Surgical bark softening - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

mypreciouspups · 02-15-2008, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4doggiemama

It is a well-known fact that pets keep the elderly, or anyone for that matter, mentally healthier which often affects the physical. If I was in the position as this elderly lady and was told that the only way I could have my beloved Yorkie with me was to debark, I'm not so sure that I wouldn't choose debark. After being put into some tough, embarrassing situations I have learned to not say "never." It came back to bite me. Children have a way of humbling us.

Joanne

My point exactly, not saying I believe in it.. but good example...never say never..

mypreciouspups · 02-15-2008, 07:10 AM

I hit send to fast on the last post.. I think a barking collar might help also..

I know they are not liked.. but I do know people that have used them.. apparently a couple zaps.. and then wearing this collar keep them quiet..
I have huge barkers.. all 4.. one tries to out do the other when some one comes near the house..

But it might not feel as cruel to others..I bet there are people on here that use them, they may not brag about it, but I would bet.. for there are one heck of a lot of barkers sold.. and one heck of a lot of people on YT...

Again I am only trying to see if others can offer help, ideas..

EmrldShdwQueen · 02-15-2008, 07:11 AM

My mentor has a dog that she bought when she was already 2 years old and had previously been debarked. Trust me, it doesn't make much difference. Her raspy "bark" is actually more annoying than a normal bark.

I almost feel that if it's a choice between debarking and rehoming, the dog would be better off in a new home.

YorkieAunt · 02-15-2008, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyBit

Love that!!!

If you don't want your dog to bark...buy a cat!!

I don't think that this is construction to the helping the op. If you feel really strongly negative about this subject, then maybe you should just ignore this thread. It's comments like this one that chase new members away.

MindieRose · 02-15-2008, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieAunt

I don't think that this is construction to the helping the op. If you feel really strongly negative about this subject, then maybe you should just ignore this thread. It's comments like this one that chase new members away.

Indeed. Especially since it isnt that the owner or the op doesnt WANT the dog to bark. Obviously, its someone else that has the problem with the dog barking.
Again, I say that I would not have my son neutered like people do dogs, but people do that for "ethical reasons". I think this particular case bares some ethical ground. My grandma loves her dog to pieces, it might just kill her to take him away.

Only my Cleo barks a lot, and thats only when someone is walking their dog by my house, or if someone pulls in the driveway. If she is getting out of hand, I say "Hey!" loudly at her, and she puts her ears down because she knows she is being disobediant. Sometimes she will keep her ears down and run away, and softly bark still, like she just cant help it. It makes me chuckle.

mypreciouspups · 02-15-2008, 07:25 AM

[QUOTE=EmrldShdwQueen;1765705]My mentor has a dog that she bought when she was already 2 years old and had previously been debarked. Trust me, it doesn't make much difference. Her raspy "bark" is actually more annoying than a normal bark.

I almost feel that if it's a choice between debarking and rehoming, the dog would be better off in a new home.[/QUOT

My girlfriend has a dog that was debarked prior to her getting her, and her bark is now a raspy bark.. but I know another person that apparently done right, this dog has no bark... again not my choice believe me... gee if my guys did not bark when I came to the door.. I would be in panic mode.. For me there bark is music to my ears to know all is safe and alive.. I guess you can tell I hate going out and leaving my dogs home..

EmrldShdwQueen · 02-15-2008, 07:28 AM

[quote=mypreciouspups;1765753]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmrldShdwQueen

My mentor has a dog that she bought when she was already 2 years old and had previously been debarked. Trust me, it doesn't make much difference. Her raspy "bark" is actually more annoying than a normal bark.

I almost feel that if it's a choice between debarking and rehoming, the dog would be better off in a new home.[/QUOT

My girlfriend has a dog that was debarked prior to her getting her, and her bark is now a raspy bark.. but I know another person that apparently done right, this dog has no bark... again not my choice believe me... gee if my guys did not bark when I came to the door.. I would be in panic mode.. For me there bark is music to my ears to know all is safe and alive.. I guess you can tell I hate going out and leaving my dogs home..

Yeah I like mine to bark occasionally. But trust me, my house isn't a completely quiet one lol

daisy mae06 · 02-15-2008, 07:33 AM

Not saying I would Ever do this .( I would Never) But if your Elderly Friend HAS to, I would make sure that you get it done by the Best of the Best to insure it is done correctly and as humanely as possible..

I hope you can find a better solution though.

PrestigeousYT · 02-15-2008, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Is this a Yorkie you are talking about?

One of the side effects of debarking is that scar tissue can build up and narrow the the airway. No matter how you feel ethically about the procedure, I wouldn't consider it for a toy breed dog who are already prone to collapsed tracheas.

It's also illegal in some states.

I agree on this and also you have to worry about the big thing, it makes it difficult to intubate them because of the scar tissue.

That would be a great concern for me.

Deana
Prestigeous Yorkies

ARCHIE · 02-15-2008, 07:44 AM

We will be exhausting all alternatives to keep her much loved pet with her. Consistent behavioral modification is not always feasible when the handler is incapacitated.

Then what about training before she moves? Bring in a professional.
If there is money for surgery then there will be money for a trainer.
A dog can be taught "NO Barking".

I wish her luck and her pet can stay with her.

WidsMom · 02-15-2008, 08:08 AM

We have been, and will continue to work with both of them. It's a very tough thing when working with an elderly person who has her own frailties. Yes, training is ongoing. It's inconsistant because of this woman's personal health issues. Some days she's in bed most of the day, and the dog is at her side or on her bed. Again, this isn't about me, or what I'd do or not do.

I'm just trying to find out information on every avenue. The move is pending, but she could be selected at any time. She may not have much notice. Believe me, she loves her dog dearly, and has given up her own wants to supply this dog with whatever is needed for care and food. This decision isn't being taken lightly.

It's easy to be judgemental friends, but unless you've walked in the same shoes as another, best not to cast stones. Are you elderly and confined to a bed or wheelchair much of the time? Will you be moving into tight quarters with other elderly people? Do you have no other living thing that cares about you as much as your pet? Has your doctor just given you a terminal diagnosis?
Please think before responding.

WidsMom · 02-15-2008, 08:16 AM

Oh and thank you to all for the other suggestions.

I appreciate your experiences with the methods you've tried, as well as those you've read about or seen demonstrated.

Hugs,
Joy

davis · 02-15-2008, 08:21 AM

I have to say I agree with all the others. I would rather re-home a dog rather that do that surgery. I saw a special about the lady who writes children's books about her dog and she found the little dog in a box. He had a broken back and had been made barkless with surgery. The little thing went through the motions of barking-just didn't make a sound. I also met a dog that had been used in very painful research - the people who were doing the research had used surgery to make him barkless so he couldn't scream. Finally after they were finished with him my friend persuaded them to let her have him rather than kill him. Seeing him barking and not making a sound broke my heart. I feel if you did this once you saw what it did to him you would be sorry.

BamaFan121s · 02-15-2008, 08:22 AM

Reading the first post again, I think that the OP was looking for information on the procedure, not if we think it's right or wrong....
Unless I'm reading it wrong, it's not her dog and she doesn't seem to really agree with it either...so it seems like some of the responses are sort of 'preaching to the choir."

ARCHIE · 02-15-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WidsMom

Oh and thank you to all for the other suggestions.

I appreciate your experiences with the methods you've tried, as well as those you've read about or seen demonstrated.

Hugs,
Joy

You have probably already tried this but I am going to suggest it
anyhow. Coins in a can. They worked wonder's for Buddy. It truly
stopped him from barking unnessarily. That is something the owner
can keep by her side to use if necessary. It took a couple of weeks
for him to get the meaning of it but it worked like magic and continues
to do so 1 1/2 yrs. later.

02-15-2008, 07:33 AM	#38
daisy mae06 Kodi & Pixie 2 Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: NEBRASKA Posts: 14,766	Not saying I would Ever do this .( I would Never) But if your Elderly Friend HAS to, I would make sure that you get it done by the Best of the Best to insure it is done correctly and as humanely as possible.. I hope you can find a better solution though. __________________ OK Yorkie Rescue - http://okyorkierescue.org LorisCritterSitter.com

02-15-2008, 08:08 AM	#41
WidsMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Posts: 277	We have been, and will continue to work with both of them. It's a very tough thing when working with an elderly person who has her own frailties. Yes, training is ongoing. It's inconsistant because of this woman's personal health issues. Some days she's in bed most of the day, and the dog is at her side or on her bed. Again, *this isn't about me, or what I'd do or not do. I'm just trying to find out information on every avenue. The move is pending, but she could be selected at any time. She may not have much notice. Believe me, she loves her dog dearly, and has given up her own wants to supply this dog with whatever is needed for care and food. This decision isn't being taken lightly. It's easy to be judgemental friends, but unless you've walked in the same* *shoes* as another, best not to cast stones. Are you elderly and confined to a bed or wheelchair much of the time? Will you be moving into tight quarters with other elderly people? Do you have no other living thing that cares about you as much as your pet? Has your doctor just given you a terminal diagnosis? Please think *before* responding. __________________ Mom of Haley and Pim!

02-15-2008, 08:16 AM	#42
WidsMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Posts: 277	Oh and thank you to all for the other suggestions. I appreciate your experiences with the methods you've tried, as well as those you've read about or seen demonstrated. Hugs, Joy __________________ Mom of Haley and Pim!

02-15-2008, 07:10 AM	#32
mypreciouspups Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida/Canada Posts: 5,514	I hit send to fast on the last post.. I think a barking collar might help also.. I know they are not liked.. but I do know people that have used them.. apparently a couple zaps.. and then wearing this collar keep them quiet.. I have huge barkers.. all 4.. one tries to out do the other when some one comes near the house.. But it might not feel as cruel to others..I bet there are people on here that use them, they may not brag about it, but I would bet.. for there are one heck of a lot of barkers sold.. and one heck of a lot of people on YT... Again I am only trying to see if others can offer help, ideas..

02-15-2008, 07:11 AM	#33
EmrldShdwQueen No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,987	My mentor has a dog that she bought when she was already 2 years old and had previously been debarked. Trust me, it doesn't make much difference. Her raspy "bark" is actually more annoying than a normal bark. I almost feel that if it's a choice between debarking and rehoming, the dog would be better off in a new home.

02-15-2008, 07:25 AM	#36
mypreciouspups Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida/Canada Posts: 5,514	[QUOTE=EmrldShdwQueen;1765705]My mentor has a dog that she bought when she was already 2 years old and had previously been debarked. Trust me, it doesn't make much difference. Her raspy "bark" is actually more annoying than a normal bark. I almost feel that if it's a choice between debarking and rehoming, the dog would be better off in a new home.[/QUOT My girlfriend has a dog that was debarked prior to her getting her, and her bark is now a raspy bark.. but I know another person that apparently done right, this dog has no bark... again not my choice believe me... gee if my guys did not bark when I came to the door.. I would be in panic mode.. For me there bark is music to my ears to know all is safe and alive.. I guess you can tell I hate going out and leaving my dogs home..

02-15-2008, 07:44 AM	#40
ARCHIE No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK Posts: 16,218	We will be exhausting all alternatives to keep her much loved pet with her. Consistent behavioral modification is not always feasible when the handler is incapacitated. Then what about training before she moves? Bring in a professional. If there is money for surgery then there will be money for a trainer. A dog can be taught "NO Barking". I wish her luck and her pet can stay with her.

02-15-2008, 08:21 AM	#43
davis Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tennessee Posts: 187	I have to say I agree with all the others. I would rather re-home a dog rather that do that surgery. I saw a special about the lady who writes children's books about her dog and she found the little dog in a box. He had a broken back and had been made barkless with surgery. The little thing went through the motions of barking-just didn't make a sound. I also met a dog that had been used in very painful research - the people who were doing the research had used surgery to make him barkless so he couldn't scream. Finally after they were finished with him my friend persuaded them to let her have him rather than kill him. Seeing him barking and not making a sound broke my heart. I feel if you did this once you saw what it did to him you would be sorry.

02-15-2008, 08:22 AM	#44
BamaFan121s Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alabama Posts: 11,432	Reading the first post again, I think that the OP was looking for information on the procedure, not if we think it's right or wrong.... Unless I'm reading it wrong, it's not her dog and she doesn't seem to really agree with it either...so it seems like some of the responses are sort of 'preaching to the choir."