just wondering...how many of you are opposed to tail docking and how many like docking?

Question

i personally am opposed to it because i don't really like how it looks and i don't want to hurt my dog ( I think it's mean)...i have a jrt and i didn't get her tail docked....sure i probably can't win any conformation trials because of it but agility and obedience is our thing ...and i just don't want to hurt her for a "look"....you know what I'm saying? o ...can i have your opinions on tail docking and your reasons why you like it or dislike it

THANKS

thanks...ya i was just wondering because some people "frown" upon me for not getting my jack russell terrier's tail docked

Answer 1

i have a jac russle terrier too and hes twelve and his tail was docked when he was a pup he was docke when i got him his still very hyper and active it does not affect his agility or balanced he can run really fast and he doing great but i dont think that any dog should be docked

Answer 2

I have Dobermans & have had 9 over the past 26 years. All had their tails docked & they never had a problem. If done properly at the right age there is no problem with it!!! Two of my dogs were pups out of a litter of my male & female so I have experienced the docking from the very beginning. Personally I think Dobies look a lot better with their tails docked!!! What I say is, to each their own.

Answer 3

I am not opposed to tail dockings, but I don't encourage them either. Some breeds suffer from "happy tail" and sometimes are better of docked (like german shorthairs)

I administer local anesthetic before the tail docks. The puppies don't seem affected at all and start nursing right away. Is not necessary, I agree, but is not cruel in newborns.

However, I am strongly opposed to docking a dog that is over a week old unless there is a strong medical reason for it! It is unnecessary and cruel after the vertebral discs hardens and recovery is painful.

Answer 4

I have 2 dogs with docked tails. I will admit, I like the way Rottweilers look with a docked tail- versus long. Both were docked at 2-3 days old, and healed rather quickly. I think if it is done EARLY at a vet office or by a QUALIFIED person, it isn't too traumatizing. After a few days old, some vets won't dock a tail. ( think circumsicision for baby boys or grown men).

Answer 5

I own 5 boxers and all there tails are docked personally i like the look they just look funny with there tails and its the standard for the breed its almost always done at 2 to 3 days old and heals very fast so i think its ok .

Answer 6

if you are not showing in the breed like you said then you do not have to dock her tail. the tail docking is for the show ring only. it usual done when the puppy is 3 ot 5 days old. so most puppy already have the tails done when there are sold. if i owned a breed that need its tail dock i would have it done if it was not done as puppy since i own shelties i do not want it done.

Answer 7

I have 5 grown Dobie's--3 have docked tails--2 have long--I also had 5 Dobie pup's and had their tails docked--I have it done at 3 days old and have never had a problem--personal preference I think--nothing wrong with it!

Answer 8

Personal preference against, but strongly supportive of retaining the right to do so in a humane manner. Would personally discourage people from doing it for cosmetic reasons, but acknowledge that in some circumstances (working dogs at high risk of tail injury) it may actually be preferable to retaining a natural tail.

Answer 9

Tail docking goes by breed standard. If you plan on showing your dog than it needs to be done. Personally, I think of it kind of on the same lines as parents who get their babies ears pierced. I think it's a bummer that it's done but it's going to happen no matter what you think about it. I know dew claws are removed because they can be caught on things when the dogs are running or hunting. I've also heard of people getting their pinky toes removed so they can fit their feet in those skinny shoes. Where will it end?

Answer 10

Well docking the tail is ok, if it is a working dog, and it could very well get it caught some wear, or be bugged by flies or insects [I heard this on discovery or animal planet] Like removing dew claws so they dont rip off.