I understand what you mean about the ears irking you, but if taping won’t work then I would just leave them. At least that is what I think now.

I had bought a rott puppy years ago from a backyard breeder. The puppy had the double dew (sp?) claws on both hind legs and had to wait until he was four months before my vet would remove them. I was concerned that he would catch them on something and tear them off. Anyway, the breeder had docked his tail, but had left it too long and don’t know why but it irked me also. I couldn’t imagine seeing a full grown rott with a four inch tail so when I had the dew claw removed; I also had the vet shorten the tail. Through some miscommunication, the vet thought I wanted the front legs done also, so when my husband picked up the puppy the poor guy had all four feet bandaged and his tail done. It was the only time my husband ever called me at work, wanted to know what the “hell” I did to that dog It became the standing joke that I paid $250 for the dog and another $500 for cosmetic surgery.

Angela
I think his ears look great. His moms ears look great too. They look like they will naturally fold when he's grown.
I agree with Jenni, I don't think his ears will stand if they are only taped, they look too big for that.
Why make the dog go through taping and cropping if he doesn't have too?
When he's been around a while longer you probably won't notice his ears anyway. Personality is MUCH more noticeable than ears.

I agree with those who think the ears shouldn't be cropped. Just a couple more things to consider:
1. His ears may still grow a little. Lear's had a growth spurt between 16 and 20 weeks.
2. He may not get as big as his mother so may have a different look about him.
3. His littermate may not even have the same father so don't know if the ear difference can be a fair comparison.
4. I don't know that purely cosmetic surgery is appropriate for a mixed breed. They're cute the way they are

 Quote: Sandy Moore

I agree with those who think the ears shouldn't be cropped. Just a couple more things to consider:
1. His ears may still grow a little. Lear's had a growth spurt between 16 and 20 weeks.
2. He may not get as big as his mother so may have a different look about him.
3. His littermate may not even have the same father so don't know if the ear difference can be a fair comparison.
4. I don't know that purely cosmetic surgery is appropriate for a mixed breed. They're cute the way they are

Totally agree w/Sandy on all points. However, taping isn't painful, and as I said, I'd be happy to tell you how; I just don't want you to be disappointed when/if they won't stand. I like button ears, though.

Okay people... first off, thanks for the comments. I would like to emphasize emphatically that I am NOT going to crop his ears. Just tape them. I really think they will stand because they sometimes will flop over his head.

Regarding the comment he may not get as big as his mom: His mother weighs 50 lbs and he at 4 months old is 45 lbs. He will be WAY bigger than her. He looks like a German shepherd with little terrier ears. (He also has her little terrier tail, but.. what can you do).

I really do need help with this. I bought some skin bond today and tried to tape a brace I made using two moleskins with a q-tip in between... it was a TOTAL DISASTER.

First of all, the Skin Bond *reeks* to high heaven. Secondly, I followed the instructions to paint it in the pups ear and holy cow - it was like I was torturing the poor little guy. He went into a frenzy, tearing around his pen rubbing his head on the ground. He managed to glue his ears together. Anyhow, the instructions say to let the glue dry for 5 minutes before putting the brace in (I put glue on the ear and on the brace). I don't know why it said this as the brace then wouldn't stick properly.

My dog went NUTS shaking his head, running around, it was awful. I felt like I was torturing him. All the instructions I've read made it look so easy. I must be doing this wrong. He shook his head so much that his braces came flying out. Now when I approach my puppy he runs away and tries to hide his head. I swear I did not hurt him in any way. He absolutely FREAKED.

I tried the tape method a couple of days ago where you pass the tape over the top of the head between his ears, that lasted less than 5 seconds.

I really want this to work, any ideas???