One of the biggest keys to Gemma's temperament is that we did a TON of socializing once she came home from the breeders, all very controlled so that every experience was a good one, with dogs of various sizes and ages and people and children. I took her lots of different places too - the warhouse guys at Lowe's LOVED her. We also did a puppy class at 4 months and she goes a few times a week to doggy day care. We use positive treat based training and lots of praise. I don't use "no" but I do growl at her for serious things I don't want her to do at all - like chew on my shoes or electrical cords. If she barks lots or connects with teeth on people she does still get a 5 min time out in her pen with no attention.

I would have no problem w/that since docking is more for uniformity and preference but the only issue I would have w/it is the time table for that decision. I think there are a couple of points you'd need to really think about. You would be choosing a puppy at a very crucial point in time. No one knows what might happen to that pup at 5 days old plus puppies change..what you see at 2 days of age will change a bit and might not be the look your after at 6 weeks old and the biggest issue..there is noway to tell that pups personality at 2 days old. To ask a breeder to not dock a pups tail one would have to be completely committed to that obligation unless something would happen to that pup. What I mean is I feel that pup would have to be paid for in full at that time. That is a risk for you and the trust you have in that breeder. Also..I don't think just any breeder would do this if they have perspective show buyers lined up since that pup could be a show pup which those buyers normally get preference. I don't think its an unreasonable request as long as both parties can come to an agreement and this dog was for limited registration and not because of the tail but since he couldn't be evaluated on his conformation at that time he may not be show or breeding quality. I do know of a Corgi in CA w/her tail and is being shown and has won too. I hope this helps and something that needs to be looked into and discussed thoroughly and not jumped into. May I ask why you prefer the tail? Don't you like the bunny butts? LOL Have a great day.

Welcome.
This is a great site to belong to.
Tons of good information.