2007-12-11 19:35:39 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs can live fine without their tail. They don't even know it's gone if it becomes amputated for some injury.
The only problem is that tails amputate too short can cause nerve issues in the back legs and hips.
2007-12-11 20:30:28 · answer #1 · answered by mama woof 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's so funny I have a Collie that got her tail caught in a door when she was about 12 weks old and it was broken and the vet docked or amputated it. Now this is a dog that normally would not have a docked tail. She has no problem getting around and her balance is great she likes to follow my daughter on a low balance beam and balances better than my daughter.
This as some said is an old myth from anti-dockers ( people against docking of certain breeds tail).
2007-12-12 08:53:35 · answer #2 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay....Okay....Here you go, maybe running a search on line may have pulled up several inlightening facts, I have indigestion so I do not feel like rambling the question off for the billionth time to people..... first five paragraphs then follow the link....
Wagging tails and dogs
Many people understand that a wagging tail means a happy dog. But is it really that simple? What else does a dog’s tail tell us? The dog uses its tail as an important means of communication and is evaluated along with other body language signals to determine what the animal is 'saying'. So what about dogs that have no tails (docked)? And what are the consequences of a broken tail?
Most dog owners can tell you what their dog’s tail is telling you at any given moment. It takes time and observation to understand the body language of your pet. Understanding what your pet is telling you is important for building a close relationship between you and your pet and for evaluating whether a strange dog is friendly or potentially dangerous. For the new dog owner, there are a few points to help you get started.
A dog’s tail is just one tool that the dog uses for communication. The dog also uses vocalization, scents, and other aspects of body language such as eye and ear movements, pupil dilation, and general body positions. Therefore, the dog has to be evaluated as a whole to determine what he/she is saying.
A confident and alert dog has his/her tail upright and may be wagging with slow sweeps. A dog’s wagging tail may be compared to a human’s smile. However, it is more accurately an indicator of a dog’s alertness. Depending on the breed, their tail may naturally curl over their back when held upright. The confident tail is accompanied by perky or relaxed ears and an inquisitive gaze.
A fast, enthusiastic wag indicates excitement or anticipation of something good, such as a treat or play time. A slow wag indicates that the dog is pleased. How fast a dog wags its tail depends on breed and personality, much like how different people express happiness in slightly different ways. One person may have a very small smile, while another person may have a wide smile with teeth showing.
http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dog_tails2.htm
2007-12-12 04:53:43 · answer #3 · answered by skydancer_2489 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't really need a tail for balance, their tail is for communication purposes.
Many breeds of dogs get their tails docked for a variety of reasons and those dogs live normal happy lives. Even with a loss of their tail, dogs can still communicate through their ears and even facial expressions. Their head held low or high is another indicator of mood.
2007-12-12 06:27:48 · answer #4 · answered by nanookadenord 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats made up by the anti-dockers. Its completely untrue, if it were alot of the docked breeds would never be able to navigate in agility, it may help sometimes for mood recognition but it is not needed, humans had tails- we apparently didnt need them for balance since most dont have them any more.
2007-12-12 03:47:35 · answer #5 · answered by Ariana, <3 Deaf Dogs 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have a tail-less miniature schnauzer and her balance is perfect. I haven't heard anything on how tails affect dogs' equilibrium.
2007-12-12 03:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by bandgeekandproud16 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They don't, there are dogs that have their tails docked very short, and there have been other dogs and pups that have had their tails amputated for some reason or another.
2007-12-12 04:32:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
well i think dogs are alot like humans..do you think you could keep your balance with out you tail..
2007-12-12 12:49:08 · answer #8 · answered by bobbytjones1933 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't. Haven't you ever seen a dog with it's tail docked?
2007-12-12 03:41:32 · answer #9 · answered by radli66 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
they don't there is such a thing called Docking something l don't agree with personally
2007-12-12 04:31:38 · answer #10 · answered by LYN W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋