Hi everyone,
I have a 4-year-old European Doberman and I am thinking about cropping and docking his ears and tail. I didn't do it when he was a puppy because I wasn't sure if I wanted to go through with it or not.
But now I am considering it and wondering if it's too late to have it done at his age. Is it still safe and humane to have a Doberman cropped and docked at this age? Will it have any negative effects on his health or behavior?
I appreciate any insight or personal experiences on this topic. Thank you!

Hey there,
I have a European Doberman who was cropped and docked at around 3 years old. Like you, I didn't decide to do it when she was a puppy because I couldn't bear to see her go through the pain.
However, after some contemplation, I decided to have the procedure done. Everything went well and my Doberman healed quickly. Although she was a bit groggy and disoriented from the anesthesia immediately post-surgery, overall, she recovered quickly and was back to her energetic self within a couple of days.
In terms of behavior, I haven't noticed any changes with her since the procedure. She's still as playful and affectionate as ever. However, I did notice that she seemed a bit more cautious around other dogs for the first few weeks after the procedure. I think this might have been because of the discomfort she was feeling.
Overall, I believe the decision to crop and dock is a personal one that should be made after thorough consideration. While I'm happy with my choice and my dog's appearance, I'm aware that it may not be the right choice for everyone. It's important to weigh the pros and cons, talk to your veterinarian, and do your own research before deciding to go through with the procedure.