When should I start posting my Doberman’s ears after cropping?

Begin posting once the ears are fully healed and free of scabs, usually after stitches are removed and the surgical site is clean and dry.

How often should the ear posts be changed?

Ear posts should be replaced every few days — typically every 4–7 days — or sooner if they get wet or dirty during the healing process.

How long do ears need to be posted?

Posting usually continues for several months until the ear cartilage hardens and can stand upright on its own, often between 6–8 months.

What are common problems during ear posting?

Watch for redness, swelling, foul odor, or discomfort. If these occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

DOBERMAN EAR CROPPING & POSTING GUIDE

A STEP-BY-STEP RESOURCE FOR OWNERS WHO CHOOSE TO CROP

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. We support both cropped and natural Dobermans, and the choice is entirely yours.

Ear cropping has long been part of the Doberman’s identity—originally intended to reduce injury in working roles, and today still seen as a defining feature in many show and protection circles. It remains an accepted breed standard in the U.S. and parts of Europe, but like any elective procedure, the choice to crop is deeply personal.

At Lakewood Dobermann Kennel, we offer both cropped and natural Dobermans. No pressure. No judgment. But if you choose to crop, it must be done with care, proper healing, and the right follow-through. We work exclusively with top veterinary professionals to ensure the procedure is done with precision, safety, and the highest standard of care. But the real commitment begins after surgery.

This guide is here to walk you through that phase—step by step—because posting is more than a technical skill. It’s the beginning of your journey together. The way you handle your puppy’s healing ears—gently, consistently, and with calm intention—builds trust early. That bond becomes the foundation for your journey together.

While I personally prefer the cropped look and advocate for it when done right, I’ve raised and loved both cropped and natural Dobermans. No matter your choice, this resource exists to help you do it right, support your pup fully, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

VETERINARY & MEDICAL PARTNERS

Immediate Post-Operation Ear Care

Where you begin in the process will depend on how soon after surgery your puppy goes home. This section is for those taking their puppy home immediately after the operation:

Administer all prescribed pain medication and antibiotics exactly as directed.
Your puppy may eat and drink freely once awake from surgery.
Some dogs show mild discomfort while others do not. Do not allow your puppy to scratch or excessively rub the ears, as this can damage the surgical site. If needed, use an Elizabethan collar (cone).
Keep the cone on until stitches are removed—at least 7 days. If the cone becomes unusable before then, it is acceptable to carefully remove it. Use an adhesive remover on the tape/glue to avoid pulling out hair during removal.
Schedule veterinary assistance for suture removal approximately 10 days after surgery (no sooner than 7 days, no later than 12 days).

DAILY HEALING AND CLEANING

Once the stitches are removed, begin thoroughly cleaning the inside of the ear. This should be done twice daily using a warm cloth and chlorhexidine solution, making sure to remove as many scabs as possible. Gently soften and wipe them away—some light bleeding is normal. Remember, leaving scabs behind will only slow the healing process.

For best results, apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream after cleaning to support healing and reduce the risk of infection. Think of it as caring for an open wound on your arm: clean, disinfect, and allow it to air dry until the ear is well-healed. Only start posting once you are confident the ear is fully healed and free of infection.

It is perfectly fine to let the ears fall naturally for a few days after the cone is removed and before posting begins. The priority is healing, not keeping the ears upright.

Warning Signs 🚨

Watch closely for any of the following issues during the healing process:

Redness, swelling, or warmth around the crop line
Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Strong odor from the wound
Excessive scratching, whining, or signs of pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention is the best way to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR EAR POSTING

Backer Rod
https://a.co/d/4SUrpYV
Duct Tape
https://a.co/d/eMbRxAG
Torbot Bonding Cement
https://a.co/d/3czLorO
Porous Athletic Tape
https://a.co/d/02XSqBWU
Uni-Solve Adhesive Remover
https://a.co/d/e0QI6Fy
Chlorhexidine Solution
https://a.co/d/3kgy2mg
Chlorhexidine Wipes
https://a.co/d/aj7dzds

⚠️ Caution: Never use non-porous tape (such as VetWrap, Coban, waterproof tape, or duct tape) directly on the ears.

HOW TO CREATE THE POST

It’s arts and crafts time! Start by cutting the backer rod to match the length of the inner ear. It’s better to make them slightly longer—you can always trim them later for a perfect fit. Once cut, place two pieces of backer rod together and wrap them with duct tape to secure.

Next, cover the rod with porous athletic tape. Make sure to back-roll the tape so that the sticky side faces outward—this ensures the post will grip properly inside the ear while still allowing airflow.

HOW TO POST EARS

After ears are completely healed start posting. Begin by gently inserting the post into the ear canal, no more than half an inch deep. Anchor the base with a horizontal tape wrap, making sure to keep the tape off the crop line. From there, spiral the tape upward around the ear to support its shape and posture. For added stability, you can use a small “bridge” of tape to connect the tips of both ears—this is optional, but often helpful in the early stages.

Pro Tip: The tape should be snug but never overly tight. Check alignment—both ears should be straight and even. Wrapping too loosely can delay results, while wrapping too tightly can cause pain and tissue damage.

Change out posts every 4–5 days, more often in hot weather. Applying tincture of benzoin to the ears just before re-posting can help reduce irritation from the tape. Do not allow the ears to fall between post changes, as this will set progress back. If the posts get wet, replace them immediately.

Keep in mind that ears typically require several months of continuous posting to stand properly. The outcome is largely genetic and depends on the dog’s ear leather, ear size, and the consistency of posting rather than the crop style. Most medium to large breeds are finished between 6–8 months of age.