I was looking at the net for advice on when to remove dewclaws and dock tails on rat terrier puppies, when I found this article. I have already been planning to get them done around the third or fourth day. Now reading this has me wondering if I should....

But what if I want to show in conformation too? Fortunately, neither docked tails nor thumbless forelegs are required in the Rat Terrier breed standard, and so we see no compelling reason to remove them. Also, since some of our puppies are meant to excel in performance sports and athletic activities as well as in the conformation ring, we elect to keep the tails and fifth digits intact. Furthermore, some of us who are dedicated to the Rat Terrier believe that it will be of benefit to the breed for judges and breed fanciers to see quality dogs in the ring that are undocked and with all their natural toes. In this way, functional dewclaws and all lengths of tail will eventually be seen as normal and attractive. Because they are!

I asked the vet, since pixel isnt dedewcalwed or docked she said she wouldnt do it if they were older than 3 days. I didnt know if there was a medical reason or somthing, she said nope. Pixel actually only has one dewclaw for whatever reason she doesnt have one on one side. She told me just make sure we keep it clipped. I think she is beautiful the way she is, I would say leave it too!

We got Dink at 14 wks old and I was kinda disappointed that his tail wasn't docked at first but since he's been a part of our family I absolutely LOVE his tail.  Whenever he's laying in my lay I always play with it and it is so fun to watch him just wag that thing when he's happy.  It's definitely a mood indicator.  

Savanna has dew claws and her tail! She came that way of course, but glad she has her tail!!!

I think its is good to have them done, the dewclaws can get caught up and torn off or if not kept trimmed can grow in to the pad.  I just love Ivy's little docked tail wag sometimes it involves the whole rear end!!!!  They will do great!!!!

Not a good idea and actually most good vets won't do this.  The first few days after birth are the only time this is done as the nerves aren't developed enough and the procedure is easy and not so painful.  When done after that time period it is considered an amputation - why would you want to do that to them?