Just had a litter of labs and have mixed emotions regarding the matter.

I don't take off what God put on.

Unless there's a medical reason to do it, I'd pass.

The only yes would be if the dogs are going to wear boots in whatever their future service may be. No need otherwise

So long as the nails are taken care of, you don't need to unless future service necessitates it. I've seen some that have not been clipped regularly and grown into themselves because they don't get ground down when they walk.

If the dog is a house dog not running through briars, vines, fences etc then it's a matter of personal preference.

All the hunting dogs we've ever had have always had them removed by a vet; it's much better than it being ripped off fully or partially due to briars or something while hunting. - This includes all the lab puppies we've sold, always had their dewclaws removed at 1-3 days old.

I don't think it's needed either way, but they sure are easier and cheaper to get off when they're 3-5 days old than when they're older.

Our newest Sheltie did not have hers removed. Took her to an inside lure course, and her rear dew claws keep snagging on the turf at each turn or quick change of direction.

Cut them off, serve n ok purpose; especially the rear dewclaws.

Sean98 said:

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OFF WITH THEIR DEW CLAWS!

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I took em off myself yesterday!
It's really easy to do at one day old, and they hardly notice.
Will post pics asap.

For one of our senior members, Mr BoerneGator...

Did it yourself? Savage dude.

OnlyForNow said:

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Did it yourself? Savage dude.

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Saw a woman do it on U-tube utilizing just her finger nails, but I opted for some nail clippers. Easy-Peasy.

Were they free floating without bone connection? And I'll just assume you were using some sort of sterlization technique.

OnlyForNow said:

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Were they free floating without bone connection? And I'll just assume you were using some sort of sterlization technique.

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Yes, exactly! And but of course. Precious cargo, ya know? The rib was my "attending nurse".

Braver than me and I worked for a vet for 6 years.

It was little different that clipping a hang nail. Very little blood, staunched by a little pressure with alcohol pads, followed by some iodine. No complaints. (By the time I got to the tenth (20th) one, it was routine!)

As long as you got the whole piece of bone in the toe it's all good. I've seen as I'm sure the vets here have also, some botched ones done at home.

With 20 chances, I may well have "botched" one or more, but I sorta doubt it. One thing's fer sure; I got what I paid for!

As will the people who buy your dogs if you're selling em.

Muzzleblast said:

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I don't take off what God put on.

Unless there's a medical reason to do it, I'd pass.

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Thank goodness you weren't born with a tail.

1990AG said:

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Quote:

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All the hunting dogs we've ever had have always had them removed by a vet; it's much better than it being ripped off fully or partially due to briars or something while hunting. - This includes all the lab puppies we've sold, always had their dewclaws removed at 1-3 days old.

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This....

They provide no benefit to the dog. The first time you have a dog rip one of them off in the field will be the last time you question having them removed.

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Yes to this, had a chocolate that ripped his several times and he went through MUCH more pain than having them removed right after birth.

Quote:

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They provide no benefit to the dog.

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This is not true in every case. I have read that dogs up north utilize them to crawl out of icy water. It gives them just enough purchase on the ice surface to pull themselves out. So, they can actually be life savers in particular circumstances.

good looking pups, what is the plan for them?

Turn em into great companions/hunting dogs, Pete! want to help?

Mom said I was....

BoerneGator said:

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Turn em into great companions/ hunting dogs, Pete! want to help?

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I thought they were labs?

Sean98 said:

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BoerneGator said:

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Turn em into great companions/ hunting dogs, Pete! want to help?

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I thought they were labs?

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The dam is the most aggressive hunter I've ever had. She is constantly hunting around my property for anything that moves. You'd be impressed! There's not a skunk or any four legged creature that enters my property without dealing with her. Just sayin...

OP, you have to gauge the interest in your puppies. If you have buyers, then don't mess with it. The costs can really add up. Especially if you're a first time breeder.

If you don't have buyers, well it depends on your price point. For labs, above 700 or so (ballpark), you will find buyers who expected expect dew claws removed. Under that, you will likely find people who don't give a damn.

I have hunted dogs with and without dewclaws. It has only bit me in the ass one time. Honestly, it's so far down the list of things to think about. I never even think about it.

Edit: just read that you took them off already. At no cost. Probably the way to go.