Do dock the tail and clip the ears,the rottie,dobie & pitts all (as others) look so damn handsome and fit with these modifications. Heck humans do much of the same things with piercings,African ear drooping,wood thru the nostrils and much more without any problems.
Docking is not a problem provided you feed the dog well. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Dogs seem to have a hard time so the smell may trigger their muscles into high(er) contraction phase.
That's usually an indication that you're trying to make him go at a time that doesn't synchronize with his metabolism. Remember, like everything else about a dog, pooping needs to be on an unvarying schedule and he will adapt to it perfectly. It's also possible that there's not enough moisture in his diet. A diet of dry kibble can cause this, and make sure he has access to plenty of water 24/7.
Every dog will sniff around before pissing and shitting. I think it is their natural characteristics. Maybe they want to find a place they fell comfortable to piss and shit?
Dogs sniff before they do anything! Smell is their strongest sense so naturally that's how they investigate the world.
I think Royal Canin is the best dog food, it has the most varieties of food for different breeds, ages etc. http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/default.aspx Right now i am giving my shihtzu and maltese (just got a maltese two weeks ago) Regal (http://www.regalpetfoods.com/dog_food.html), later on I may change to Royal Canin.
Mr Rafael It is not needed it is desirable when indoors for hygienic reasons. The tough of cutting a bone structure is appalling, I use a rubber band around twisted to apply pressure and in 2 or 3 days it falls off. That is how I have seen it done wit out no undue stress please verify credentials and feedback from clients before putting the life of a living creature on the hand of a “Vet” I have to full grown American Rottweiler and 7 pups just today awaiting the rubber band next to their business end.