How I Dock Puppy Tails
I have docked puppy tails several different ways. I even taken them to a vet to be done. Through these experiences I have discovered puppies are better off to have their tails docked at home to limit stress from transporting them and reduce stress on the mother.
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Why are tails docked?
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Tails are docked to prevent future injury. Tails can end up caught in door ways or stepped on. When an adult dog ends up with a broken tail or an injured tail it is very painful and takes a long time to heal. Not only does the dog suffer pain but the dog could end up with behavioral issues because of the injury.
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Pups who are only days old do feel pain but they will not remember the procedure. The pup heals faster at this young age.
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Many people consider the procedure barbaric but it is done by most breeders for good intentions. Below is a description on how I dock my pups tails.
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-I first make sure the pup is gaining weight and is healthy by day three or four before I even consider docking their tail.
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-I do not separate mom from babies so the pups can be comforted by mom. I also make sure I have all the supplies I need.
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-I sanitize all the tools and the pup's tail. I sanitize tools in between pups as well.
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-I place a rubber band snugly around the base of the tail for a tourniquet.
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-Using clean tool similar to shrub shears I cut the tail. I determine the length by the marking under the tail or using my finger for measuring the approximate length of 1.5 cm.
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-I apply an antiseptic blood stopper to the end of the tail.
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-Wait 60 seconds then remove the tourniquet.
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-While I have the pup, I also remove the dew claws with a similar process.
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-Return the pup to mom.
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Why I don't use banding?
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I don't band my pups tails because I had issues with a mom trying to chew the bands and more issues with infections. By just cutting the tails off the job is done and over. The tails are closely watched and cleaned for the next few days but seem to heal nicely and quickly.
