I have been asked so many times how the banding is done. Some are under the misconception it's done with a normal rubber band or horse hair bands.

Wrong

Thats how you run into problems and where all the horror stories come from. If done with the Elastrator (used for banding lambs tails and castration) with the correct elastic rings (pictured below), it works beautifully and almost no stress on the puppies, Mom or you !! You can pick one up at any feed store, order one online or do like I did and get one on Ebay ($5.99)The normal price is between $20. - $30. and the rings run about $3.50 for a pack of 100.

On this page, I will describe in detail (pictures up by December with my next litter) how it's done and will show the results as the actual banding progresses.

This procedure works for me.....it may or may not work for you.... but be advised :
I am not responsible for any mistakes you may make with your own puppies

***** NOTE: Some think this is a cruel process. To each his own. I've docked pups before and find it barbaric. As well, errors can be made whether you are doing it yourself, or using a Vet *****

This is the correct tool to use.

The Elastrator

Pictured below are two pictures, one closed, and one open with the ring correctly placed and stretched, ready to go over the puppies tail.

I do my tails on day 2, unless the puppy is really tiny. Some Breeders do it between 7 - 10 days because the tail is thicker and actually is easier to do and the tail dries up and falls off faster but to me their pain sensors are more in tune at that age and it's kind of cruel.

Those green rings (bands) are very thick and the actual opening is very tiny which is why you need the Elastrator to apply them.

VERY IMPORTANT !!
****** Make sure when you buy the rings (bands) that the store kept them in the refridgerator, they haven't been in stock long, and when you get them home, immediately refridgerate them and keep them there when not in use. I only keep them for about 6 months then buy new ones. Even though they don't look any different, they lose their elasticity quickly and it will effect your banding job

It's a two person job.

As you can see in the photos above, the little rubber "donut" shaped green ring is placed over the prongs on the tool and then the tool is squeezed to open the prongs, spreading the rubber ring open. I do it backwards from most would think, with the prong ends facing towards me. Have your helper slip the pups tail into the hole between the ring, with you holding the Elastrator and the end of the pups tail to guide it through.Gently pull the tail towards you.

Pull the fur back on the tail where you are about to place the band so there is less fur between the rubber and the skin, before you slip the ring off. Once you have the ring positioned in the correct place,(please not to close to the anus, this is where problems ie: infection, can occur) just roll the ring off with your fingers as you close the Elastrator a bit at the same time. I go about 1/2 inch from the anus of the pup to get a nice length (my preference). Remember as the pup grows, so does the stump some, so remember, NOT too short, NOT too long. Allow for this.

If it is done correctly all the puppies feels is a small amount of pressure. Some make a slight squeak at the initial sensation, some don't make a peep.

The blood supply to the end of the tail is immediately cut off and the tail begins to shrink and waste away within 24 hours. Some bitches lick a little more then usual, but this is normal, I have found.

The tails usually begin to drop off anywhere from day four or five from banding day. This is typical if done at the correct age.

As the tail dries up, it can twist. Again this is normal.

When the tail actually falls off, the end is exposed and looks raw. Do not put anything on this. Let the bitch lick it and just keep and eye on it to make sure it doesn't get infected. I find within a few hours of falling off, the raw end is covered over with a protective coating.

There is no feeling in the spot on the end of the tail......the pup is oblivious to it.

Some Breeders remove the initial scab that forms over the end, not quite sure why. I don't. I just let nature take its course. Between the bitch's licking and clean bedding, the risk of infection is basically non existent.

Banded tails do not recover as quickly as docked tails, but it's just so much easier on both puppy and breeder in my opinion

It's not for everyone....and if it's done improperly, it can damage the pup. So... if you truly want to band your babies, do it carefully..... and remember: