I have a 13 week old pittie puppy and i'm being recommended to have the tail docked and the duclaw removed. I'm less inclined to have the tail docked. I am however looking for reason to have the duclaw removed.

He's a Lab/Staff, 13 weeks, won't be a hunter.

Any opinions (professional or otherwise) would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

[Corky/Max]

I would leave them alone--the only problem that I know of is that you have to trim them more often (keep an eye on them) because the dewclaw does not touch the ground, thus can grow around in a circle and pierce the skin. My cocker has all 4 dewclaws and we had some close calls with the above happening so I was going to have them removed--vet was against it. In many breeds the dewclaws are removed SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH. In other breeds the presence of dewclaws are required by the breed standard. (The above 2 sentences are quotes frm "Dog owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" as is the following--"Dewclaws should be trimmed regularly. This is particularly true for dogs with dewclaws on the rear legs. If you have a puppy with dewclaws, it is important to get him used to having them trimmed, even though trimming may not yet be necessary." Someone told me that dewclaws are used for 'fighting off snakes,'etc. I'm not sure what all the vet said to me at time (about 9 yrs ago--kind of forgot) but seems like he said they can grow back!---might check that out w/your vet.

[Yogi]

Unless you have dealt with a snag and torn dewclaw, it is difficult to understand why it is important to have them removed. This should be done at 2 to 4 days of age. Ripped or torn dewclaw happens more often than not and is extremely painful to the dog. The dewclaw is where the original 5th toe was and has not needed it is always recommended it be removed.
just to note, the Pit Bull nor the Lab are docked breeds. Misconception that Pits are docked. They are not unless they are fighting dogs.

I agree... I don't remove dew claws on my puppies. I run agility and ALL my dog's have their dew claws and we have NEVER had any problems. I think it would be an un-nessary surgury for your puppy. Also I am just cruious, WHY did you vet want to doc his tail? Most vets in my area refuse to do it even when the owners WANT it done. You mentioned your puppy was a pitbull or a lab/staffy mix. NONE of those breeds have docked tails!! Like dew claw removal tail docking Must be done in the first few days if it is to be done!

God made them the way they should be~
maybe we should remove peoples fingers and toes just for fun

My old guy had his removed at 7

I wouldnt put him in just to get them done, but as he was under for desexing the vet removed them then

My guy had his back dew claws removed at 7 while he was under for desexing. They served no purpose, they were easily caught on things and damaged. The front dew claws he still has and have had no problems with

I agree with Yogi. Removing dew claws should be done at 2-4 days after birth if it's going to be done. Doing it at a later date involves a more extensive surgery, but if the dog is snagging them and tearing them, I'd remove them. If not, I'd leave them alone.

I have two Dachshunds. One has his dew claws, and has no problems. He's never snagged or torn one. But I will add, he also does not hunt or work in heavy cover. If he did, it's possible they'd cause a problem. One does not, and also has no problems. No psychological damage was done by removing his dew claws. He's fine with having his feet handled and nails trimmed.

Nix on the tail docking. Absolutely no reason to do it on this pup. I don't know why anyone would recommend it.

Thank you all for all the great responses!

I won't be getting anything docked or removed on the puppy. I can't find any other sources than other owners who recommend the two procedures.