The photos below are of 2 of my boys.

Tail docking using the "banding" method is a process when a ligature or orthodontic band is tied around the puppy’s tail cutting off the blood supply; the tip then falls away in about 5-7 days later (sort of like a baby’s umbilical cord from the belly button).  This is done when puppies are under 5 days old, before their nervous systems have fully developed. Ideally if the puppy it fit and storng then I like to do them on day 2 or 3 before they get to much fat on their tails.

Tail docking can be a controversial subject for some. So education is the key.

I have imported 5 cockers, 3 have full length tails, once I got use to the tails, I thought mmm well maybe I wont dock my puppies. However my thoughts changed over a period of time - mainly due to the fact that 2 of the 3 cockers with tails have significant tail damage,and I feel their pain each and every time they spilt open the end of their tails - I mean its gotta hurt something wicked, and I feel so helpless.

As I believe in making informed decisions especially when it comes to my beloved cockers I went about educating myself on this issue. Over the years I have seen and had both methods of docking perfomed on my litters, and after seeing and peforming the banding method I would not chose to dock in any other way.

For your own education and peace of mind I've added this video of how tail banding is perfomed at Janan Cockers, so that you can see for yourself how the puppies don't even notice it been done. This is an educational video from the Council of Docked Breeds, which is an international organisation, of which there is a NZ Assn. 

I have now completed the last of the requirements to become and Accredited Tail Bander, so once my accreditation is confirmed I will no longer be required to band under the supervision of my Vet or an already Accredited Bander. 

I do hope you take time to watch this very short video, as you will understand why I chose this method. I promise there is absolutely nothing in this video that would make you cringe. Even my own children have watched it.

Released in June 2010, the Code of Welfare states that:

• Anyone shortening tails for non-therapeutic purposes can only do so in puppies that are less than 4 days old and only tail bands may be used.

• Tail docking must be carried out by a person who possesses the appropriate knowledge, training and competence necessary to do so effectively, and who is acting under a documented quality assurance scheme that assures compliance with the minimum standard

• Surgical shortening or removal can only be used to manage existing tail injury or disease, not for cosmetic or prophylactic docking.

The New Zealand Kennel Club operates an accredited tail dockers scheme and Accredited dockers can be found at http://www.nzkc.org.nz/Accredited Tail Dockers.html