Cardigan Welsh Corgi Pup: Ear Taping Instructions
Ear taping should start at about 14 weeks of age if your pup's ears aren't already up at that time. A good number of pups will have ears that automatically stand by themselves. It's not unusual for the ears to need taping several times if the ears are very large. Of course, this is good because big ears are a wonderful attribute for a Cardigan. Ears will almost always be up permanently before 5 months of age, many times much earlier.
You will need:
- package of moleskin (Dr. Scholl's)
- Masking tape (or duct tape if your pup is one that pulls at the tape)
- Scissors
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton
- Very helpful: Two people - one to hold the pup and one to tape the ears
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. You then round the bottom of the shaped piece of moleskin so it doesn't cover the ear canal. Remove the adhesive from the moleskin and insert the piece of moleskin into the ears starting at the wide part of the ear. If your pup has long fur in or on the back of his ears, it's best to trim it down to about 1 inch or less. 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.
Cut a couple of piece of tape about 7 inches long and tape one around the base of each ear. Then cut a couple of pieces of tape about 10 inches long and tape across the back from one ear to the other and then across the front from one ear to the other to form a tape bridge that will hold the ears in the proper place.
Lastly, cut a couple of pieces of tape about 5 inches long and cover the tips of the ears. Be sure that the pieces covering the tips are taped over the base tapes. Do not leave enough of the tips of the ears showing that the ears could become bent above the tape.
Do not be concerned if the tape falls slightly forward or backwards on the pup's head. The tape will start to look worn....no problem. If the tips become uncovered and falls forward or backwards, reapply the tape. If the tape becomes twisted or crooked, remove and reapply and make sure the tape is flat.
The tape should remain on the ears for about a week. To remove the tape from the bottom to the top of the tape on the back of the ear and from the bottom to the top in the middle of the ear in front. Wedge your finger under the tape first so you don't mistakenly cut the pup's ear. Also cut the bridge that you made connecting the ears. Then work the rest of the tape off by using nail polish remover on a piece of cotton on the inside of the adhesive.
If the ears fall again after removal of the tape, wait a couple of days and repeat the procedure.
