Heavy Ears

Question
I have a 16 week pup with very heavy ears. Any advice on how to get them up?
Thanks
Denise

Answer
Hi Denise,

I usually encounter tipping ear problems (ears that stand up and fail to have the tip bent forward), this is the first time I have heard of "hounds ears" but it is similar in treatment efforts.

Basically you have to figure out a way to brace the ears up into a proper stance with the top 25 of the ear tipped forward.  This will train the cartilage to grow in the correct position.

The question at this point is: what is your goal?  Are you the serious Sheltie show dog type willing to experiment with the medical tape and popsicle stick splints for the next 6-12 months?  Perhaps you just love Shelties and wanted a sweet dog that will never be shown or have pups?

Measure your resolve against the results.  We would attempt the splinting to see how long it lasts and how agreeable the pup is, and how much trouble it is.  Otherwise since we do not breed nor show we would not concern ourselves with a minor cosmetic problem.

Good luck!

'sneezes
Dave