Docking

[Lucy 0]

Just wondering where the whole docking thing is going these days. Will people stop getting their dogs docked because of the latest Animal Welfare Act. We could get around it this year by not having puppy classes at shows, but what about next year? And what about the real workers that don't show - are you getting all the certificates and paperwork etc...?

 

Are we flouting it and meeting up in clink, or not docking?

Help me make up my mind - I just don't know 'cos I've got three patterdales, two with tails and one docked. They all look fine in their own ways and none of their tails have ever come to any harm (except a minor "nick" to the docked dog inflicted by a stripping knife - weilded by my other half I should add - no harm done though)

[donnyc 1,203]

As you have two undocked ones already you must have made your mind up..

[edzy 3]

dock them ! my personal opinion i dont like a long tail on a terrier

[Lucy 0]

As you have two undocked ones already you must have made your mind up..

Not really - just didn't get them docked because I bred them myself, they're not show dogs, just happy ratters and pets. I knew that's all they would be, so didn't bother. I don't have any strong feelings either way - I have one docked because I bought her that way - doesn't bother me that she's docked, although she's the one that is fit for show, but the worst ratter!

[just jack 998]

[billybunter 72]

docked or not will not effect the dogs working ability

i personly would"nt have a undocked working terrier thats my opinion

[ginga john 268]

docking is not illegal in any way so it should carry on for working dogs, all that has to be shown is a justifiable reason, such as the dog will be working thick cover and MAY possibly damage its tail if it is left long.

 

And i think a terrier with a tail is a ridiculous looking thing, but there you are

[Waz 4,262]

If you are docking your terrier pups for welfare reason due to the work role they carry out, why the fcuk would you give a sh*t about a show ring.

[Lucy 0]

If you are docking your terrier pups for welfare reason due to the work role they carry out, why the fcuk would you give a sh*t about a show ring.

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I think that I don't like being pushed about by London, so will continue to support the way we run the countryside, and that includes docking working dogs.

 

And, the reason I care about shows is because they are "working" dog shows - I go along to support the idea of working terriers and lurchers regardless of whether or not they actually work because Joe Public has no idea what dogs are actually for nowadays. Very rarely do I ever show a dog - and I never even take the two with tails out in public, which is really why I mentioned it on here! I'm not ashamed of them, just think people would wonder why on earth they aren't docked..., but like I say, it's because I knew I was never gonna sell them or show them and knew exactly what work they would be doing - a bit of ratting, like the borders I've had before - prefer the patterdales for rats though - a bit sharper and quicker. I just like to support the countryside and that's why I go to shows. Much prefer to see a working dog working though of course.

 

If we don't have the shows, then we're less able to promote the countryside and now this ridiculous anti-docking law thing and entrance fee thing is upon us, it's just making things even harder to run shows designed to promote "The Hunting Life".

[Lucy 0]

And, the reason I care about shows is because they are "working" dog shows -

Now who told you a tall story like that?????

Well, they're a far cry from Crufts! (Not that I've been - and wouldn't want to neither and never would!)

At least working dogs shows are supposed to support the countryside, whether they do or not is up to the people who attend!

[rob.i 26]

Docked theres a lot worse things going on in this world than tail docking the mealy mouthed do gooders cause more trouble than theyre worth

[allgame 0]

dock

[Lucy 0]

dock

D'ya know - a lady I know of, quite prominent in the terrier world, shan't name her 'cos it wouldn't be fair, reckoned that people would stop, although I should say she's for docking herself, but she really thought most owners wouldn't bother docking after the lastest Animal Welfare Act came out!

Glad the consensus I'm getting proves her wrong.

[Scallywag 78]

Well I wanted a docked pup but ended up with an undocked one. The parents have naturally short tails so I'm hoping it won't grow too long and I want it for bushing and ratting, not earth work, so I'm hoping it'll cope OK.

I found lots of litters that weren't docked and only a few that were, so I think the legislation is having an effect.

As for showing, it's a laugh, it's something to do at the shows and lots of dogs seem to enjoy it. As long as you don't take it too seriously, or make the mistake of thinking show winner automatically equals good worker, what's the big deal?

[lakeman 12]

if you get a pup from working stock, it will be docked already.................