Should I dock my dogs tail?

Question

First of all, I would like to say that I am totally humane and only want to do this for my dog's sake. Now, I have talked this over very cautiously with my uncle who is a vet. First of all, if I did do it, my dog is still a pup. We will simply be putting a rubberband around the end to cut off circulation until the tail falls off... there will be no pain involved.

Ok, so, now to the story. My dogs tail is huge (and thick)! She is haft pitt bull. Everytime she passes by people she hits them in on the legs and people often say it hurts. It's always a very loud thump. SHe can be sitting somewhere, and it just because her tail is so huge, it just goes... thump, thump, thump.... it mean she knocks thing over constantly, and we get on to her about it, but the poor thing, she never knows why she is getting into trouble!!

Please help, what should I do?

I feel that I should add a bit more details... first of all, my dog is four months old, but she is huge. I think we feed her too much, second of all, when she wags her tail, which is a constant thing..... her whole body moves (that's how big it is) and she constantly thumps things loud. Now, I agree that the rubber band thing is probably not such a good idea....... I will be doing it through a local vet. I love my dog and I want to do what is best for her.

Answer 1

if she is knocking things over and hitting people with it, then yeah, i'd do it.

some people do that to dogs if they are hunting dogs, also, b/c their tails can get caught up.

it's like getting a cat declawed....as long as it's done in a humane fashion, then i see no problem.

EDIT:
i would like you to know that using a rubber band to do this, though, is INHUMANE and i believe it is illegal.

do not do this, but if you want it off, then do it with a real vet.

Answer 2

One of our Rotts came from a litter of pups where this type of procedure was done to dock their tails. This was done when the pups were DAYS old and their nervous systems were not fully formed.

You talk about your dog's tail being huge, so I am assuming that your dog is over six months old.

Ignoring the fact that some type of infection might occur, why would you think that this would be a safe and painless procedure? You're intentionally killing off part of the animal. If it was some part such as an ear that is primarily flesh it wouldn't as bad. You're talking about flesh AND bone, and part of the nerve column. I can't believe that your uncle would suggest this method versus surgery.

Imagine the great smell you're going to have when this dog is dragging around a half dead tail?

If you were doing this for HER benefit because her tail was constantly getting infected, etc. then there might be a justification albiet very small. All of the reasons you are giving are because of other people, or because she knocks things over.

That isn't a reason to dock a dog's tail.

Answer 3

Docking a dog's tail is done 3 days after birth. Leaving it this late is not an option unless for a valid medical reason.

Answer 4

Anything beyond 5 days of whelping is no longer considered a docking. It is now classified as an amputation.

Banding a pup or dogs tail is NOT humane.

I know several breeders that band tails when the pups are just a week or 2 old, but at that age, they can't get to it and gnaw or chew their tails apart.

Regardless of what anyone says, it sounds like you're going to do it anyway. Next time you consider a pup, I would recommend finding a breeder before the pups are born and see if they will get a pup's tail done before 3 days old.

Answer 5

You SHOULD NOT band your dogs tail! Docking should not be done after 3 days of age. I cannot believe your uncle is a reputable vet for even suggesting this method. I've SEEN what happens when this is done. The rubberband creates a wound which becomes infected and is VERY painful! This is considered animal abuse and is punishable by law. Leave your dogs tail alone, what does it matter if she wags it alot? Just means she's happy.

Answer 6

Even though your uncle is a vet, it "IS" inhumane to doc the tail in the method you described!!!!
Simply putting a rubber band on the tail can (and most often does) cause serious infection because what happens is that the tail ROTS off and not only it there the risk of infection, this is VERY painful to the dog.
IF you really feel that you HAVE to do this to your dog, PLEASE invest the money and have it surgically removed in a PROPER operation. In the long run, it will be worth the cost to have it done PROPERLY!!!!

Answer 7

Too late!!! Docking is to be done at 2-3 days old!!! DO NOT put a rubberband on this dog's tail. Very likely it will cause a serious problem & you could be charged with animal cruelty which is a crime!!!! I find it hard to believe that your uncle is a vet!! NO vet do this to a dog at this age!!

Answer 8

I have 2 boxers that have their tails docked but they are supposed to and it was done way early in life. Recently my boyfriend moved in with his 2 pits and I understand what u mean by the tail but over time I have gotten used to it. I just have to make them calm down and adjust myself so I do not get hit. They would look funny without their tails. I don't care what anybody says the dog will be in pain for a little while but whatever suits you is best.

Answer 9

I'd leave it alone, I mean it's going to hurt no matter what your uncle says, I mean how would you like it if someone rubber banded your finger until it fell off? My puppy has a long tail and I think it's the cutest thing ever! I personally don't like dogs whose tails are docked.

Answer 10

Absolutely not. Both you and the vet involved can and should be prosecuted if you do this once a dog is over four days old unless for a medical condition which your dog obviously doesn't have. She is a dog - dog's have tails - get over it.

Answer 11

as an owner of a dog who does the same here is some advice.

we left our dogs tail long. but it really is up to you your dog does not care. when my dog goes near people with her huge tail we look at her and say calm down and when she is calm we pet her. try it it works. after awhile you wont get hit with the tail.