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Q:

Why do people say doberman should be docked because they injure their tail from happy tailing?

Hi everyone, I am new to the world of Doberman dogs and I have been doing some research on the breed. I have come across many people saying that Dobermans should be docked because they have a tendency to injure their tail from happy tailing. I am curious to know if this is really true and if there are any alternatives to docking the tail. I am hesitant to support a procedure that involves removing a part of the dog's body, so any guidance you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!

All Replies

maryjane.haley

Hello, I'm a current Doberman owner and I wanted to add my perspective to this discussion. While I agree that happy tail can be a real issue for the breed, I don't think it's a good enough reason to justify docking.

For my dog, happy tailing was a learned behavior that he developed as a puppy. It took some training and redirection, but we were able to teach him to be more mindful of his tail and to avoid wagging it too hard or in tight spaces. We also take precautions like wrapping his tail in a soft towel when he's in his crate or around other dogs, which has helped prevent any injuries.

Ultimately, I think it's important to take a holistic approach to preventing and treating tail injuries in Dobermans, rather than relying on docking as a one-size-fits-all solution. While docking may have some benefits in certain cases, there are many other ways to protect your dog's tail and promote their overall health and wellbeing. As with any major decision regarding your pet's care, I would urge you to consult with a veterinarian and do your own research before making a decision.

crodriguez

Hi all, I've had a different experience than user 1 with my Doberman regarding tail docking. When we first got our Doberman puppy, we were advised by our vet to have her tail docked as a preventative measure against happy tail. However, we decided against it as we felt that it was an unnecessary procedure and believed that we could find other ways to manage the issue if it arose.

As it turns out, our Doberman never had any issues with happy tail. We made sure to provide her with plenty of opportunities for exercise and play, which seemed to satisfy her energetic personality without causing any tail injuries. Even when she did inevitably bump her tail against something, the injury was always minor and healed quickly on its own. Looking back, I'm glad that we chose not to have her tail docked and that we were able to manage the issue in other ways.

That being said, I understand that each dog is different and what works for one may not work for another. It's important for owners to consider all available options and make an informed decision that is best for their individual dog.

ireynolds

Hi there, I have also had several Doberman pinschers over the years and have encountered both tail injuries and happy tailing. While I agree that tail injuries can be painful and difficult to treat, I have found that there are many other ways to prevent injury without resorting to docking.

One solution is to keep your dog's tail trimmed rather than removing it entirely, as this can reduce the likelihood of injury without compromising the dog's appearance or natural abilities. Another option is to use protective gear, such as special harnesses or tail guards, to shield the tail from accidental bumps and scrapes.

In many cases, tail injuries can be prevented simply by being mindful of your dog's behavior and avoiding activities or environments that may put them at risk. For example, if you know that your Doberman is prone to happy tailing, you may want to limit their time spent in tight spaces or around hard surfaces.

Ultimately, I believe that the decision to dock a dog's tail should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual dog's health and wellbeing, as well as their physical and behavioral characteristics. It's important to weigh all options carefully and to consult with a veterinarian before making any major decisions that could impact your dog's quality of life.

imills

I've had Dobermans for many years and I can definitely say that happy tailing is a real issue with the breed. Their tails are long and often very muscular, and when they get excited, they have a tendency to wag them very hard. This can result in injuries to the tail, such as cuts and bruises, that can be difficult to treat since the tail is always in motion.

I've seen firsthand how painful and frustrating it can be for a Doberman with a damaged tail - I had one dog who kept re-injuring his tail and couldn't seem to stop wagging it. In cases like this, docking the tail can be a practical solution to prevent further injury and alleviate the dog's discomfort.

That being said, I completely understand why someone might be hesitant to pursue this option. It's definitely not a decision to be taken lightly, and there are other approaches that can be tried first, such as wrapping the tail or using padded protection to reduce the risk of injury. Ultimately, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your individual dog.

blaze.douglas

Hello, as a proud owner of a Doberman pinscher, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this topic. In my own experience, my dog has never injured his tail from happy tailing. I know that this is a common issue with the breed; however, it's important to keep in mind that each dog is unique and may exhibit different behaviors.

While I wouldn't necessarily advocate for docking a dog's tail solely for the purpose of preventing injury, there are cases where it may be the best option. I've known other Doberman owners whose dogs have suffered from chronic tail injuries that were very difficult to treat. In these cases, the dog's quality of life may be improved by having the tail docked.

That being said, I do believe that it's important to explore all possible alternatives first. There are many ways to protect a dog's tail, such as using padded covers or bandages, or crating the dog until the injury has healed. If you're considering docking your dog's tail, I would urge you to speak with your veterinarian and carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

rau.adriana

Hi everyone, I'm chiming in as someone who has never owned a Doberman but who has worked as a veterinarian for many years. In my experience, happy tail is indeed a real issue with the breed, and it can be very challenging to manage.

While I understand the concerns about docking a dog's tail, I would caution against assuming that alternative solutions will always suffice. Dobermans are a very active breed, and injuries to the tail can be very difficult to prevent, especially in dogs with a tendency to wag their tails hard.

I've treated many Dobermans with tail injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious fractures and infections. In some cases, these injuries can be managed with conservative treatment and protective gear, but in others, the only viable solution is to amputate the tail.

It's worth noting that tail docking is a legal and commonly accepted practice in many parts of the world, including in the United States, where the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes docking as a standard practice for certain breeds. That being said, the decision to dock a dog's tail should always be made in consultation with a veterinarian and with the best interests of the dog in mind.

bashirian.christelle

Hi there, I used to be a Doberman owner and I can speak from personal experience that happy tail can be a real issue for this breed. My Doberman used to constantly wag her tail against walls, doors, and other objects when she was excited, and she would often end up injuring her tail in the process. We tried everything from special collars to wrapping her tail, but nothing seemed to fully prevent her from hurting herself.

In the end, we decided to have her tail docked as a preventative measure. While I understand that some people are against the procedure, we ultimately felt that it was the best choice for our particular dog. She recovered quickly and seemed just as happy without her tail as she was with it. That being said, I think it's important for each individual owner to thoroughly research and consider their options before making a decision.

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