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This is an interesting subject, and I hope Rachelg jumps in too. I'd like to hear her views on things like ear-cropping and tail-docking. And here's a question for her: You raise cockers, right? Do you do the tail docking yourself? I used to work for a cocker breeder, and when she had a new litter, she would do the docking and dewclaws herself when the pups were about 2 days old.

So this Darla Dorr has raised dogs for 40 years, and says it's not cruel. While generally true, I have seen myself where proper care is NOT given after these procedures, usually due to owner ignorance or laziness, and can result in severe problems. Tail docking and ear cropping is done for strictly cosmetic purposes, and therefore, (in my mind) a cruelty for that reason alone. Debarking is done (again, in my opinion) when an owner is too lazy to find the cause of a dogs incessant barking and fix it. Because it CAN be fixed. This is also a cruelty. To remove a dogs "voice box" because it barks too much? Absurd. And not always effective. I had a dog in my old clinic that was de-barked and the poor thing still barked like crazy, only now he sounded hoarse.

Declawing. :yh_doh This is one of the most hideous surgeries I've ever had the "pleasure" of viewing. The cat's claw is removed at the same spot (relatively) as the first knuckle on a human hand. And then the sheath is glued shut. Whenever I got a call from a client inquiring about a declaw procedure, I would always make alternative suggestions, and explain the surgery in all it's gory detail. I was successful in discouraging the operation about half the time. I will continue this practice at the new clinic, (when/if I get the job.) So, yeah, I think it's a great law to put into practice.

If rachelg gets here, maybe you could tell me: Does the AKC require cropped ears and docked tails for certain breeds to be up to standard for the ring? I used to know this, but can't seem to remember. If they do, I'm sure that is going to cause a lot of problems in getting this bill passed.

Yes the tail on the cocker must be docked to show it. Some breeds like Great Danes and Boxers will allow the dog to be shown in the natural state, but it is highly unlikely the dog will become a big winner with long ears. I couldn't have a breed that the ears were cropped on because they are done when the puppy is several months old and they go through a series of ear props to get the ears to stand. However, while I am not brave enough to do my own tails, I don't think it's a cruelty since they are done at 3 or 4 days and most of them hardly yip. There are actual reasons for many dogs to have these proceedures. A dog in the field wagging its tail as cockers do is likely to be torn up or caught in the brambles. I have a couple of Afghans and their long tails are constantly getting bloodied from hitting against the fencing or doors. I also hate it when they come in and clear the coffee table with their wagging tail. Give me a short cocker tail anyday As for debarking, while I've never done it, I have given away champions that I had a lot of money invested in because once you have a kennel full of dogs, trying to teach one persistent barker to be quiet is impossible :rolleyes:

As seen from two animal lovers in two VERY different fields! :yh_bigsmi

I can understand the tail docking for the reasons you stated, and the when I saw it done at 2 or 3 days old, I'll admit, the puppies barely noticed. It's more that I'd think the AKC would be promoting the standard of the breed as natural, the way it is born. My opinions on this also stem from seeing people who own, say, pit bulls and try to crop the ears themselves with scissors, to take away a place for another dog to hang on when they fight them. I see the bad results of these procedures, and it's very frustrating to come across owners who don't care about the dog, but a status symbol. Being a breeder, I know you have the best interest of the breed at heart. I just wish I dealt more with owners like you, than what I actually see!

Do you think you will ever be able to do the tail docking yourself? And do you remove the dewclaws? Can a dog be shown with dewclaws intact?

:rolleyes: Dewclaws are optional in most breeds. Some working breeds require they are removed because they can get ripped off in doing their jobs. I usually leave my pup's on. Their long fur protects them from getting torn. I doubt I will ever be able to do the tails myself. I originally planned to be a veterinarian, was taking all the right college classes, making straight "A's" then found out when my Mom's Pek popped an eyeball just how squirmish I am. I ended up a graphic designer because I am also an artist. I know there will always be people who do things the wrong way, the "Pit Bull" people who breed fighters rather than conformation dogs are a whole seperate issue I think. I really wish the tails did come the right length, but it would be a long time evolving that to happen.