Here is an interesting article that talks a little about debarking and some of the myths that go along with it.
NAIA: Debarking* (Bark Softening) - Myths and Facts
In my opinion, neutering male dogs is not in their best interest, the cons outweigh the pros. People do it because they don't want to be responsible for accidents. Spaying females at a very young age is cruel and not in their best interest. If a dog is barking to the point that it is disturbing the neighbors and everyone in the house then as a last resort it is better to debark than to send them to a animal shelter or to rehome the problem.
I have some very vocal outspoken babies and thank goodness I live way out in the country so me and my husband are the only ones that have to listen to them.
