Most often when people start setting the ears of their Kerry Blue Terriers, they are at a young age. Usually, the dogs will have their ears set at about 12 weeks or older; however, it may depend on the owner.
There are many ways of setting a Kerry Blue Terrier's ear, including taking it to a professional. If you are not anywhere near a professional or don't have the money for it, here are some simple steps you can follow. When setting the ears, many breeders are now using Jiffy Sew for the glue/paste.
1. You will want to remove all the hair from the ears; however, you will want to leave some on both edges. You will also want to clip the top and side of head, as well. 2. You will then clean the ears with a high quality cleaner by pouring directly into ear and massaging. You will repeat the same process with the other ear. Let the ear dry completely for 10 minutes. 3. Apply tincture of Benzoin to the sides and top of ears and also inside the ear flap. The benzoin will help protect the skin from minor irritations, as well as allowing the glue to dry and bond quicker. 4. You will want to apply glue to 1/4-1/3 of the top of the head and also the inside of the ear. However, make sure there is no glue at the bottom of the ear or next to it. Most importantly, make sure there is no glue in the ear canal. The bottom of the ear is used for air circulation. 5. You must keep the ear back on the head until the glue becomes sticky and slightly transparent. 6. With your hand cupped around the outside of the ear, put your thumb at the base of the ear. You will bring forward the tip of the ear with a wrist rotation; it should look like a natural position. 7. With your other hand you will want to push the tip of the ear down (making sure it is about a thumb's width away from the inner point of the eye socket - you will be able to feel the bone). If the puppy has small ears, you will then position the ear on the outside of the eye socket. 8. You are then going to pinch where the ear is folded and press down the rest of the ear to the head. However, you will want to make sure there is an opening for air (you should be able to put your finger all the way up the ear as well as inside the canal). 9. Repeat this exact process with the other ear; making sure they are matching evenly. 10. You may also want to add some glue on the back of the fold so that the ears are glued to the head (closest to one another). 11. If you prefer, you may put some gauze or tape around the head and ears while the glue finishes drying. After a few hours, you may remove it. 12. Give your dog a treat for being so good and going through all that just happened.
Many times people are unsure if setting dogs ears are the right thing to do, but it is. In fact, every Kerry Blue Terrier goes through the process as some point; it is only natural for them.
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