Originally Posted by Mitzis Mom (Post 3215859)

I agree with the neighbors to be debarked but I also see your point. To tell the truth I thought of it already myself b/c Maggie has a very very annoying bark that hurts my teeth...LOL...
But on the other hand... would you have any possibility to sound proof your apartment so less noise can come in or out? I could imagine that a debark surgery is not quite cheap and maybe with some insulation from your Lowes or Home Depot and a bit of elbow grease you could make a big difference with less money?

Originally Posted by MyBabyFynnlie (Post 3215886)

My neighbor had a rescued Sheltie who had had her voice box removed. It was sad. She would try to bark but she couldn't. She almost got hit by a car because she couldn't bark and he didn't know she was running towards the road. It was terrifying.

I'm completely against it.

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985 (Post 3215932)

This is an excellent suggestion you could look into, besides daycare. As Britster pointed out, it would be naive of us to get a dog without thinking they would cost us money. They are the cutest money pitts we have. :) It does sound like an awful situation. You either keep getting fines and allow your little one to enjoy barking, and maybe get evicted. Or you move, which is hard when you have a pet. Whatever you decide to do, it seems like you have thought this through, so you can't feel bad with whatever you do. You tried, you really did.

Originally Posted by Brooklynn (Post 3216120)

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 :)

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie (Post 3216205)

Lol, what a fun suggestion! I can see myself with a toolbelt going at it now! Sadly, modifying my apt. in any way isn't allowed. I can't even paint, much less change the walls. But I love your think-outside-the-box idea!!:thumbup:

Originally Posted by Ringo1 (Post 3216156)

I'll bet you are a nervous wreck the whole time you are at work; I know I would be. Wondering if there will be a police car or animal control waiting for me at home.

You poor thing.

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie (Post 3216160)

sorry, i didn't read the entire thread. i only read your first post. (so if i am missing something you already posted about. i am sorry)

i really would not debark if i were you. barking is one of the ways she communicates with you. and i think if you take that away, you will be very sorry that you did it later on.

if i were you. i would look to rent a house and move out of the apartment. you don't have to buy a house...you can always rent one. and if it's too much money, you can look for roommates. it might not be your preference to rent a house with roommates, but it will only be a temporary situation where as if you debarked your dog, it will be permanent. and what if you regret it later?

if someone told me that they have a debarked dog, my first question would be if it's a puppymill rescue, because i can only imagine puppy mills doing that to their dogs. and if you told me that you did it because it bothered the neighbors. i would have asked you why didn't you just get new neighbors instead of doing something so drastic to your dog.

our dogs trust us to make the best decisions for them. are you making the best decision for your baby by choosing to debarking her? that might be a simple solution, but i don't think it's the right solution.

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie (Post 3216230)

I actually get nauseated because I get so stressed out about it. :-( And I have this irrational fear that the snotty neighbor (who has been incredibly hateful about all of this) is going to leave poison on the ground for Sophie or something. I know, irrational, but I'm worried. Last night I was online reading about debarking risks/potential benefits and I came across a Sheltie rescue site that had photos of dogs that had been terrorized by neighbors for their barking. One dog had oven cleaner sprayed down his throat (causing massive internal damage and loss of his teeth). Another had its snout wrapped shut with barbed wire! Another had its throat slit (luckily it survived). I shouldn't have looked at that site! I've asked to move locations within my apt. complex and I'm looking into home rentals, but the barking will go with Sophie at this point.

Originally Posted by MaddiesMommie (Post 3216161)

Mommyof Sophie, I hope you find a place to "rehome" yourselves to. :) I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Originally Posted by shoefelmeyer (Post 3216179)

I would advise considering other options, other than doing this type of procedure.

My thoughts are, if this were a human baby that cried ALOT, would we consider taking away their voice? No! We would find ways to soothe the baby and find out what is the cause of the constant crying.

Moving to a house would be a much better solution. Praying you will find a rental house soon so you and your pup will be much happier.

My yorkie barks ALOT when my husband is home from work. She is much quieter when he is not home. Not sure why she is like this. I am thinking she just wants my husband to spend some time with her, once he arrives home from work?

Originally Posted by mommyofsophie (Post 3216230)

I actually get nauseated because I get so stressed out about it. :-( And I have this irrational fear that the snotty neighbor (who has been incredibly hateful about all of this) is going to leave poison on the ground for Sophie or something. I know, irrational, but I'm worried. Last night I was online reading about debarking risks/potential benefits and I came across a Sheltie rescue site that had photos of dogs that had been terrorized by neighbors for their barking. One dog had oven cleaner sprayed down his throat (causing massive internal damage and loss of his teeth). Another had its snout wrapped shut with barbed wire! Another had its throat slit (luckily it survived). I shouldn't have looked at that site! I've asked to move locations within my apt. complex and I'm looking into home rentals, but the barking will go with Sophie at this point.