Serenade Collies Ear Training Tips
There are a number of different ways to "train" collie puppies ears to have the correct position and carriage as adult dogs.
We have tried several different methods during the year involvement with the breed.
The method described and illustrated below is the one we currently use and is the one with which we have had the best results.

We brace our collie puppies ears beginning at age 7-1/2 weeks and keep them braced as long as we feel it is necessary.
Usually this is until at least age 4-1/2 months, but it can be considerably longer.
The bracing period varies from puppy to puppy, although puppies from the same litter usually have similar bracing
requirements.

Taping and bracing a collie puppy's ears does two things.
First, taping the ear over helps keep its natural "break" (the place where the ear bends forward)
flexible so that the ear cartilage does not become straight and stiff.

Secondly, cross bracing or connecting the ears together encourages the puppy to hold his ears high on top of his head.
The collie pups will use the muscles on top of it's head to pull the ears together to take the tension off of the brace.
This strengthens these muscles and increases the likelihood that they will carry it's ears properly as an adult.

Below are step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos.
                                     You will need to obtain the following materials
JAPANESE EAR TAPE: We use Japanese tape because it always seems to stick the best.
Not available in stores. Do a search online for it.

Measuring Tape: To measure the puppies ear's middle of the ear to the middle of the next ear.

Rubbing alcohol: For cleaning and remove dirt and oils in the ear.

Cosmetic Puffs or Cotton Balls or paper towel: The plain drugstore variety is fine.

Household Scissors: A sturdy pair of scissors is needed for cutting the duct tape to size.

LA's Totally Awesome : This is used to remove glue from the hair. Found at your local Family Dollar or Dollar store.
Create the pattern for the brace out of paper or light cardboard.
The crossbrace piece is shaped roughly like a shallow inverted "U" hat anchor to the base of the ear are oval-shaped.
The size of these pieces will increase proportionally as the puppy grows larger.
For a 7-1/2 week old puppy, the crossbrace should measure about 3-1/2 inches across a young puppy;
Patter should be about 4-1/2 inches on  a 10 to 12 week old puppy.
Bracing Ears: Cut piece of tape to needed length.

Trim excess hair from inside ears and clean inside ear well with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oils.

Cut and fold tape as illustrated in

Figure 1:Trim tape if needed. you my fold the extra tape over.  Apply tape to inside of ears as shown in

Figure 2: Be careful not to catch hairs underneath tape as these can pull and irritate dog.

Tipping Ears: Cut a piece of tape approximately 2" long. Roll tape sticky side out. Place tape on top part of ear

(Figure 3) and fold over, pressing tape to bottom part of ear or to ear brace (described above).

Make sure that your hands are washed and free of oils to ensure the best results when applying ear tape.
Here is the web site for Japanese tape and other ear products
Wickets By Mel - Ear Tape
LA's Totally Awesome