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Originally Posted by JenniferLeigh  I haven't done the research into debarking myself so I won't comment. There are many other additional methods you could try first.
Pennies in a can worked wonders for me, but needs to be used consistantly.
A couple friends of mine have used spray collars with good success - they spray some kind of citrus when the dog barks - eventually the little guys got the idea and no longer need to wear it.
How old is Hooks? Have you tried ignoring him when he barks? You have a couple months to work on the barking issue, there is ways to train it out of them. Personally I would leave debarking as a last resort. |
I agree! You picking him up when he barks is rewarding his behavior and he will do it more. Try ignoring him when he does it....turn your body from him, wrap your arms around your chest, and make no eye contact (when he barks). Wait a few seconds of quiet and then reward him. Dogs are great at reading the slightest body language.
My father adopted a puppy mill female pom years ago that was debarked and when she tried to bark a squeak came out of her mouth. It was soooo heartbreaking, because it was used to silence her in the miller's house. I know your situation is very different from that, but I strongly urge you to reconsider. Image if some one took away your ability to communicate. Please, try the training or hiring a personal trainer for the money you'd spend on the procedure.