[jlopez187]

I am thinking of getting another puppy, to keep my new puppy(Tyson) company.however I am worried about the new puppy, because she doesn't have her tail docked, and I am worried if I get the new puppy and get her tail docked, is she too old to get it docked? And if not, I am worried my puppy Tyson, will try and play with her but might hurt her if she gets the tail docked and hasn't recovered from the tail docking

Please help.

[tickle]

You are probably right, but on an older dog the tail procedure is called an 'amputation'. I would not have it done on your older dog. Why put him/her through it ? Tail docking is usually done much younger then l2 weeks.

[froggy7]

Yep... if you aren't showing the dog, I'd just leave the tail alone at this point. If worse comes to worse and she has a case of "happy tail', you can get it amputated then to control the situation. If she doesn't, then you will all live a happy life together and you will save some money on not having it done.

[RWuest]

Agreed.

[linnealand]

Hello there! I hope I'm not too late. I have an English cocker spaniel puppy with a tail. As you probably know, in the united states, cockers' tails are usually docked. Because we were fortunate enough to find our pup the day he was born, we had the option of either docking the tail or keeping it. I did as much research as I could on tail docking, and we got back to the breeder to inform her that we were going to keep the tail. If docking is going to be done, it should happen within the first 24 to 72 hours of the puppy's life.

Now, there are some people who are in favor of docking for one of two reasons. The first is for practical reasons IF, for example, you're hunting with the dog. Some hunting dogs are more prone to tail injuries (like the cocker), and some dogs (especially those who run into fox holes, etc.) get their ears trimmed to prevent the extra skin from making them easier to get caught, for example, by the claws of an animal.

The other reason people dock tails is for aesthetic reasons, but this is more subjective. I will tell you that my hubby and I are designers, and aesthetics do play a significant role in our daily lives. At least in our situation, after seeing dogs with and without tails, we decided that they both look good. However, since we're not hunters (I don't know if you are), it would be an unnecessary and painful procedure. We kept the tail, and I can't tell you how truly happy we are with the decision. Our pup was the only one in the litter that didn't get docked.

We live in italy, where docking is still legal, as it still is in the united states, but docking is completely illegal in many countries around the world including the united kingdom, australia, germany, switzerland, sweden, denmark, norway, israel... if you don't dock, you're actually being progressive and following what is likely become the trend in the future. Tails are extremely expressive, and there are many psychological and social arguments to consider against docking.

Now, I'm not against it in all cases, but if it's going to be done at a later age (i.e. 3 months), it's going to be a much bigger, much more painful, and much more traumatic procedure. Is it only for the look of the dog? Why wasn't the tail docked when he was a newborn? Are you planning to show your pup? If so, is it a breed requirement in exhibitions where you are? I know that in the countries listed above, it is now illegal to show a dog with a docked tail. My pup is the son of the young european champion 2007 of all cockers, and I knew that the puppy had a fair chance of becoming a show dog. For him to show internationally (including in the countries listed), he would have to have his tail.

Have you ever seen a doberman with full ears and an intact tail? They're absolutely beautiful, and I think they even look about a thousand times friendlier. I hope that you consider some of the things I've written, and I do hope that you decide to keep your little pup's tail. However, if you have absolutely already made a decision to have it surgically removed by your vet, I would recommend keeping the dogs separated until the healing is complete. It can take a very, very long time for a tail to heal, and it is prone to very heavy bleeding and additional injuries.

Please let us know what you've decided to do! :)

[tickle]

You had better add Canada to the list of coutries that don't allow tail docking or ear trimming. I do agree, linnealand, about your comment re Dobermans looking hugely more user-friendly with ears undocked. However, I don't think undockd ears will do anything for the gender 'pitbull' (no offense to ruby).

[Alty]

Some info on tail docking;

Tail docking has also been performed for centuries and although it may cause pain, it is often done without any anaesthetic. Tail docking is performed when the puppy is only a few days old and involves removing the hair from the tail and then clamping the tail with a rubber band at the desired length, at which point it is cut with a scalpel or cutters, stitched up, and bandaged. In the process, muscles, tendons, nerves, bone, and cartilage is severed.

Some say it is required for dogs with feathered coats for hygiene reasons or for working dogs. Most do it to give their dog a “traditional” look for dog shows. However, tail docking is not necessary for hygienic reasons or for working dogs, and can be a painful procedure that should not be performed for purely cosmetic reasons. More and more veterinarians are refusing to perform it. A dog's tail is important both for balance and body language.

All in all there aren't enough reasons to do it, but many reasons not to.

I had a poodle with a docked tail, he had back problems his entire life because of it. I would never have a dogs tail docked, it's there for a reason, and the only reason to dock it is aesthetic.

[tickle]

Years ago there were justifiable reasons for this purpose in a few breeds that needed it done for safety reasons, and that was confronting angry and ferocious animals that would latch onto to anything hanging, such as floppy ears and long tails. At times, these animals at each end of a dog trying to fight for its life, so the practice was born to protect the dog in situations like this.