Hmm...I dock, treat my dogs with homoeopathic nosodes, and buy my wormers and flea treatments from sources other than my vet - so they dont make much from me

Whats to support? How do you think you are going to change the Law?
I am staunchly PRO docking, but recognise that others may have a different opinion, as is their right.

If it is any consolation, you may be delighted to learn that one of my beautiful docked pups will be winging its way Aberdeenward at the end of next week

Am I not correct in thinking that a Good Breeder has all their pups check over by a vet and are given their first vaccination before being sold ?

No Anne, you are not correct. Most "behaviourists" will deem a puppies life very impressionable at just 6 weeks, many of them have advocated homing then, too early IMO. Whilst many do have a vet visit before they leave, its not common practice in my experience to vaccinate before they leave. Im sure you are aware of the possible difficulties arising from vaccination, this is best done when the animal is secure in its new home. The GCCF state that ideally kittens should not leave their breeder till 7 days after the last vaccine, making them at least 13 weeks when going to a new home, this to me in a dog would be very inappropriate, keeping them this long with littermates and little proper socialising would be detrimental to the puppies welfare.

All my pups are vet checked before leaving me, but vaccinated, no.
I always advise new owners to have the pup checked by their own vet within 72hrs (the check I have done is for my own benefit, to ensure pups are in the best possible health before going to new homes), but not to have vaccination (if they are that way inclined) on that first visit.
A pup is under a great deal of (natural) stress on going to its new home - and to pump it full of chemicals while it is under stress is not ideal.

Sorry, but I've never seen the point of docking for cosmetic reasons.

I can't see a problem in rehoming a pup at 9 weeks having had their vaccination at 8 weeks. Proper socialisation is important of course and should be started by the Breeder or Rescue.
I could never allow one of our pups to leave with out having their 1st vaccination. I really am surprised Good Breeders sell their dogs unvaxed
Sorry off topic I know

Its very difficult to socialise a litter pf puppies properll, they cannot be given one to one, which they need. A litter of say 10 Dobes would be impossible to socialise properly in a breeder environment, its essential they integrate into a family home as soon as possible.

hi ramble- i've had 3 dobes, 4 rotties, all docked with no probs at all with the stumps, in fact we lost our old rottie bitch 2 years ago, she was 14 years old !!, an all time record for our vet, so she said, and she's in her late 40s !!

OK , why do poodle owners give them stupid hair cuts ??