This article presents one method of taping Cardigan ears. There are many, many other ways of doing this. This is the method I've been using for over 20 years and I find it very effective. Ear taping should be started at around 14 weeks of age. I don't believe in taping very early, and I like to get in one good taping session before the puppy starts teething. If you have more than one puppy, keeping the puppies separated during the time they have their ears in tape is a definite must. However, applying bitter apple or spray deodorant to the tape is sometimes enough to discourage puppies from chewing on their taped kennel mates' ears.
Before you begin you will need:
Read all these instructions before you begin. Turn the puppy over and notice the shape of the ears. Cut two pieces of moleskin approximately the same shape as the ears. The moleskin should outline the inside of the ear, but not overlap the edges of the ear. Round the bottom of the shaped piece of moleskin, so it doesn't go all the way into the ear canal. Remove the adhesive from the moleskin and insert the piece of moleskin into the ears starting at the red points marked. Press the adhesive to make sure it sticks properly. Leave a space at the bottom of the ear to ensure air will get into the ear canal. Repeat for the second ear.
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White Lines: Correct
ear set for a Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Red Lines: Starting point for inserting moleskin Blue Line: Starting point for applying tape |
Note: If you have tried this several times and the moleskin keeps coming off, use the Skin Bond Adhesive to hold the pieces in place. Apply the adhesive to the inside of the ear and to the back (adhesive part) of the moleskin and press firmly together. You will need nail polish remover to release the adhesive when it comes time to remove the moleskin.
Now have your partner turn the puppy over. Use the diagram above to judge the correct set of the ears. The white lines show the correct ear set (line from the center of the nose, through the outside corner of the eye, to the center of the ear). Cut several lengths of tape (about 1 - 1 1/2 foot) and have them ready to reach in a hurry. Flatten the puppy's ears slightly. Place the ears at the angle shown above by the white lines. The set of the ears does not need to be exact -- but should be as close to ideal as possible with a squirming puppy. Have your partner hold the ears in place for this stage. Using the adhesive tape, apply to the inside of one ear, (on the moleskin, marked by the blue line) and wrap the tape around the outside of the ear, behind both ears, and back around the front to the inside of the first ear. The tape should meet in the middle. Press the tape together to form a "bridge." Continue up the ear until the whole ear is covered in tape -- all the way to the tips!
Do not be concerned if the tape falls slightly foward or backwards on the puppy's head. Make sure the ear tips remain covered in tape. If the ear tips become uncovered and tip forward or backwards, reapply tape. If the tape becomes twisted or crooked, remove and reapply.
The tape should remain on the ears for at least one week. To remove the tape, cut a small piece away from the back of the ear and work the rest off by using nail polish remover on a piece of cotton on the inside of the adhesive. If the ears do not remain standing for 3 days, this procedure must be repeated.
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The finished product!! |
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