We dock our pups tails at home for many reasons.

Home: No lengthy time away from the mom.
Vet: Pups must be taken from the whelping box and transported to the vet office.

Home: No trip outdoors at the age of a few days and chance of getting sick.
Vet: A trip at such an early age especially during cold months can be risky.

Home: No stitches!
Vet: Vet docked tails are stitched; stitches catch on blankets and pull causing pain.

Home: One cut, one peep and pup is back with mom and never says another word.
Vet: Vet docked tails require two cuts to be made forming a “V” shape, the skin is then pulled tightly and stitched up. As mentioned above the stitches tend to catch on things causing the pups a great deal of pain. They cry and whine for days afterwards.