Need help knowing what do do to prepare for your new puppy? We have compiled helpful resources for you, including an ear posting video and written instructions, as well as supply lists for your new puppy.

Follow the link above for our shopping list. We have compiled our recommended new puppy items such as toys, food, crates, beds, training supplies, ear posting supplies, etc.

Ear Posting

ALWAYS begin with DRY, clean ears. We recommend using an ear cleanser between postings and wiping the oils from the ear leather with alcohol wipes. Again, the ears MUST be dry before proceeding with posting.

Measure the backer rod by starting at the base of the ear canal itself and stretching the backer rod up to the tip of the ear. Leave a little extra - you can always cut any extra backer rod off if necessary.

Once both posts are cut, you will use the Medipore tape to wrap once around the end of the backer rod sticky side down (to adhere the tape to the backer rod), then begin wrapping the tape backwards so the sticky side is out.

Prepare the elastikon tape pieces, which you will use to tape the post to the ear. For a young pup you’ll need three pieces - one for the tip of the ear, one for the middle, and one for the base. Cut pieces for each ear in advance.

Place the post as deep in the vertical ear canal as possible, and stretch the ear up the post. If you don’t get the post into the canal far enough, the bottom will come out of the ear and you’ll need to repost.

Put the first piece of tape around the tip of the ear. Make sure the edge of the tape is started on the post and wrap toward the dog’s nose. You’ll also want to make sure the tape ends sticking on the tape/post, not the dog’s fur.

Place the second piece of tape toward the middle of the ear the same way. Make sure you are NOT pulling this tape tight - you do NOT want to cut the circulation off of the ear. You are simply placing the tape onto the ear.

Place the third piece of tape toward the base of the ear. There is a skin flap that should fold back next to the ear if you are wrapping correctly toward the nose of the dog.

Once all three pieces of tape are place, gently squeeze the the tape onto the ear - this helps activate the adhesive and get everything snug to the ear.

Repeat these steps for the other ear.

A “bridge” between the ears is typically not necessary, but if it is, make sure the bridge is not too tight. This will cause pockets to form in the ear and the ears will flip on top of the head rather than standing straight up.

Make sure posts do not get wet or dirty. If they do get wet, the must be taken down immediately and the ears dried before reposting.

Check ears for irritation daily. If there is an odd or bad smell, remove the post immediately.

It is common for pups to scratch and shake their head at first. Try to keep them preoccupied with a play session after posting.

The less time the ears are down out of posts the better.

For recommended supplies, visit our link above.

Transport

If you are unable to pick up your puppy in person, we highly recommend using Dogs On the Go LLC.