:thumbup: I guess I read it the same way as you..:)

Amen!!!

LMAO!! The original poster thought she could get answers without people being preachy. Yeah, right. As much as you tell people not to judge and lecture, they'll do so anyway.

I haven't had it done, but I would if necessary. If you'd like to have me help research it for you or ask around, message me and I will do some work for you. :)

My heart goes out to this poor lady, I'd hate to see her separated from her baby. I don't know anything about this surgery and I've never used a bark collar but I think I'd try the collar before I considered the surgery. I know people think they are cruel but I believe you can control how strong they are and maybe it would only take a few times and her baby would stop barking. When you compare the procedure, recovery and possible complications of the surgery to a few little zaps I think I'd try the collar first. I completely understand why she's considering this, I think it's very important for her well being to be able to keep her baby with her. Best of luck to her!

Debarking is a veterinary surgery that involves removing tissue from the dog’s vocal chords. This results in a dog’s voice being quieter, when done properly. It does not stop barking as the word debarking implies, but the bark now sounds like a whisper, and is thus not irritating to neighbors of dog owners that frequently bark.

Debarking dogs is a controversial topic. Some feel it is simply wrong to subject an animal to unnecessary surgery. Further they feel the dog may be emotionally damaged by loss of its voice. Most argue that with training, most dogs, even the “barky” breeds can be trained to bark less frequently. They see debarking as a lazy and cruel method for getting a dog to be quieter.

Supporters of debarking argue that the procedure saves the lives of many dogs that might be sent to pounds because of incessant barking. Some people acquire a dog that barks frequently and are soon immersed in struggles with neighbors who must listen to the dog barking at all hours of the day and night.

For some this means trying to find the dog another home, or simply sending the dog to the pound. Since many dogs never get adopted and are euthanized, supporters see debarking as a far better choice.

Additionally, those who support debarking also state they feel there is no significant evidence suggesting that debarking causes emotional damage to the dog. Since the dog can still bark, though quietly, it has not had its main “warning weapon” stolen. Most dogs that are debarked are usually subject to less remonstration and punishment by owners; so proponents of debarking suggest that dogs that are debarked are actually happier.

Misconception about the results of debarking persists. Some dogs that have undergone debarking are likely to bark frequently, sometimes incessantly. This sounds like a weak cough, and may, in fact, prove especially annoying to dog owners. Thus dogs may be punished for barking even after debarking has occurred.

Opponents of the procedure are partially correct in their assessment that most dogs can be trained not to bark frequently. Certain breeds are associated with barking more often, and they may be the most difficult to train. Further, debarking means the dog cannot use his or her bark to alert owners to danger. However, in some cases, dogs consider just about anything that passes by as danger, so any warnings with a full bark are likely to be ignored.

I think I'd have to give BoBo away before doing this procedure. I would compare it to removing his feet because he ran around too much and it bothered the neighbors.

Is it possible for the owner to find a new home-a place where the dog would be allowed?

It's funny I should read this today.

Last night at my handling class there was a gorgeous Irish Setter that had just won a 5 pt major. It was in a crate waiting for it's owner to practice with her. She was making this god-awful noise, kind of a huffing and wuffing sound. In true innocence I said to the owner "It sounds like your dog is having a heart attack".

She told me that she had been debarked, as had 5 of her littermates. The others in the litter were left intact.

I have to tell you that I would never do that to a dog. I never liked the procedure before, but I am more adamant after hearing that poor thing last night. The sounds she made were WORSE than barking.

The owner said that she thinks the dog stresses MORE since she can't bark normally. It was really very sad.

Thank you all. I have received some PM's and offers to help in my research, which is all it is at this point. :)

I never expressed an opinion one way or the other. I'd prefer to never put a dog under anesthesia too, but I have.:) Personally, I don't like tail docking or ear cropping either. But I also realize that many procedures may have a time and a place. Controversial procedures.

Again, this is not my pet. But I can tell you that there is no lack of love. Whatever the decision is, it's truly not a selfish one.

The dog is several years old. She survived the death of this woman's husband of 50 years. She is a beloved family member, so great, great consideration is being given.

Thanks again,

Joy

Sorry, but running around outside doesn't compare to barking. JMHO And of course you said you "think." One can't say never unless they are put in the lady's shoes.

Joy after reading this whole thread I have to do say she should do what has to be done. Her situation doesnt' warrant her moving some place and it would be cruel to rehome the dog. They both need each other. I would suggest she try the training but if it's not possible she needs to make the decision that is both of their best interest.

I wish them well. It's not an easy decision to make nor can I judge her decision that she does make. I am not living in her shoes and being elderly and probably on a fixed income her situation is a bit different than most folks.

Prayers for them both.

interesting. It would be a very difficult choice to make. Whenever I've heard a dog that has been de-barked they always sounds hoarse and I feel so bad and my immediate thought is how mean but..... it may be the right decision for the owner. I personally don't think I could do it unless it was a life/death situation and unpreventable.

When i was in her shoes, I rehomed my dog..

I'm sorry, I didnt know you were dying, in a wheelchair, and moving into an assisted living home. I guess you have every right to judge then.

To each their own as everyone's situation is different. You chose to rehome but for this lady that is ill her dog is probably all and everything she has that is keeping her going.