tail docking

Discussion in 'Dog Chat' started by barrie, Jan 11, 2009.


  1. barrie

    barrie PetForums Newbie

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    have seen an add for fox terrier puppies that stated the tails have been docked.
    i have been informed that when she sells them she must supply a note saying that the tails were docked by a vet with his name on.and that the dogs are for hunting.
    NOW what is stopping anyone from saying they are for huntting and then get them docked .if the law has been pasted then there should be no exceptions.
    unless the dog has been born with a defect or has a problem with the tail.
    a wild fox hunts and has a tail so whats the difference.
    as i say its law or its not.
    so whats your thoughts on this .
    from a dog lover and owner.
     
  2. shortbackandsides

    shortbackandsides PetForums VIP

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    If you are a dog lover as you say you are,then surley you wouldnt want to see a dog with half its tail ripped off,bleeding and in pain.This is what can happen when dogs are used for hunting,and are running through thick brambles and thorns:)That is why breeders,if they prove,are allowed to dock their puppies if they are to be used for working:)
     
  3. Tigerneko

    Tigerneko PetForums VIP

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    Hmm, i'm kinda split on tail docking. I agree with it to a degree, but I dunno. I think if it's done properly when the puppies are very young, it's not really a problem. But then, I don't really know a lot about docking, so maybe there are some facts that i'm unaware of that would cement my opinion.

    But I do think it's strange seeing rotties and boxers with full tails :scared:
     
  4. barrie

    barrie PetForums Newbie

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    i know what you are saying but it is because we are not use to seeing rotties and boxers with tails.

    and as far as the first reply gos a dog has just as much chance of damaging any part of the body when running through bushes. yes i know the tail is wagging. but how many wild foxies have you seen with broken tails.

    i gess there will be a lot for it and as many against it.:confused:
     
  5. tashi

    tashi Super Moderator
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    but they carry their tails differently it depends on the tailset and tail carriage as to how much damage would be caused !!!
     
  6. Happy Paws

    Happy Paws PetForums VIP

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    I really don't see the point of docking the tails of pet dogs. I would not buy one.
     
  7. thedogsmother

    thedogsmother Moderator

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    I saw a video of some tails being docked on you tube (wasn't very nice). I don't know if this is how its always done but the pups were definately in pain.:(. However I had a Staffie who kept splitting his tail by wagging it too hard against things and he couldn't leave it alone once it was damaged which therefor took ages to heal so I can also understand the working dog arguament.
     
  8. tashi

    tashi Super Moderator
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    Promise you if it is done properly they dont flinch
     
  9. Tigerneko

    Tigerneko PetForums VIP

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    My dogs tail is docked, although he's rescue.

    It wouldn't really be a factor wether the tail is docked or not. I'm more interested in the personality & health of the pup and the parents. Wether I buy the dog or not, it's still gonna have a docked tail and I wouldn't put personality & health below it.

    But that's just my opinion, I know everyones differs :D
     
  10. Natik

    Natik PetForums VIP

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    ....same here.

    And also people have different opinions on the pain issue but i find that because a puppy might not show a reaction we expect doesnt mean it doesnt feel the pain...but then this is only my opinion :)
     
  11. Katie&Cody

    Katie&Cody PetForums VIP

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    Tail docking has reared it's nasty head again.
    There was a long thread about this not so long ago...
    I think Tail Docking is completley wrong for cosmetic reasons...someone in the last thread said their boxer's tail was so long it swipped things off the side my reply, move them!! You wouldn't leave out china plates in reach of child would you...?

    I do agree with the majority though that working spaniels and such like should have their tails docked as puppies to prevent injury.

    It is hard for ppl to follow the law tho when there are down and out liars out there who will take their pups for docking and say it is for working reasons, personally i don't know how these ppl can live with themselves. It's a simiular case when a 'white' coated dog is culled because of its coat colour and ridgebacks for not having a ridge, yet the ones with are acutally the deformed ones.....i find it disgusting!! Personally unless you want a working dog always buy a dog with a tail!!! Rescue is a different matter - the dog is already like it and is in need of a home you are not funding the illegal dockers...and that is all.

    Please note this is just MY opinion.
     
  12. SpringerHusky

    SpringerHusky PetForums VIP

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    I don't like it and would refuse to buy a pup with a docked tail.

    My problem is I know a few who's parents were working but the pups are pets and have docked tails, that annoys me.

    Another thing I read is people form the UK are breeding in Uk taking the bitch across to ireland birthing the pups and docking them there and bringing them back here. :mad:
     
  13. Tweedle Dee

    Tweedle Dee PetForums Member

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    My husband has working spaniels and labs and he would never work a spaniel with a full tail. Ours are trialing bred and their back ends are articulated (typical spaniel action lol!), if they had a full tail there would be nothing left by the end of a working day.

    Our labs quite often bust the tips of their tails and it takes ages to heal and it is so messy and bloody. Also you cant really treat a bleeding tail, we have cream to help it heal but one knock and it starts again, its a right pest.

    Never had a prob with our spaniels as they are all docked. Also they are 1/3 docked (to the hock) and have no probs with body language as they still have a respectable length tail (that always crops up in these debates!) - i dont personally like to see a dog with a stump :nonod:

    I have seen vids of docking and the ones i saw the pups continued suckling from mum - not a squeak. Done properly and at the right age i dont think its cruel at all, bettewr than loads of suffering further down the line and possible painful amputation.

    Ang x
     
    1 person likes this.
  14. sallyanne

    sallyanne Guest

    Totally agree with the above :)
     
  15. JANICE199

    JANICE199 PetForums VIP

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    That is true, but if caught doing so you stand to be fined..::(
     
  16. danccooke

    danccooke PetForums Newbie

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    Do you have any actual proof that the ones with ridges are deformed:confused:

    Basically I agree with mose here, I've seen working dogs with split tails, having to have the vets work on them, being out of action for a while with a funnel on thier head to stop them getting at stitches. Not pleasant for dog or owner.
    But docking for the sake of docking is wrong. It does lead to seeing some odd looking dogs (in comparison to my childhood image of some breeds)
     
    #16 danccooke, Jan 12, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2009
  17. bee112

    bee112 PetForums VIP

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    Not if the Pups are born in Ireland and the docking is done there..

    A breeder I know does that.. he has a home in Ireland where he takes the bitch to have her pups and gets them docked professionaly and brings the bitch and her pups back to his home in Cheshire afterwards.. nothing illeagal about that.
     
  18. Katie&Cody

    Katie&Cody PetForums VIP

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    It was on a dog and breeds programme not so long ago.
     
  19. danccooke

    danccooke PetForums Newbie

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    Which has already had to make an apology on the content and the lack of evidential proof. I'm not up for an argument but it is a shame to let urban myth ruin the image of what is a truly stunning breed.
     
  20. pinkbutterflys

    pinkbutterflys PetForums Senior

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    my ex had a doberman with a docked tail who passed away, he then got two pups with full tails, its strange but you get used to it although i prefer the look of certain dogs without them and there are breeds which benifit from docked tails ( hunting dogs for example) i think its something that no one will agree oon =]
     
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