a long, happy relationship with your Aussie.  They are such versatile dogs that if yours is not destined for the breed ring, you might get equal enjoyment showing in obedience, rally-o, tracking, agility, freestyle, disc, you name it!  Good luck.