Surgical Debarking Pro's Vs Con's - Interesting Article.........

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Ok all let's debate!  The topic is surgically debarking a dog.  Here is an article that I found that gives information on both views...........................

 

"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."

 

 

 

"Surgical debarking, also known as a vocal cordectomy, is sometimes used as an intervention for chronic barking. In a cordectomy, a veterinarian either makes an incision in the dog's throat or enters through his mouth, and cuts away the animal's vocal cords. Working through the throat provides the surgeon with a superior view, which allows him to remove more of the tissue. Hence, you are likely to get better results with a throat procedure."

 

I brought this up because I have a very close friend that is a sheltie breeder and sheltie's are known to be chronic barkers.  She has had I would say 1/2 of her shelties debarked - the one's that are chronically non-stop barkers. I see a way more relaxed atmosphere for all of her dogs together because the "barkers" and not upsetting and making the other "non-barkers" bark.  To me the de-barked dogs do not even realize they have lost the loudness to their bark because they still bark like crazy only its a whisper bark.  I do have mixed feelings about an "elective" surgery but then again what is the difference between a tail being docked for cosmetic purposes or say a schnauzers or doberman's ears being clipped to stand straight?  Lucky for me Hunter is not a barker!  I am not sure what I would do if she was.............

 

Let's Debate!

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

This is all interesting and I have lots to think about, Woody is 14 years old and the thought of giving him up is not even an option....I really don't care what neighbors think, I am sure it bothers them too. I myself can't take the barking..this is something that has developed in his old age..the barking is getting worse as he gets older. Could be hearing, loss of sense of smell, just plain old...I am going to try meds for him first....thanks for all this input...Poor Woody....is not easy getting old for humans and dogs too...

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Has anyone seen the movie "Grownups" yet? There is a Labradoodle who is debarked in the movie. Beautiful dog, but what a funny bark came out of it! It was good for a few chuckles with the actors, but I felt sorry of the dog.