How to Post Doberman Ears | Proper Posting Schedule

Learning how to post Doberman ears means committing to a process that takes patience and consistency. The goal is straightforward: insert a clean support post deep into each ear pocket, secure the ear around it with tape, and repeat on a fixed schedule until the cartilage firms up for good. Done correctly, the process runs about 7 to 9 months. Done wrong — posting too early or wrapping too tight — it sets you back weeks and can damage the ear tissue.

When Is the Right Time to Start Posting?

Do not post the ears until the crop incisions are fully healed and the stitches are removed. The ear leather must be completely healthy — no crusting, no bleeding, no redness, bumps, or erosions. Even one tiny sore spot can turn into a bigger problem once it is wrapped in tape and left for days.

Most puppies need posting through the entire teething period and about one month beyond, which typically lands at 7 to 9 months of age. Starting before the ears are fully healed is the single most common mistake and almost always forces a restart.

Posting Doberman Ears: The Schedule That Works

The standard schedule calls for removing and replacing the posting every 6 days. Between postings, let the ears breathe for several hours before reapplying. This breathing window lets the ear canal dry out and the skin recover from being taped.

Consistency is the key variable. A missed change or a poorly fitted post that slips can undo a week of progress. Stick to the 6-day cycle and inspect the ears at every change for signs of irritation, moisture, or pressure spots. The ears should be clean and dry before each new posting goes in. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s backer-rod posting guide emphasizes porous wrapping and avoiding stretch materials that tighten over time.

The Posting Process Step by Step

What you will need: backer rod or another firm support (some use straws, tampon applicators, or nylon cable ties), porous cloth tape, gauze or cotton, and a clean work area. Some methods add adhesive glue or cement for extra hold.

Steps:

1. Clean and dry both ears thoroughly. Any moisture trapped under tape leads to skin breakdown or infection.
2. Measure the support post to about 1/4 inch longer than the ear — it needs to reach deep into the ear pocket to support the full length.
3. Wrap the backer rod or support with tape for stiffness, then insert it deeply into the ear pocket.
4. Secure the ear around the post with tape or adhesive. The tension must be snug but not tight — tight wrapping cuts circulation and causes pain.
5. Hold the ear at the correct angle while the adhesive sets, about 15 to 30 seconds for tape or longer for glue.
6. Add tip or base reinforcement if needed. Some posters run a bridge between the ears for alignment and stability.

Common mistakes that cause failure: posting before the ears are fully healed, wrapping too tight, using stretchy materials like VetWrap that tighten as the puppy moves, inserting the post too shallow, and skipping the breathing window between changes. Each mistake adds weeks to the total time or requires starting over from scratch.