Using
professional equipment, detailed instructions, and links to instructional
videos, you will use our elastrator and bands to dock tails and
remove dewclaws with minimal pain. We have 3 versions of the kit available in the drop-down menu. All 3 versions of the kit include professional equipment and detailed color instructions needed to dock tails
and remove dewclaws on puppies or other infant animals. Most veterinarians and senior breeders recommend that this be done between birth and up to five days of age so that puppies experience the least amount of pain or trauma. (Going past five days of age is not recommended without veterinary supervision/anesthesia.) No experience is necessary, but a helper is recommended to hold squirming
babies. Detailed color instructions with photography are included with all versions of the kit.
This kit is suitable for all breeds, but read the choices regarding band size to decide if you will need an extra package of 100 bands of a different size for your particular situation. This kit has been used by thousands of breeders of very large breeds as well as small breeds with birth weights 4oz and even below.
Very important note on band sizing - Please note that the 1/8" bands that come with the kit work for the average medium to larger breed such as Boxers or Dobermans who are docked fairly near the body. If you have a small breed, puppies with thinner tails, premies, or are removing only a small part of the tail from the tip (such as some pointer breeds), we recommend adding a package of the 3/16" bands so that you can double them over to prevent sliding. (Think of a rubber band doubled over a pony tail.)
Band size choices:
1/8" - The bands that come with the kit are 1/8” diameter and have
been used successfully on small to medium tails as well as on large breed tails. A package of 100 1/8" bands comes with all versions of the kit.
3/16" - This is a larger band used on thinner tails so it can be easily doubled over. Bands are typically doubled over the elastrator prongs for thin tails to prevent sliding. Those who have tried doubling over the smaller 1/8" bands have found it difficult, as well as more painful (too tight) unless puppies have thin tails. Please order an additional package of 3/16" bands if you have think you may need to double the bands over. Having a slightly larger band makes it easier to double the bands over the prongs and more comfortable on the puppy. If you are unsure which size you will need, we recommend that you order a package of 3/16" bands in your cart, so you can try both to see which you prefer. Detailed instructions are included for all size puppies.
Kit choices: We have 3 choices when you order the kit - Economy, Standard and Premium. All 3 kit choices come with everything you will need to band tails and remove dewclaws and are exactly the same components with this exception. The Standard Kit is just like the Economy Kit, but adds a bottle of Mendwell for wound care. The Premium Kit is just like the Economy Kit, but adds two extra items - a bottle of Mendwell for wound care and a bottle of T-Away to mitigate the trauma associated with body modification of a newborn.
What we recommend when choosing your kit/components. In our own nursery, we actually use the Economy Kit, along with a bottle of OWIE for wound care and a bottle of T-Away for trauma mitigation. We like OWIE a little better on our own puppies due to the fact that it contains helichrysum, a very mild, no-sting component. Having used them both on ourselves, we can tell a slight difference when each is applied to a wound. Mendwell has a tiny bit of a sting when it is applied. OWIE does not. But OWIE is more expensive due to the helichrysum (a rare and expensive plant oil), so we pair the kit selections with Mendwell to keep price at a minimum for our breeders. Mendwell is also an excellent choice and the one that most breeders use for wound care.
We use all of this equipment in
our own puppy nursery and love the quality.
There are lesser quality elastrators on the market that are flimsy and
not recommended for this delicate work. Be cautious, as there are also copycat docking kits that have shown up all over the Internet that use bands that aren't suitable for puppies and can cause irreparable damage and even death. Please purchase your kit here where you can be assured of the quality, experience and excellent instructions provided by over four decades of experience.
We have evaluated countless elastrators, and do not recommend purchasing elsewhere; as many are very poor quality. During evaluations, we have seen fake coatings peel off, the mechanism fail, and the elastrator prongs not made properly. Please be cautious about where you purchase your equipment. We have taken so many calls from people who purchased equipment off other sites that damaged their puppies, and even caused gangrene. Please purchase from The Dog Breeder Store so that you get proper instructions and equipment.
We do not recommend purchasing components separately unless you are extremely experienced, as our exclusive color instruction booklet and links to our instructional videos are included with both versions of this kit!
Note regarding restrictions on tail docking and/dewclaw removal -- Please check your local ordinances to determine if this procedure is restricted before purchasing or using this kit. The Dog Breeder Store is not responsible for knowing if there are restrictions in your area and accepts no liability for knowing if the kit can be used where you live.
Disclaimer: The Dog Breeder Store does not diagnose or treat
illnesses or injury in pets and accepts no liability for misuse of equipment or
results that are less than optimal, injury or death relative to use of this
equipment or instructions. Consult a licensed veterinarian if you suspect that
your pet is experiencing pain or infection. Items shown may be slightly different as vendors making this equipment for us change designs occasionally.
