To Bark or Debark? That is the Question!

[KellyV]

I know I already posted on this, but I'm compelled to post again.... IMO (and I'm sure I'm going to be crucified for this) it's an option for those that really need it.... There are some dogs that are just neurotic and bark and bark for no reason what-so-ever and will continue to do so no matter the amount of discipline or training it receives. It should, however, be used as a last resort once you've tried all other methods and failed (and NOT just tried each method for a day two, give it a good couple of months to see if it will work).

Some people would just move and that may work for some, but that isn't a viable option for everyone. Lord knows if my landlord was threatening to evict me I'd try to stop that barking quick (but again, I would exhaust every other method first). I can't afford to buy my own house in the middle of nowhere where barking won't bother anyone. I think a lot of people in my situation may feel if they can't stop the barking, their only option is to rehome the dog (and pray that they receive even half the love and attention it did in your home) or give it up to a shelter where it could possibly be euthanized.

Debarking does not completely remove a dogs bark. The dog is still able to bark, it's just more hoarse sounding and doesn't carry as far (in some cases, the dog can actually bark LOUDER than before due to the formation of excessive scar tissue). Some dogs don't even realize that it isn't as loud and isn't psychologically effected at all! Yes it's surgery, yes it has its risks, but it's less invasive than your traditional spay/neuter and when performed by a skilled vet complications should be minimal.... I don't think debarking (it's also referred to as "bark softening") is different from cropping ears, docking tails, removing dew claws and neutering your pet. They ALL are altering your dog in some fashion (it's just more accepted).

I'm not condoning or condemning the procedure. I just don't like when people are being labeled as being "cruel" or "inhumane" for doing something that in the end, could be keeping their beloved pet out of a shelter (and possibly euthanized!) If anyone is considering it as a LAST RESORT, they should discuss it thoroughly with their vet and carefully weigh the pros and cons before going through with it.

An Overview of the Debarking Debate
Association of Pet Dog Trainer's Position on Debarking
Debarking from Jo Anne Mather
Declawing and Debarking. What are the Alternatives?
IACP on Debarking
NAIA - Debarking Myths and Facts

[Hickey007]

Originally Posted by Jenn218

I understand about deer and other outside nuisance that may cause a dog to bark! I live on over 30 acres which most of our land borders national park land. We have fields, bluffs, high points and deep valley, 2 acre pond, 2 creeks, thick forest, etc - you can imagine what crosses our path from time to time. We have had everything from coyotes, bear, "run away" donkey and horses, deer galore, screech owls, and other animals, lost hikers, etc. Mojo will bark to let us know that something is there, that he thinks shouldn't be there. That is great - That is what we want! He is a better watch dog then our 100+ pound German Shepard. This barking does not bother us and we would never take that away from him - he is doing a good thing!

My husband would be so envious of you. Wow, bet its gorgeous. Lost hikers...lol. I hope I didn't offend you, I don't think I did. At least it didn't sound that way by your post. Like I said earlier I was just throwing that out there.
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Honestly its a little hard for me to imagine ever having to debark Reagan because she is so not a barker. She barks at things. It might be a dog walking down the road, or someone on a bike, or the cat scratching at the door but never constant barking and really nothing I can't make her stop(I actually love the last one, b/c she lets me know when the cats want in). She's pretty good at hushing when I tell her to and if she doesn't stop then she will when I show her its nothing to be concerned about. So honestly my opinion really shouldn't mean too much because I've never been in that situation.

[Latuya]

Why is it barbaric? We are spaying/neutering our pets. We are docking their tails. Why are these not barbaric and debarking is?

My baby is not going anywhere! If there was a situation where excessive barking is really a problem and I was asked to leave or being sited for it after being warned. Then yes I would go for the debarking. But not before trying to work with my dog first. Gus will start barking like crazy and all it takes is a firm "Gus stop it!" And it's done. If he does it again, then it's time out. Yes they are dogs, but you don't let them get away with what ever they want. If we do that, then why train at all? Let them pee, poo, snap or do what ever they want? No I don't think so! You have to be consistent with training your dog! And if all else fails, then yes I would do what I had to do so that my baby stays with me. I would do research and research some more to find a vet I can totally trust.

So yes I do vote for debarking over finding him a new home!

[Twinkie_love]

Both possible answers fall on the two extremes.
If I had a similar situation I would try other methods before debarking my dog. One that comes to mind is probably hiring a behaviorist because barking is behavior after all. If that didnt work....I would do it but NEVER give away my baby. That would be like giving away my child because he/she was hyperactive.

[Rae Rae]

Debarking is cruel. I would give the dog to another house before I took the dogs voice away. Dogs dont just bark to annoy, they bark if they are hurt or in pain. How would people feel if they couldn't scream when they are in pain? I'm sorry but that is one of the cruelest things to do to an animal.

[Rae Rae]

Originally Posted by Kupara

Why do you find one type of pain and torture acceptable and the other not?

I find that docking of tails (on most dog breeds) or cropping ears (schnauzers for example) removing the uterus in spaying, removing the testicles in neutering, removing dew claws is just as "cruel and barbaric" as debarking a dog.

I understand that spaying and neutering is necessary to control the number of pets in each of our respective countries. But for the rest...

My mother-in-law used to be a schnauzer breeder and I can assure you that ear cropping is very painful to those poor babies. You can also lose puppies while they're under, AND there is no guarantee the ears will come up. The countries in the world that still allow ear cropping are a MINORITY and in likelyhood it may not be for much longer if the animal activists have their way. Here they don't even teach any ear cropping technique to the newer veterinarians anymore.

Mutilation in the name of fashion or tradition is just not acceptable in my opinion.

P.S. Sorry If my English isn't very good. It's only my third language but I'm trying really hard to improve my writing skills in English.

Elizabeth

Aren't tails docked for safety reasons? Also, not everyone is cropping their dogs ears, we have never cropped any of our dogs ears for the fact that we didnt want to put our puppies through that pain. As for spaying and neutering...I dont see how that is cruel or barbaric because the dogs are usually under anesthetic, or atleast should be. And the dew claws, I heard that if those arent removed they can cause problems.

[Teddy_Q]

I would NOT debark my baby OR give him away. i would move!!

[M&M yorkies]

I have just had one of my 2 Yorkies done... I felt there was no alternative, he has sep anxiety , clomiclam doesn't touch it... we would sell our new apt. , before we got rid of him (as it is , his health problems make him an unlikely canadiate for adoption) I spoke to 2 diffrent vets who know me and My dog and they both agreed. HOWEVER, it was expensive and can be dangerous for small dogs... it took 3 drs. an extra hou and a hlf to get him debarked , them he had to go to emerg for the night as the airways are prone to swelling. As a LAST resort, yes... but if you have the time , try other things. Very scary for us.

[M&M yorkies]

Thank you for that... people get all bent out of shape about issues of cruelty, but my vets said that pain manangement was a priority and that if used as a last resort, debarking is a life saver.

[M&M yorkies]

they still bark , even after being debarked, just more softly.

[stedmansmommy]

I personally wouldn't debark OR find my baby a new home - my baby and I would find a new home together! I would just MOVE!!

[Amber_lv]

I could never do this to any dog!

[gypsyqueen]

Im the one posted the question on debarking and what I wanted was info on the procedure thanks for the info while I wouldnt debark my chi because of her size surgery could be dangerous and she only barks with strangers I would debark my pet before parting with her. Sorry people thats my opinion

[karen171]

No way, I think it's cruel. I would have to move or try to get a special trainer to help stop the barking...like the Dog Whisperer. I've seen him cure dogs of excessive barking.

[Latuya]

Here I went and forgot about this thread and it pops up again. Come on people,,,,,, It must be nice to be able to pick up just like that and move. For most of us who don't have the money for a personal trainer,,, and those of us who have kids who are in school, it's not that easy to pick up and leave your home because of a barking dog. I am tripping out on some of these replies. We all love our pets and to say "I'd just move" IS NOT GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. What are you going to do, keep moving? I don't think so. We can agree to disagree, but I know if it came down to it, my baby is not going anywhere and neither are we.