1. That's not what I said Brad. You asked why dogs have tails, I answered. Balance is why most animals, especially fast, agile quadrapedal animals, have tails. Most domestic animals can do quite well w/out tails. My point was, if you choose to dock the tail for cosmetic or prophylactic reasons do so at a young age, it just makes sense.

2. I'm quite certain they do feel it, b/c I have yet to see a lot of empirical evidence to the contrary. That was your initial question. Do they remember it? Does it have longstanding effects on their well-being? I don't know, I doubt it though.

3 & 4. You obviously didn't read my last post. I wasn't talking about pain, convenience or attractiveness; I was talking about function. Historically, cropping and docking were done for a purpose, and it generally wasn't for looks. I doubt an e-collar is more painful than amputation of the tail. Personally, I'd be more inclined to dock a tail than crop ears. Certain breeds performing certain tasks are more inclined to damage their tail in the process. Docking a tail simply b/c its more convenient for you, doesn't sound like good reason to me. Ear cropping is only good for some hunting applications (hog catch dogs, other large game) and dog fighting (which is illegal and generally inexcusable).

It's a free country Brad. I don't think cropping or docking is inhumane or cruel, if done with some thought and consideration for the animal.

1.All I'm saying is I agree this is total vanity. I've said that.
2.It's not right to do this for those reasons. I would still do this. Life is cruel I guess.
3.Some of the things like E-collars, etc. are just examples. I completely agree with everyone's reasons.

John the reason I asked that is some have told me that it would affect performance. That's why I was asking. I just wanted to know the opinions.

IF, and it's still a big IF, I decide to get her ears and tail done, is two and a half months around the right age to do it? What would you say is the maximum age for a dog to have this done?

Sorry I didn't read everyone's posts a little better. WHY CAN'T WE EDIT?

Let me rephrase - if I decided to have my dogs tail docked at two and a half months, is this too late and am I being unnecessarily cruel? I didn't like the bit about her having to learn to walk again.

You shouldn't do any of it at this stage I'd suspect. Especially not the tail.
The ears are your business. I've heard working length clips take about 2 weeks to heal from.

1. It's up to you.
2. Joe was right, you should've researched this better and the next time you do it plan ahead.

I personnaly don't like Pits with docked tails, but in my experience with docking tails you do it at 3 days old and you dont need a vet(meat cleaver and hammer will work) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I would imagine at your pups age he would have to be put to sleep to get tail docked as bones have grown to a good size and would need to be stiched. 3-4 months old is a good age to have ears done (which I personnal like on a Pit.) My pits ears or cropped. For a pit you would want a medium cut.Too short and looks like mickey mouse too round.Too long they will not hold up good. Nothing looks worse than a botched ear job though so make sure the vet has experience in this. It really sucks when you pay money for a shitty job which I have seen first hand. This is all cosmetic though and ultimately you decision. IMO a pit doesnt look like a pit without the ears cut.

Andy, to dock a tail on a pup at that age you will have to have general anesthesia, and you will have to give antibiotics. The end of the tail will probably look pretty bad too, unless you can find a really good vet that can manipulate the skin just right (which takes time and more anesthesia and will cost you a lot of $). At this point it would probably even be a good idea to play it safe and find an orthopedic surgeon to do the job.

Ok Brad, thanks for the advice. It doesn't matter anymore, but I think Joe was wrong and right at the same time. Anyone thinking of buying any dog should do some research first. Unfortunately, if you read my post on the subject, I was in up to my neck before I knew it.

I just spoke by phone to a 'well-respected' vet in my area. He told me the best way to remove her tail at this age is to cut off the circulation with elastic bands, wait for the tail to die and then chop it off with an axe or sharp kitchen knife. In addition, he reckons the dog will only be in pain for a few days until the nerves die.

Has anyone ever heard of this? I think it's barbaric....

hey doc
The elastic band idea? This is exactly how I turned little bull calves into steer calves...and I don't think it hurt them at the end, but boy did they fight like heck when I put the bands ON.
And just 'cuz I'm a redneck, that's how we got rid of those pesky hanging moles on ourselves as well-tie a TIGHT piece of elastic around, wait a few days-yup, it dies. Usually falls off by itself too.
Don't do it. It hurts. I know. It's the tightening of the band initially and the feeling until it's dead. Most people don't realize how frigging tight the thing has to be-it is quite painful. If you don't get it right, the durn thing will just slowly turn gangrenous and stink and rot, and then you'll have to cut it off surgically anyhow if it hasn't already spread up into the dog's back end, which means serious antibiotics or possibly death. Why bother to take it off now? Tails are nice, they won't spoil the dog.