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Originally Posted by starbuck8

I've believe I've changed my mind with this and Alty's info. I did have my Dobies tails done, but it was probably more than 20 yrs ago, and the vet did tell me it was for hygiene and health reasons. Guess I learned something new today. :)

If it is only for aesthetic reasons and outward appearance, there is no reason to unnecessarily put a little fur babe through the pain of that experience. Like I had mentioned, it didn't seem to have any ill effects on my Dobies, but maybe they were just lucky. Or maybe they were just trying to be tough guys...awww, now I feel bad for doing it. :( I didn't know! I guess that's why you should always do your research right?

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You didn't know then, you do know now. We learn new things every day, no need to feel bad about decisions made long ago, and as you said your Doberman was fine.

When we got our poodle he was already 5 months old, his parents were show dogs, they cropped his tail shortly after he was born. Like I said our poodle had back problems all of his life. Our wonderful vet, whom I adore and trust completely, said that it was possible that the problems resulted from the tail being docked, but purebred poodles inheritently have back problems anyway, so that might not have been the case. He was one of the first vets that I know of that wouldn't preform tail dockings or ear dockings. He felt that it was completely unnecessary unless there was an infection.

Naomi, I'm glad that you've decided to leave the pups the way nature intended, especially since the vet did say it was for cosmetic reasons. They are so lucky to have someone as dedicated to their welfare as you are. I'm glad that they are in your care.

Good Luck.

Oh, I'll post on how to post pictures another time, okay?

Hi all I just wanted to let all know that the pups and mommy are doing good. The pups are starting to open their eyes and are already getting big! We have named them Elizabeth, Emily and Jack(because he looks like a little pirate with his eye patch). Mommy has been named Angel. All checked out good with the vet and are healthy. I just got a new camera so I am going to try and post some new pictures. By the way does anyone have any suggestions for leach training an older dog? Angel is terrified of the leach and if I put it on her she freaks out. I have been able to get he to step outside now - no leach about 5 feet from the door to go potty but she is still scared of going out but is starting to get a little better.

I'm glad to hear momma and babes are all well. Those are cute names for the pups, and Angel is perfect for mom! :)

Poor Angel is probably afraid of being abandoned on the streets again. Did your vet give you any idea how old she might be?

Check out this site. They have a lounge and the people there are all try to help you with your dog questions much like here, except it's all about dogs specifically.

Dog Tricks Training Lessons Online

Hope that helps you a bit. Can't wait to see the pics! :D

She's probably afraid of leaving her babies, they are still very dependent on her. I'd wait until the babies are weaned before attempting any kind of training. It could also be that she suffered abuse and part of it happened while on leash. Give her time and love and she'll come around, I'm sure of it.

Try using a short leash, 4 ft and just putting it on her and letting her drag it around. That way she can get used to it. Please supervise when doing this to make sure it doesn't get caught on anything. I agree with Altenweg that you should wait until the pups are weaned.

Ok I can't seem to get my pictures to come through of the pups but I was able to put a picture of the mommy, Angel under my sign in name. If any one knows how to post let me know. I tried the link to post them, but it still won't work - stumped.

It's probably because the pics are to large, try resizing.

The momma is gorgeous, what a sweetie, can't wait to see the pups.

Once again, congrats and bravo for being such a kind caring person. :)

I am posing a picture of one of the pups under my screen name. This is Jack the little boy. For some reason there seems to be an error when I try resizing so I am just not having any luck posting to the site, so I'll put a new picture on to show everyone the family, one at a time.

Awwww... look at baby Jack the pirate :) What a sweet looking little guy! Love it! Give your adopted momma lots 'o' licks Jack!

Jack is such a cutie, what a little angel, love the eye patch, tooooo cute. Those pups and momma are so lucky that you found them and that they found you, it was fate. :)

I agree, my neighbor had a pup (shelter dog) with his ears done, and u could clearly see that they had messed up when doing it! They were sad, scarred up, and healed up "crooked"!