So, you’ve brought a cute, furry German Shepherd puppy into your home. You’re captivated by their loyalty and charm. Everyone who sees them says, “Aww.” But there’s a tiny problem: their ears are still floppy! You might be wondering if this is normal and what you can do about it.
The good news is that floppy ears are common in German Shepherd puppies. It usually takes several months for their ears to stand up properly, often after they’ve finished teething. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help train their ears to stand up and ensure your handsome pooch grows up looking the part.
Why Aren’t My German Shepherd’s Ears Standing Up?
German Shepherds typically have tall, alert ears that stand up by the time they’re about four months old. However, several factors can influence this timeline:
- Age: If your Shepherd is just a puppy, floppy ears are normal and could stand up in a few weeks. But if they’re older and the problem has worsened, it may take months to resolve.
- Genetics: Some German Shepherds may have a genetic predisposition to floppy ears.
- Health: Underlying health issues or ear infections can prevent the ears from standing up properly.
- Nutrition: A proper diet is essential for cartilage development, which is crucial for ear elevation.
- Teething: Ears usually stand up after teething.
Methods to Train Your German Shepherd’s Ears
Thankfully, training your German Shepherd’s ears to stand up isn’t as complicated as you might think. Here are a few methods you can try:
The Tape Method
One way to train a German Shepherd’s ears to stay up is by using tape. This method helps build the ear muscles and encourages them to stay upright.
What you’ll need:
- Thin, white, surgical tape (available at local drug stores)
- Foam or something similar
- Popsicle stick
Steps:
- Wrap: Wrap each ear around foam or a similar material. Then, tape them into a tight roll in a vertical position.
- Bridge the ears: Use a popsicle stick and tape to attach it to both ears horizontally. This helps keep the ears symmetrical.
- Re-tape: Your German Shepherd might try to scratch or roll around to remove the tape. Make sure you keep re-taping the ears as needed.
- Breaks: Once a week, remove the tape to see if the ears stand up independently. If they do, you don’t need to re-tape them.
- Know when to give up: If the ears still don’t stand up after 7 or 8 months, consult a vet to rule out underlying issues.
The Click & Reward Method
Clicker training is a brilliant way to communicate with your German Shepherd. It can speed up the learning process when used correctly.
What you’ll need:
- Clicker
- Tasty treats
- Toys
Steps:
- Clicker training: Click whenever your dog follows an instruction correctly, and follow with a treat. This signals that they’re on the right track.
- Monitor: Watch your dog closely for a couple of days, looking for triggers that make their ears stand up, like preparing their food or someone entering the house.
- Click: When you find a trigger, recreate it. Be ready with your clicker and a toy. As soon as the ears stand up, click to signal that they’ve done something right.
- Play with the toy: Follow through with a reward, such as a few minutes of playing fetch or tug-of-war.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for a few minutes each day. Consistent training will help your German Shepherd get used to using those muscles, and soon their ears will stand up easily.
The Health Method
Proper health and nutrition play a vital role in your German Shepherd’s ear health.
Steps:
- Balanced diet: Provide a high-quality diet that supports cartilage development.
- Supplements: Consult your vet about supplements that may help strengthen ear cartilage.
- Regular check-ups: Regular vet visits can help identify and address any underlying health issues that may be affecting the ears.
- Ear Cleaning: Clean your dog’s ears and check regularly for infections. If you notice one, go to the vet.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Be patient: It takes time and consistency to train a German Shepherd’s ears to stand up.
- Rule out health issues: Consult a vet to rule out underlying medical conditions.
- Start early: The earlier you start training, the better the chances of success.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your German Shepherd for good behavior and progress.
- Clean their ears: Keep your German Shepherd’s ears clean to prevent infections, which can hinder the process. Hypoallergenic baby wipes are easy and gentle to use.
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Conclusion
Training your German Shepherd’s ears to stand up requires patience, consistency, and the right approach. Whether you choose the tape method, the click & reward method, or a combination of both, remember to stay positive and consult with your vet for any concerns. With a little effort, your German Shepherd will be rocking those upright ears in no time!