Things You'll Need
- Docking band, obtained from veterinary clinic, soaked in antiseptic solution diluted to hospital strength.
- Very sharp nail or cuticle scissors (new for each litter)
- Cotton swabs
- Disposable rubber gloves
- Clean towel
- Tincture of Iodine, 2.5%
- Vet, as needed
Instructions
Take your puppies to the vet if this is your first litter. Do not try to dock puppy tails on your own if you have never done this before. Alternatively, seek out the assistance of an experienced, reputable breeder who is recommended by the American Rottweiler Club.
Wait until the pup is between 24 hours old and 3 days old. At 24 hours old, some find the pup is less concerned with the process, and tying can occur quickly, sometimes before the pup even wakes up.
Under the guidance of a vet or experienced breeder, locate the area of the tail which is just above the anus. A properly docked tail will be very short, between the first and second vertebrae.
Have someone hold the pup for you.
Use your docking band to tie the first knot loosely around the tail and move it to the length required. The knot should be firm but not too tight. Use a reef knot (square knot) so it is hard for the mother to undo. This is achieved by holding the two sides of the strand in each hand. Take the right side and bring it over and then underneath the left. Holding both sides up, now take the left side and bring it over and then underneath the right side.
Tie a second knot. Again, tying a firm reef knot that is not too tight that it makes the pup squirm.
Cut the ends of the docking band off to 1/2 inch long.
Apply iodine twice per day using a cotton swab. This will keep the skin around and underneath the band clean and sterile.
Ensure that you keep the conditions around the puppy sterile and clean in order to minimize chances of infection. This is important for your puppies, regardless of whether you choose to dock or not.
Monitor the puppies carefully. Should you have any concerns, contact your vet. The tails should shrivel and fall off within a few days.