Pros And Cons Of Dogs Docking

Docking and Cropping of Dogs Ears and Tails:

Elective and Unnecessary Procedures

Michelle Wetherbee

Pima Medical Institute

Communications

Professor J. Waldow

November 13, 2015

Docking of dogs tails, and cropping of their ears has long been an established procedure that should no longer continue. It is thought that these procedures are humane and serve to uphold breed standards or certain dogs. The truth is quite the opposite. Both cropping and docking are procedures that carry surgical risks, can be painful, and potentially result in behavioral issues for the animal. These are elective cosmetic procedures that pose health risks, and behavioral problems that are ultimately unnecessary. Docking is the removal of a portion of a dog’s

The American Kennel Club helps maintain breed standards for purebred dogs, to uphold the original purpose of the breed. The AKC supports both procedures because they help in “preserving breed character” (2008). Cropping and docking are both actually banned and illegal in several parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and the greater part of Europe. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s policy is clearly against both procedures. They state that neither cropping nor docking is medically necessary, nor of any benefit to dogs. The AVMA has repeatedly noted that cropped ears and docked tails should not be included in any breed standard

When a dog is submissive or feeling unsure they will have their ears low and back against their heads, and hold their tail low and even tucked between their legs. When aggressive, they will perk their ear up high, and hold their tail straight out or sometimes ruffled up and rigid. These signs are universal in canines, and are absolutely necessary to communicating important signs of their emotional state. These vital forms of communication are stripped from them when they have their ears cropped or tails docked. If faced with another dog they are unfamiliar with, they may be unable to convey to the other dog their intention, and with cropped ears this is common. Some guarding dogs originally had their ears cropped short deliberately to look aggressive. So even if the dog means no harm, or is even being submissive, another dog can interpret their erect ears as a sign of challenge. This leads to the incidences of fights, potential injury, even death, occurring. Even with humans, instinct can tell us what a dog’s body language means. Upon greeting a dog that one is a stranger to, their ears down, and tail between their legs will give the hint that the dog is not welcoming. But with a docked tail, it can be hard to understand how accepting the animal is. If not