Comments on: The Tail Docking Controversy

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 07:16:19 +0000

Amen to mike_87.

By: mike_87

mike_87 — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:03:17 +0000

Domestic dogs,Canis Lupus familiaris, is in no way natural. This arguement that docking a dogs tail goes against nature and is unnatural is ridiculous as domestic dogs are not natural in themselves. They are a product of human intervention in evolution. Domestic dogs are a product of mankind, this is evident in the fact that in no way would natural selection ever select for many of the odd characteristics of many breed and in the fact that domestic dogs are very different than wild dogs such as wolves or coyotes, in that even a domesticated wolf will not look towards humans for help when attempting to solve problems but domestic dogs instinctively look to humans for help (just place your dogs favorite treat or toy in a place that is just out of their reach and you will see that eventually they will look to you for help). And for someone to say that a dog should not be used in working that may put them in harms way just shows how little you really know or understand about working dogs. These working dogs love to work and love to do a job it gives them a sense of purpose. These dogs instinctively want to work and a working dog that is not given a job or a purpose is an unhappy dog. This is why many owners of jack russels or other working terriers find the dogs to be uncontrollable and mentally unstable. One of the most cruel things a person can do to a dog, aside from physical abuse or gross neglect, is to treat their dog like a person and not like a dog, most dogs were bred for a purpose and are happiest when performing this purpose. Treating a dog like a person can lead to mantal instability, hyperactivity, and destructive behavior.Tail docking is important to many breeds but should only be done correctly and to breed standards.

By: Rodrigo

Rodrigo — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 00:08:34 +0000

Hi, Brazil have also banned tail docking, along with ears as well. In fact all non-essencial and only-for-looking surgery in pets are banned.

By: bdz

bdz — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:07:25 +0000

The terrier described by Sandy in her January 28, 2010 post could actually be a dog with a congenital bobbed tail. The nerves that control the rectum come out of the spinal cord further up in the body than the tail but a tailess-ness birth defect could produce all of the symptoms described. I have only had one tail docked in my dogs. An adult male Borzoi who caught his tail between the wire mesh forming the sides of the crate and then exited the crate breaking his tail off in the process. The emergency vet had to take some more off so we had enough skin to seal the stump so he ended up with 6 inches of tail. It healed pretty quickly and he never seemed to miss it – although for cosmetic purposes I did miss his tail. I also had a greyhound who used to beat her tail tip bloody with excessively violently wagging. Leaving blood on the appliances and walls. We were afraid we might have to dock the tail because of the repeated wounding of its tip but I was finally able to teach her to sit every time she greeted us so the tail was no longer whipped about.

However my experience with her caused me to wonder if part of the reason for docking the tails in dogs such as Dobermanns was that before antibiotics were developed a dog that regularly wounded its long whip like tail the way my greyhound did might die of an infection.

By: Stef

Stef — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:36:18 +0000

“So are we then going to ban circumcision, tattoos, all body piercing, tribal scarification, boob jobs, lid lifts, cheek implants(even if they are helping the disfigured-disfigurement is not life threatening, therefore not technically medically necessary)and a host of other “cosmetic procedures”?”

Those procedures are done on humans. Humans can have a say in what is done to them (with the exception of circumcision which I believe is more often done without the permission of the recipient than with). Dogs can’t choose whether or not they want their tails docked. And although the band round a small puppy’s tail may be the most humane way who’s to say it’s not still painful whilst the nerves are dying. And as Sandy said there are people who do it wrong and cause lifelong problems and pain.

Although I have to admit there may be cases where it does need doing. Injury for example and working breeds who do actually work. For cosmetic purposes I dislike the act. My neighbour has a female Jack Russell which is a working breed however Bella (neighbour’s dog) is not a working dog yet her tail is docked. It makes me sad to see it.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:03:37 +0000

My view of a responsible breeder is someone who does his or her best to talk you out of getting a dog and who will be upfront with prospective owners about the realities of owning a puppy and raising it to a dog. I always emphasise the pooping and peeing on carpets, digging up of lawns( and also carpeting, floorboards and tiles) and a whole array of other inconveniences associated with my breed, that is the “working Jack Russell terrier”. They also need to know that they are in for a lifetime commitment and a decent dog breeder will give you his/her written assurance that they will take the dog back from you at any point in its natural life if circumstances dictate that you cannot keep it. As for docking and show ring standards, I cannot comment as I am not part of the Kennel Club show crowd. Terriers, thank God have been kept away from the show ring and its associated cosmetic demands for nearly 2 centuries and the positive rewards of this are obvious when this strain is compared in terms of health on a genetic level and longevity to other show breeds. Don’t buy a dog from someone who just agrees to sell you one, expect questions and demands from someone who cares about their dogs and their futures. Your breeder is supposed to be your friend after the purchase of the puppy. Type ” hump and dump dog breeder” into google and there is a very good piece to read on this..

By: DC

DC — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:03:48 +0000

I have a question for Jonathan and Sandy. How can a person know he/she is dealing with a “licensed, humane, knowledgeable breeder”? The fact is that most people buy puppies from affordable sources and just don’t know any better. Unfortunately, these “affordable sources” also don’t seem to know any better either. From what I understand, it’s not very hard to become a registered breeder and very little proof of being “knowledgeable” is required.
I may not have all the facts but from what I can read, the main reason that some dog breeds are altered today is not because of their ‘work’ but more because of the standards established by Kennel Clubs. Let’s face it, people do as people see. If we’re only seeing certain breeds with docked tails or altered ears, then of course that’s what we think is ‘normal’. If we start seeing more animals in their natural state, then that will become normal to us. I know that in New Brunswick, vets no longer perform this service so breeders (knowledgeable or not) are left to their own devices to tackle it themselves. I have yet to see a poodle in this province who’s tail is more than a few inches long…far shorter than the standards set. I don’t know about the rest of the readers but I feel I need to do something. For starters, I will be looking into possibly pulling some accurate information together and providing it to those breeders in my area that advertise particular breeds. It may not convince them to stop the practice of tail docking, but at least raise some awareness. If you have any suggestions, please pass it along.

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:19:20 +0000

Thanks Jonathan, But I do hope everyone keeps focusing on all the issues concerning our beloved animals whether they be pets or working partners. I think it’s time that their rights as a living, feeling, caring beings are brought out into the open,discussed and laws brought forth that will help all of these innocent creatures live happier, healthier lives. We all have an subject that really pulls on our heart strings,so it will take all of us to get attention brought to each of these areas of concern.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:15:25 +0000

Sandy sums it up well and also points out that this post has opened up into a debate on subjects other than its original starting point. Amputations, puppy farming and uninformed backyard breeding are all issues that deserve attention, perhaps more attention than is currently being focused on properly performed tail docking. Good wishes to all and their dogs( especially the ones who are recuperating) on this site and around the world

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:57:46 +0000

Jonathan,
Obviously you work with competent breeders and veterinarians. And you are certainly correct in what you say as far as I know. I’m not arguing the fact that it can be done correctly and safely. However, I work in rescue. I have no degrees in any kind of veterinary fields. I’ve done no real studies on any of this. But what I see, is the incompetent home breeder.( I have no problem with licensed,humane,knowledgeable, breeders) Last year in one case alone, over 600 dogs and puppies were rescued from one puppy-mill. Have you seen the inhumane conditions these dogs are forced to live in. These are the same kind of breeders that do not use proper procedures and cleanliness when doing such things as docking tails and ears.Nor do they get competent vets to do it as that takes away from their profits. I see the effects of this kind of breeding and care, or should I say lack of it.
I still prefer to see tail docking not done unless there is a health reason, or as you say, for some breeds of working dogs. Just for appearance doesn’t work for me.
Rich, I am so sorry to hear about your dog.You obviously had no choice but to try to save your dogs life. This is of course not the same as tail docking.
I pray that she recovers completely and although you will always miss that happy wagging tail, console yourself in the fact that you have her. In time she will find new ways to communicate with you.
God bless you
Sandy