GSD EARS NOT UP AT 4 MONTHS ?

Question
Hi there, my GSD pup's ears are not up yet and he's just turned 4 months old.  I have read that I should wait until his teething has stopped before considering taping them and was going to wait another 4 weeks before considering this - just wondered if you had any advice on this ?

Answer
I wouldn't worry to much about the ears.  German Shepherd ears are usually seen up at some point by approx 12 weeks.  It can take longer.  Quite often teething is an issue at this age and when pups are teething the ears go up and down.  I have an 8 month old shepherd whose ears just stopped going up and down.  As long as you've seen them up they will go up.  Some dogs take longer than others but the teething process really affects their ears.

Until they get their full set of teeth the ears will continue to up and down.  Be Patient.
   
It is true that while teething the ears go up and down.  Teeth and the strength of the muscles have a lot to do with when they go up.   To ensure your dog's muscles are strong and to help with teething try giving your dog Bullys (Bull Penis) found at all the pet stores.  They are natural, great for chewing especially for those strong German Shepherd Jaws. They are not expensive and last a long time.  

Some German Shepherds ears take a long time to go up.  To put your mind at ease my general consensus on puppy ears is.... If you've seen them up you they will go up.  

There are many opinions out there and you'll probably get a different opinion from everyone you ask.  

After consulting with 3 of my mentors, who have been breeding for 30 years and have dogs ranked #1 and #3 In Canada.  They have confirmed what I stated.

The concern is only with pups who by 5 months whose ears have NOT gone up at all.  They then suggest taping or gluing the ears at the 5 month age.  They have confirmed that if the pups ears have been seen up, even a little here and there they will in fact go up.

If you require further info about raising your puppy check out the info and help section of my website. I also recommend getting come good books about raising a german shepherd to assist you with all of the stages your puppy with go through.  You will be glad you did.

Sincerely,
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com