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!

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.