Unless you're going to be going through a lot of bush with him, where there is a danger of them getting caught (which CAN cause major problems), there is no real reason to put him through it. I have my puppies' dew claws removed when they're 2-3 days old (many breeders do it themselves, but I am not brave enough, besides, I like for the vet to see them). It's a simple snip at that age - they yelp for about 2 seconds (once they're bandaged and put back in with littermates, they're fine). If you wait, it's more like removing a bone - and is a much more difficult procedure. The dogs I've adopted still have their dew claws, but the ones born here all had theirs removed when they were tiny. I finally convinced my vet to try the liquid bandage instead of adhesive tape which was a bear to get off a squirming puppy. Removing the tape from the first couple of litters was much worse on the pups (and me) than the dew claw removal!