No barking?

[alibuch]

I was just walking Louise and a woman was walking her Jack Russell and the dog was barking but there really wasn't any sound coming out.
Is there some sort of surgery people put their dogs through to stop them from barking?

[Wibidad]

Yes. Some people have their dogs' vocal cords removed to prevent barking noise. There are many vets who won't perform this cruel operation, but there are plenty who will.

[alibuch]

Wow. I was really hoping it wasn't what I was thinking.

[cyrax]

some others ram a rod down the throat. So, well the surgery is the better among the worst so called solutions

[alibuch]

That's awful. :(

[Wes]

I asked a vet about this when I first heard about it a few years ago. He said that there are two common procedures. One is performed by entering through the mouth and severing the vocal cords--this can leave the dog with a low bark. The other involves surgically entering through the neck and removing the vocal cords:(.
I cringed:eek: when I first heard of these, but then thought that they would be better than getting rid of a dog due to excessive barking. Most people don't even think twice about "fixing" a dog to control breeding.
My Maltese(Cotton) was a really sick baby when I got her and has been very nervous ever since. She has worn out two bark control collars(one sonic and one citrus spray). The collar activates when she starts barking but doesn't prevent her from being startled by just about any sudden noise--she sometimes keeps barking after the collar activates. My Pekinese also barks; however, just wearing the collar stops him from even starting barking most of the time.
Luckily, my neighbors haven't complained during the three years that I have had Cotton, but if I had to choose between putting her in a shelter, euthanizing or debarking her---I know what I would choose.

[jonomo]

I first thought this was cruel too and then I thought about it a bit... I think it's better than constantly punishing your dog for barking or even worse, having to get rid of it... if it means that you'll love your dog more in the end.. then why not... it's surgery just like getting your dog neutered...
Some dogs are just impossible to keep from barking.... luckily I don't have that problem... but for someone who does.. this might be a real solution for them...

[alibuch]

I'm sorry. I still can't justify this as a good thing.

[annie]

Yeah, me neither.... No problems are incurable and they all are there for some reasons. Find the cause and work on the issue...

[Scarlet13]

Another big problem with the opp is that it is only semi-permenant. The cords can heal and the dog can regain its ability to bark, meaning that in as little as 3 months you might have to do it again. I one time thing might be ok, but constant procedures are abuse.

[alibuch]

Find the cause and work on the issue...
Exactly

[jonomo]

Alot of folk feel that the cause was getting the dog in the first place.. solution.. dump the dog..

[alibuch]

Then don't get a dog if you can't handle the responsibility that comes with it. Simple as that...

[jetti]

I do have a huge problem with the barking of my dog. I really believe I tried everything in the book.As Alibuch suggested ; take the reason for barking away.Very well - could you please advise me how I get airplaines out of the sky?? Today there are firecrackers every hour, on the hour - would be nice to get rid of them too. All joking apart. My Cairn terrier is the most lovable and obedient doggie in the world and if there are no airplanes or firecrackers - like at this moment, the world is perfect but I am afraid to take him for a walk because he is barking like mad when a plane comes over or the firecrackers start again. Even though I would hate to have his vocal cords cut - I am considering it as a very last resort. Please don´t make me feel bad because drugging him is no option and a barkcollar doesn´t work. I do not want to punish him for barking because we both hate that too. Sooooo what else can I do but......

[luvadog]

I have one solution that I've found successful. I take a 2-liter bottle and keep it by the door. When I come home and the dogs bark for attention, I take the bottle and hit it on the wall and make a noise that really gets their attention. They eventually stopped barking so much when I come in.

[Scarlet13]

I first thought this was cruel too and then I thought about it a bit... I think it's better than constantly punishing your dog for barking or even worse, having to get rid of it... if it means that you'll love your dog more in the end.. then why not... it's surgery just like getting your dog neutered...
Some dogs are just impossible to keep from barking.... luckily I don't have that problem... but for someone who does.. this might be a real solution for them...

I do have a huge problem with the barking of my dog. I really believe I tried everything in the book.As Alibuch suggested ; take the reason for barking away.Very well - could you please advise me how I get airplaines out of the sky?? Today there are firecrackers every hour, on the hour - would be nice to get rid of them too. All joking apart. My Cairn terrier is the most lovable and obedient doggie in the world and if there are no airplanes or firecrackers - like at this moment, the world is perfect but I am afraid to take him for a walk because he is barking like mad when a plane comes over or the firecrackers start again. Even though I would hate to have his vocal cords cut - I am considering it as a very last resort. Please don´t make me feel bad because drugging him is no option and a barkcollar doesn´t work. I do not want to punish him for barking because we both hate that too. Sooooo what else can I do but......

Unfortunately, de-barking isn't permanent and it is extremely painful. They still make noise and often it is worse than a bark and far more annoying. It isn't really a good solution on any level. I have a good friend who took in a de-barked min-pin and trust me he still "barks" a lot, but it is just weird sounding. She has said she would have preferred his natural bark-as it would be far less annoying.

I just learnt about a new product however that might help you. Its an anti-barking system that you can install on your wall or put on your counter. You program the amount of barks that is allowed (i.e. one or two) and when the dog goes beyond that a sound emits (that only dogs can here)and helps curb problem barking.

I am getting one, and I will let you all know how it works. Its neat because unlike a collar which should only be used when you are supervising. This can be left on at all times, and used inside and out. You can get all sorts on ebay for relatively little money (40 bucks or so). I have five dogs and only two bark, they aren't really that bad but I'm getting prepared to move in to a townhouse so it couldn't hurt to tone it down a bit more.

And don't underestimate the power of excercise! A tired dog is a happy dog and is less likely to bark. If the dog isn't getting walked or tired out it its not surprising that he is barking. I do feel your pain though, My neighbours used to have these horrid children, they used to antagonize my dogs-I hated those brats (sorry to those of you with children-but some are indeed brats!!!!) and it was impossible for us to use our yard if they were outside. I know it can be difficult but there are still options that don't involve torturing your dog.

Its hardly the same as fixing your dog. That is a very simple procedure, most dogs are fine the next day. It is also better for their health, and temperament- in addition to be socially responsible. De-barking your dog is none of the above.

[alibuch]

Only you can make yourself feel guilty, jetti. Not me. I think the procedure is unnecessary and barbaric. If you feel guilty, it's because deep down you think it's a bad idea.