Why would a breeder consider doing tail docking and dewclaw removal themselves?

  My first litter of puppies that were born was taken in to have their tails docked and dewclaws removed by a veterinarian. I proudly handed her my basket with 5 healthy fat puppies and a happy mama, when the veterinarian said to my dog “Oh you poor thing your mom is going to breed you until your dead”.

  I was shocked and so sad. I didn’t know what to do or say. She continued to make comments about how wrong it was to have bred her.

  I was a young woman at the time. I let her do the dewclaws and tails, and as soon as I stepped out of the office after paying I started bawling.

  My older self would have grabbed that basket away from her, and said “thank you so much but I will take my business elsewhere”.

  As breeders, we do not deserve to be treated this way. I do not give patronage to veterinarians who are breeder haters. This veterinarian is the reason why I have learned to do everything myself because I have no desire to be treated so poorly as someone’s patron and customer. This is one of the only professions which some veterinarians think they can treat their customers horribly and then ask you to kindly pay your bill. No thanks. These types of veterinarians are why so many breeders want to learn to do things on their own.

I am happy to pay any veterinary bill as long as I am treated well, and my dogs are treated well. In fact, after finding a kind veterinarian I go in more often for more things than I really need to because I enjoy the interactions with my supportive veterinarian who helps me to be a better breeder.