WHY TAPE YOUR BULLMASTIFFS EARS?

When a Bullmastiff Puppy starts teething (usually around 3 -4 months of age), it can sometimes fold its ears back, resembling the look of the British Bulldogs ears instead of the required V-Shape for the Bullmastiff breed.  If you decide not to  tape your puppies ears whilst they are folding, the cartilage can often set in that incorrect position, and detracts from the overall appearance of your Bullmastiffs head.

By taping, you are training, and hopefully setting the cartilage into the correct position.

Some Bullmastiffs never need their ears taped at all. Others require taping for just a week or two to correct the carriage, and yet for others, it can be a continual struggle for up to twelve months of age.

Not taping your puppyís ears will in no way effect its health, however it does spoil the shape of a fully grown adults head, not achieving the true ìsquareî look it is meant to have.  Whether your Bullmastiff is a Pet or a Show dog, the appearance of your Bullmastiff will be greatly enhanced, if it has the correct ear carriage. 

The photos below will demonstrate the difference it can make to an adult dogís head.
 

If you acquired your puppy at eight weeks of age, more than likely, your puppyís ears will look similar to hers.

TAPING TECHNIQUES

There are several techniques used to tape ears.  Whilst the most common method is ëVelvet to Velvetí , some people prefer to use the bonnet or weighted methods instead.

With all methods, tape is usually left in place for about three days, and then carefully removed. The ears should then be examined for the correct carriage.  If the ears are still flying, then they will need to be re-taped, but not until you have left the ears to rest for at least one day.

VELVET TO VELVET METHOD

You will need a good pair of small sharp scissors, some ëIsocolí or other suitable cleanser, and some tape.  Some tapes simply do not work, and fall off within seconds of being positioned.  The best I can recommend is ëElastoplastí, the one that comes in a round red plastic container.  It is a stretchy cloth, about 2cm in width.

The ear is turned back onto itself, and taped into position, as in the two diagrams here.

If your dogs ears get wet whilst they are taped, then you need to remove the tape, completely dry the ear, and re-apply the tape.

BONNET METHOD

Another technique often used is the under-chin method or bonnet. 

The bottom tip of the right ear is taped to the bottom tip of the left ear, with tape continuing under the chin, joining the two ears together.   A strip of tape is positioned on the topside of each ear, with an allowance of tape left at the bottom.

A second, large strip of tape, is positioned on the under side of the ear, facing the sticky side of the top tape.  The sticky sides of the tape are pressed together.   The tape is then taken under the chin, and joined to the opposite ear in the same fashion. 

Ensure that the tape is not pulled so tightly as to effect the comfort of your dog and itís breathing.  Strict supervision of your puppy is necessary to make sure he does not get caught up by the tape under his chin by either his feet or other foreign objects.

WEIGHT METHOD

Some people have had success by taping 20 or 50-cent coins to the bottom tip of ear, effectively, weighting down the ear. This method does risk the possibility of a puppy swallowing and choking on coins, should they become loose and fall off.

MASSAGING

Massaging can be useful on less stubborn ears.  To do this massage the ears from the folds forward.  Sit behind your dog, and place your forefinger in the crease of the ear, then firmly run your thumb from the back of the ear to the front, as often as you can.  This can be useful when using any of the above techniques, on the 'rest' days.

CAUTION

Please consult your Veterinarian before commencing any of the above methods and be guided by them throughout the duration of taping.  The Breeder of your puppy should also be available to answer any questions regarding this topic.