A popular method with many people is that which employs a foam rubber “crown” placed between the ears on the top of the puppy’s head, supporting the ears which are taped to it. For this, one needs upholsterer’s foam rubber, some one-inch-wide toupee tape (the sort available to hold men’s hairpieces in place), and cloth tape in both one-inch and one-half-inch widths. Cut the foam into a wedge-shaped piece of a size that will fit on top of the puppy’s head between the ears. The widest side should be slightly rounded to fit in place; the entire wedge should be slightly taller than the puppy’s ears will be when stretched upright. Wrap the foam completely in the toupee tape, which is sticky on both sides with paper covering on one, re-moving the paper covering as you go. The foam should be covered on the sides, across the bottom and over the top. Place the wedge on top of the puppy’s head, pressing carefully to be sure that is securely “anchored” (the toupee tape to the head). You will need an extra pair of hands helping you for this job, as it is important that it be done with care. The ears should be even with one another, up straight, the cut edges being carefully placed. With someone holding the ears firmly in place for you, run a strip of half-inch tape to the in-side of one ear, across the top of the foam where it should adhere firmly to the toupee tape, and down the inside of the other ear. Be sure that you do not pull in on, or shorten, either ear in the process. Then a strip of the one-inch tape should be placed about half-way between the top of the head and the ear tip, from the inside of one ear across the front of the foam and inside the other ear. Whatever method you use, do be sure that the puppy’s ears are not permitted to become overly sore or sensitive. Keep watching to see that all seems to be progressing well, and if this is your first puppy, or your first litter, do seek the opinion of an experienced breeder or your veterinarian if you feel that all is not well.

submitted by Judy Bohnert, Equinox, Canada