A barking dog can be very annoying. Some of them can bark nonstop for hours.

Dogs can still bark, just more softly. Dogs also communicate with a great deal of body language. Dogs are neutered and spayed, yet we don't routinely remove the reproduction organs of humans. Dogs and humans are not the same. My right to speech is granted to me under the Constitution; free speech is an inalienable right. However, there are sound ordinances even for human noise levels.

My vet can't do it because she practices out of VCA Woodland, which is a chain that has a policy on the procedure. I have had multiple consultations with my vet about the barking and what to try. My vet has recommended a colleague who has a private practice and could therefore perform the procedure. My vet, while not advocating that dogs be debarked at whim or lightly, has expressed support for me if I choose to have the procedure.

I do trust my vet, as I do my dentist, my optometrist, etc. However, just because an individual is the caregiver I have selected does not mean that I have to agree with him/her on everything in his/her practice. Again, my vet is supportive of me considering this, given the circumstances, but even if she was not, it is my responsibility to be a critical consumer of medical advice, not simply do (or not do) something because a vet or doctor advises it. It is my responsibility to do my research, get a second/third opinion, and make an informed decisions about all medical care for my pet, and myself.

Thank you for the tip on the CD!! I will look for it tomorrow!!:thumbup:

I started looking into rental homes this afternoon-- hopefully I can find one in my price range that allows dogs! (fingers crossed)

Thank you so much for the tip on the CD! Someone else recommended this as well-- I had no idea this kind of CD existed and I'm definitely going to try it with Sophie!

I did crate Sophie when she was being potty-trained, but that's when the neighbor's complaints started, so I transitioned Sophie out of the crate thinking she might be quieter if she was less confined. She's now gated in a kitchen that is about 6'x4'. She has her food water, potty pad, some toys, and her little snuggly house (a cat house with a bed and favorite blankie in it). Maybe the crate would work now?

You're right, Donna-- rehoming just isn't an option. And not simply because I'm being selfish and want Sophie with me. She is also deeply attached to me. :love:

Exactly. She loves barking and could still bark, just at a lower volume that won't carry into the neighbors' apartments. She isn't barking out of separation anxiety or from stress. As my vet said, "Sometimes, some dogs are just barkers." I have one. I love her to pieces, and she is very well-behaved. I don't want to resort to punitive measures. I'm trying options and have gotten some great suggestions from everyone here! But, if the options don't work, I have a terribly difficult decision to make.

Yes, I tried the citronella collar, but she still barked.

I think you are doing whatever it takes for Sophie and I applaud you for that. And whatever you decide I'm sure will be a great option for you and Sophie. If you can find another place that would be great! But just know if all else fails I would support your decision with debarking if all other options have been explored.
Donna

Good Luck :)

Yes! But the ones by me range in fees from $35-50 per DAY. Although I wish I could, I simply can't afford $700 per month in doggy daycare. I do have a dogwalker come on my long days; the walker is with Sophie for approx. 45 min. each time.

Very good to hear that the dogs lived happy, healthy lives!

Yes, this was one of the videos I found. While there are other videos of debarked dogs on YouTube, this was the only Yorkie one I could find. The dog can still bark, just softly. Looks like a happy dog.

Sophie barks when I'm home, very frequently, but I just tell her to "be nice," and she stops. When I'm not there, she barks to heart's content. :-) I do have a dog walker come on days when I teach morning and evening classes. I'm going to try the doggie music CDs, too!

My vet can't do it because she practices out of VCA Woodland, which is a chain that has a policy on the procedure. I have had multiple consultations with my vet about the barking and what to try. My vet has recommended a colleague who has a private practice and could therefore perform the procedure. My vet, while not advocating that dogs be debarked at whim or lightly, has expressed support for me if I choose to have the procedure.

I do trust my vet, as I do my dentist, my optometrist, etc. However, just because an individual is the caregiver I have selected does not mean that I have to agree with him/her on everything in his/her practice. Again, my vet is supportive of me considering this, given the circumstances, but even if she was not, it is my responsibility to be a critical consumer of medical advice, not simply do (or not do) something because a vet or doctor advises it. It is my responsibility to do my research, get a second/third opinion, and make an informed decisions about all medical care for my pet, and myself.

The yorkies I know that are debarked are still happy dogs! I know this isn't a popular thing to do and I wouldn't do it unless I had no other options but at least I know it can be done humanely and not harm the dog. I love when my dogs bark and yes sometimes it annoys me but they are my babies! But again, if something were to threaten me having to give them up or debark, I would absolutely debark in order to keep my dogs :)

Donna