I would NEVER use a shock collar!!! Debarking can be done in a very humane way if that is the last resort. I do like the idea of a voice recorder. But if that doesn't work and nothing else works I would debark and by that would be one vocal cord not two because it softens the voice and they can still bark but softer. And rehoming in this case would NEVER be an option.

Donna

I do like the voice recording idea over a shock collar! But debarking can be done in a humane way and it's one vocal cord vs. both and it will soften the bark. But keep in mind the vocal cord can heal itself and the yorkie can bark as loud as before. But I would do it when I took my dogs in for a teeth cleaning since they are already under sedation. Of course this would be only after what this owner has already done and it seems it hasn't worked. I wouldn't want to keep them in a crate all day with a towel over them all day either. While I do put my dogs in their kennels ( 2x4's) while we are gone and hubby comes home for lunch to let them out they aren't covered.

Donna

I've used the citronella spray collar with good success. Personally, I find that the least evil of all the choices.

The "debarking" surgery doesn't stop the behavior, it just muffles the sound.

Have you thought about taking her to a doggy daycare when you are gone?

With doing one vocal cord it softens the bark and doesn't take it away like doing both cords.
I wouldn't cover a crate all day either, as my dogs are in their 2x4 pens while we are gone with the exception of 2 they are never covered up. Their pens are big enough to walk around and play with toys while we are gone to work.

Donna

Have you ever listened to clips of debarked dogs or gotten to know one?

IMO, it is the most annoying, raspy noise and there is no guarantee that the neighbors won't hear it. In fact, they probably will. I got to know a debarked doxen and if I was its neighbor, I wouldn't have been too pleased with the noise. I would've preferred a real bark.

Have you thought about taking her to a doggy daycare while you are gone? (oops sorry - duplicate post)

That is good to hear.

I dont know much about debarking but it seems to me that you want to do what is best for Sophie. just please research as much as possible because this is not something you can reverse. hear is a video of a debarked yorkie.

I don't have much experience at all about this type of operation other than hearing the poor pups after its been done (I knew a person with THREE Sheltie's, dogs which are known to be yappers, and she did it to all of them...very sad however she had a big house on a lot of land which IMO she shouldn't needed the surgery)....

I understand your situation completely since I live in an apartment as well and have had neighbors complain before, its really tough :( I just wonder if you've asked your vet why she doesn't perform this type of surgery....there must be a reason why. If your vet doesn't think the surgery is good for your pup, that might be enough reason not to do it...I would trust your vet.

Does your baby just bark while you're gone during the day or is it while you are at home as well? I was going to say you could have someone come by and play with her periodically while you're gone or take her somewhere where someone can watch her and she can play (I take mine to my dad's house while I'm at work and he loves to play with him). Wish I had more helpful suggestions! The music sounds like a good idea too, I hope you find the best solution for you and your little Sophie, she's a doll!!! :)

LOL that dog has the biggest ears that I have ever seen on a yorkie.

personally I would try the citronella first.

I don't like the idea of debarking, but it would be better than crating her all day.

We neuter dogs for their own good. Is debarking any worse than that?

Wow, you are between a rock and a hard place. I know how scary it is when apartment neighbors are complaining. Sounds like you have tried a lot of different things.

I can think of three things I might try before debarking:
1. doggie daycare
2. dog walker mid-day
3. citronella collar
4. Medication to keep her calm for a few days while you are at work.

(Ok - make that 4 things). I had to give my maltese medication when we moved to another state and I received a complaint that he barked all day. Of course, this was due to adjustment issues and after about 3 days on somekind of doggie valium; he was fine.

I wish you could move because your neighbor doesn't sound all that nice! But understand this may not be in the picture for you.

In your shoes - if all else failed; I would probably have to consider the surgery. I'm so sorry you find yourself in this position.

Sorry! I now see that you have already tried citronella collar and a dog walker!

I have the same situation going on. I am so happy to have a manager who has a toy breed and understands me. I put my dog in a crate to see if it help, and oh my goodness it was worse. I came back and I could hear him in the parking lot. No regular bark either; it sounded more like someone was killing him. And they have told me he barks nonstop until I come home.
My suggestion is to find someone to pet sit. I don't have much money so I use friends to petsit once in awhile. If your little one is trained I'm sure someone will be more than happy to look after her. Can you lock her in the restroom with a Himalayan Chew?
As far as your neighbor, record her dog barking and call the cops on her as well.
I'm not for or against debarking, but it will be my very last option. Good Luck!!

While I don't condone debarking it sounds like in this case and if it were my Sophie and I tried all options available I would probably debark to keep my beloved pet. Debarking really isn't no worse than neutering or spaying the dog it's just not common practice as a spay or neuter would be.
I would NOT hold it against anyone that would debark in this type of scenerio.
Donna