debarking or bark "softening"

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Cares4Dogs

If its just during the day when your not home, I'd try a no bark collar or something along those lines that is not permanent.

It irritates me to no end that there are people who will complain during daylight hours about regular noises that are normally heard in a neighborhood or apartment complex. A dog barking isnt as annoying as a teenager turning up the stereo or law equipment. Maybe the neighbors should watch this debarking video...maybe see if they have any compassion.

My neighbors complain about my kids making too much nose opening the plastic lids when they take out the garbage. They also get annoyed if my house guests smoke outside or if my kids kick around a ball on a saturday afternoon. Some people are impossible to please and if they'd prefer living with 0 noise--maybe they should move since they dont like anything!

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

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by BellaDonna

I have seen dogs that had that done and I think it's a horrible thing to do. That would be like me taking your right to speech. I wouldn't do that to an animal. If it was a question of that dog being given away to a home where the barking is tolerated I would give the dog away, but I wouldn't take the voice away.

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.

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Just wondering why your vet will not debark? What are his thoughts and reasoning behind not doing the surgery on a dog?

If I trusted my vet.............

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.

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by fifeandshaffer

i dont know much about it however you seem like a smart person and if that is the best option so you can keep her, that might be best, me personally feel like you have done everything you can, and you love your dog and she loves you, the surgery seems to me a better option than the trauma to the both of you is she has to be rehomed, but thats just my opinion and im sure most people wont agree with me. There is a cd at barnes and noble that relaxes dogs i got it 4 my dog you may want to try that as a last last resort.

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

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by jencar98

Are there not rental houses available to you? Around here often times you can rent a house for close to the same amount as an apartment.

If moving is not an option, I agree with what Donna posted to you. Normally I would be firmly against debarking, especially as a convenience for the pet owner. But, it does sound like short of moving, you've done everything you can.

I've known of only one other case where I thought debarking was kind of okay. This was an elderly lady with an older poodle, she had since the dog was a pup. The lady was going into a nursing home that would allow her dog but only if the dog never barked. It would have been devastating to separate the owner and dog at that point.

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

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I have the calming music too: "Through a Dog's Ear" CD and the driving edition. My boys love these albums along with a couple of others.

Regarding debarking, another important consideration is health. I don't know if this is true or just a scare tactic, but I have read that debarking can cause serious throat problems later in life. Sorry I don't recall the specifics, but MommyofSophie, please research this before making a decision.

I can imagine your frustration because you are between a rock and a hard place. Sorry I don't have any more advice to help you solve this problem.

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!

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by BanditSocks2

I know you said you put her in the kitchen to remove her from any windows and stuff, but what about a crate? We keep a blanket over our dogs crates except the crate and the only time they bark is when we walk in the door.

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?

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by Brooklynn

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

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.

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

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.

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.

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie

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.

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

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by lovemy3babies

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

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.

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by Maximo

That is good to hear.

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

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by misslissa

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.
YouTube - Melody - a debarked Yorkie still has something to say at din

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.

[mommyofsophie]

Originally Posted by Dzbabykel

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!!!

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.

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie

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.

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