Our Preferred Posting method
Traditional Posting Method - Rods/Backer Rod Method
You can buy an all-inclusive custom backer rod posting kit just for Dobermans from EarPostKits.com! They're dedicated to ear posting education and helping others with their pet's crop! They provide one-on-one video posting assistance a well as in-person posting assistance, where available. EarPostKit is a fantastic resource for owners and offers personalized posting service! Chat with the founder is available 24/7 365 days!
From EarPostKit:
Our GOAL:
Our GOAL:
- Educate customers about ear posting
- Ensure ears are safe and healthy
- Continue to innovate our products
- Highlight and expand the love for Dobermans
link to "Getting Started Posting"
*I do not own this video. For reference only. Please visit earpostkit.com for more info*
Ear Cropping Information
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We offer cropping by one of our very skilled vet. We offer pet/medium length crops, show crops are available for an additional fee. If you would like a pup with natural ears be sure we know prior to the surgery date.
  The American Doberman Standard calls for cropping, though natural ears are not a fault. There are benefits to cropping, though not much research is done on the matter. Here are some reasons to crop;
1) Erect ears are natural ears. - Domestication has caused ears to flop/fall down and crease. Floppy ears are not found in wild dog breeds. See here: Domestication Syndrome 2) Medical Benefits - Reduces the risk of hematomas, torn ears, ear infections* (mixed research, I am saying so from personal experience), and catching ears on things (although rare). 3) Maintains breed standard - Ear cropping is standard and helps preserve the breed image. 4) Ears can be easily torn, split, scarred and injured especially at the tips/ends of the ear. Repeated injury is susceptible to infection, surgery to remove the bad tissue, or even cancer. Cropping is not for everyone. It is a surgical procedure and there is mild pain and discomfort. Some dogs have adhesive allergies or don't do well during/after anesthesia. Surgery always comes with risks such as infection, improper wound healing and death. Great blog on the topic here: DobermansDen |
IMPORTANT: All puppies leaving our care cropped come with a medium/pet crop.
Reasons not to crop
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1) Don't support the procedure - It is a surgical procedure and cosmetic. Not all people agree ear cropping is ethical.
2) Don't want to post - Posting takes dedication, patience, and lots of time. It is not something everyone has the mindset to do. 3) Risk of failed crop/infection - Any surgery and wound site has risk of infection, complications, and death. Any crop can fail. 4) The floppy ears are cute/acceptable - A floppy ear is perfectly acceptable and many find it a cute trait. |
When getting your puppy's ears cropped keep in mind the puppy will still need to be posted. That means you will need to continue posting until the ears stand. Posting can take anywhere from 1 week to 6 months to stand. Every dog is different. The average time to stand takes about 2 months. Don't be discouraged if your individual puppy takes longer to stand. Some Dobes need to be posted through their teething into their adult teeth, which can be up until the dog is 6-8 months old.
After surgery we refrain from posting. Contrary to what many vets say, it is best to let the wounds heal until the scabs start to fall off BEFORE posting. Posting while the wound is moist and fresh runs a higher risk of infection and pain. Once the scabs are healed it is easier and less irritating for the puppy to post. If possible, post using a method that leaves the stitching exposes so it can air out. If you are anxious to post do so with breathable tape, change dressings daily or even multiple times a day, and try to use methods that keep the sutures exposed to the air.
After surgery we refrain from posting. Contrary to what many vets say, it is best to let the wounds heal until the scabs start to fall off BEFORE posting. Posting while the wound is moist and fresh runs a higher risk of infection and pain. Once the scabs are healed it is easier and less irritating for the puppy to post. If possible, post using a method that leaves the stitching exposes so it can air out. If you are anxious to post do so with breathable tape, change dressings daily or even multiple times a day, and try to use methods that keep the sutures exposed to the air.
Crops may fail (scar improperly, crease, fall, bend or never stand). One ear may be wider/thinner/longer/shorter. Surgeons make mistakes. Surgery has risks. Some dogs have severe reactions during surgery. We cannot guarantee a crop will stand nor will meet your expectations. There is no refund for failed crops or accidental death during surgery. I can gladly refer you to vets who do corrective crops and crop repairs, to help a flopped or failed crop to stand.
No crop is guaranteed to stand. If you have a stubborn ear or ears keep posting. You can post for months until they stand. The ear leather isn't truly set until the dog stops maturing. It is safe to keep posting. I have posted as late as 1.5 yrs old. Again, some crops fail; won't stand, uneven, poorly cut. Cartilage can break and cause an ear to flop which may require surgery (or just acceptance that the ear will not stand).
Educational Resources
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