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Post by jay on Jan 16, 2008 7:54:01 GMT -1
Sorry to hear about your springer Harleydales  Missed is absolutely brilliant with them. She spends so long fussing over them, making sure they're feeding and cleaning them. She seems to be really enjoying herself. We're keeping a liver and white bitch ourselves and the rest were reserved before they were born, so we've been able to be selective over where they are going. Due to the new docking restrictions they're all going to working homes and 3 will run in field trials if they make the grade like their mum and dad. We're going to get some individual pictures soon, so I'll put those up too  |
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Post by Debbie on Jan 16, 2008 12:47:59 GMT -1
Its brilliant you've the chance to be so selective about their new homes. And that they'll be headed into working homes!!  What are the new docking restrictions like? Do you have to register as a hunter to be able to dock their tails?? (you can pm me if you prefer) |
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Post by jay on Jan 16, 2008 16:35:44 GMT -1
Hi Debbie
We've not had a problem with the new docking restrictions as our dogs are all genuine working dogs, so are exempt. To get a litter docked you must provide your vet with proof that you work you dog and that the puppies are intended for working purposes, e.g. provision of a shotgun certificate etc. All efforts should then be made to ensure that the puppies are sold to working homes.
The new legislation does not permit the docking of tails for cosmetic purposes only. And in Scotland there is an outright ban, so working dogs are not exempt.
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Post by dalesponyrider on Jan 16, 2008 17:42:58 GMT -1
They really do look yummy puppies!
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Post by harleydales on Jan 16, 2008 19:18:11 GMT -1
It is crazy, the working dogs have their tails docked for a PURPOSE, to prevent injury. Having said that, I leave tails on terriers so I can haul them out of holes by them!!
The english system seems much more sensible.
So glad they all have homes, thay are soo cute!
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Post by SuzieP on Jan 16, 2008 21:21:39 GMT -1
What injuries do working dogs suffer if their tails aren't docked?
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Post by zeldalithgow on Jan 16, 2008 22:10:08 GMT -1
Awww such cuties, glad to hear mum is okay
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Post by jay on Jan 16, 2008 22:32:48 GMT -1
Undocked working springers are very prone to tail damage from hunting through bramble patches etc. The end of the tail can end up raw and bleeding. Once damaged they are more susceptible to further injury. When this occurs the dog very often requires major surgery for amputation of the injured part of the tail.
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Post by Debbie on Jan 17, 2008 0:34:39 GMT -1
I'll echo that, working dogs DO have their tails docked for a very good reason!!! I've seen hounds that have damaged not only their tails but also their hindlegs from their own tails. It acts like a whip, and leaves welts. I've gotten smacked by one, and it jolly well hurt, left a red weal that took two days to go away too. I really wish they'd used common sense and understand things are done for a purpose before slapping a huge ban on things.  |
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Post by PonyGirl on Jan 17, 2008 2:41:32 GMT -1
They are too cute!
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Post by jay on Jan 17, 2008 14:39:00 GMT -1
A close up of the 'squigglers' today  |
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Post by dalesponyrider on Jan 17, 2008 16:57:19 GMT -1
Could I just ask you what the ends of the tails feel like when they are docked properly? Scruff, my rescue Patterdale has a docked tail and I was surprised to feel that the end of it is quite sharp. It seems to be quite sensitive too.
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Post by chickflick1066 on Jan 17, 2008 17:02:35 GMT -1
Oh...They're just gorgeous. Will they all be working dogs then?
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Post by Debbie on Jan 17, 2008 17:40:35 GMT -1
Awwwhhhhh, how cute!!!!   Linda, sometimes dogs would come through that had a sharpish point to their docked tails (I found it mostly on poodles for some reason). I put it down to the vet not doing a very good job. Most of the docked tails feel 'rounded' on the end. Each docked breed will have a preferred joint that it gets docked at as well. I used to have poodles come through that were either too short, or left too long, and it was a nightmare trimming their tails properly. It really is down to the skill of the vet. |
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Post by SuzieP on Jan 17, 2008 17:46:29 GMT -1
I see - thank you for explaining. I've always wondered why working dogs were exempt from the docking ban. It makes sense.......
Poor Scruff - sounds like maybe his wasn't done properly. Given his background perhaps it was an "unqualified" job.
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