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!

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

Please tell me this is not true and/or only used for reconstruction purposes after accidents or severe illnesses

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

http://www.sheltienation.com/welcome_to_sheltie_nation/2007/07/deba...

This is an interesting one, now if you cannot tolerate the barking why choose the breed? I know you can get a "barker" in any breed of dog but they really have a lot of info on shelties and the debarking debate. I wonder if they feel that justify's it?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Exactly my argument above, lol.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Great Minds Think Alike! LOL

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

I was referring to the cosmetic surgery on dogs. I cannot believe that people really do that for the looks. I want to deny that people are that superficial and actually love their pets....

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I actually saw a show on either FLN or E and it was all about the cosmetic procedures people do on dogs - its was disgusting!

http://www.cosmeticsurgeryguru.com/cosmetic-surgery-for-dogs/
I found this link and it is truly repulsive what people will do.

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

bbbbrrrrrr, I took a brief look. Some things I can understand at least a bit like the replacement of the eye but only with a lot of good will cause in the end the dog isn't bothered by a missing eye. But testical implants???? Where is here the added value for the dog???
What made me really go through the roof was this sentence:
What happens if Kitty starts scratching at your $45,000 hand bag?
If you can afford a $45,000 handbag then it doesn't matter if kitty scratches at it because then you are loaded enough to just buy a new f******* handbag. It is definitely not a reason to declaw your cat.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I couldn't have said that better!!!

[Adina P]

LOL

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Barking was a major concern of mine when we got Guinness because we live in a condo. We love it here...it's a perfect place for us to live for the rest of our lives. A dog that barked and disturbed the neighbors just wouldn't be an option..we could never afford the fines. So, I started to train him not to bark from the time we brought him home. Barking is a behavior, albeit a pretty natural canine behavior....but a behavior nonetheless. I knew that I didn't want to use a bark collar...training like that is just not in my nature. It would make me crazy, and I just don't think I could do it. I will admit it wasn't easy, and it took months, but we got there. I agree that part of it is the dog letting go of thinking that they need to be "in charge" and protect their domain. Once they recognize you as their leader, it helps a lot. Now that we have Murph, there's been some backsliding. Part of it is that Murph is a "barker" and part is that there has been some "pack order" confusion in Guinness's mind. So, now I'm right back into training BOTH Doods that barking is just not going to be allowed....period, end of story. That means separation...trips to the crate when the bark. They hate that! But, it also means treats when there is something going on outside, and they don't bark. They're starting to "get it", but we're not totally there. There is not a doubt in my mind that we'll stop this behavior...because I always win when it comes to the Doods. LOL
All that said, I don't ever support the "debarking" surgery, but I think the bark collar could be the only option for some people in some extreme situations. I've mentioned in prior posts that I have a neighbor with two Yorkies who bark constantly. This woman has never trained her dogs....on ANYTHING. They clearly don't see her as a leader. I'm guessing she's paid a small fortune in fines. It could be that the only way at this point to train these dogs would be with a bark collar. Even in this situation, however, I would not support a surgical solution. Why should these dogs pay for her lack of training?
Call me crazy, but to me it all boils down to deciding what the appropriate behavior is going to be for your life style and situation, and then making it happen....through lots of love, sweat, hard work, and appropriate TRAINING.
As for other types of "cosmetic" surgery for dogs, I absolutely disagree with it. To me that's all about having our dogs indulge our own ego. They were not put on this earth to do that. Our ego belongs to us, certainly not our dogs.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

As I was looking around online about the debarking I saw the bark collar's that spray citronella - that was interesting - I wonder if that is safe? I know people are not supposed to be in an enclosed area with citronella - I can't imagine having it sprayed in my face.

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

I have this collar and tried it to cure Benny from his poop eating outside as one of my last means. It only works with a remote control and and it does not contain pure citronella. So in case you would want to use it for barkers you would constantly need to supervise and also make sure to have the right timing when to press the remote.
It doesn't spray into the face but it sprays against the chin of the dog.
My boyfriend pressed the remote while I was busy turning the thing off and it actually sprayed right into my face lol. It is harmless I can say. The only thing which happens to the dogs (or humans like me) is that you are startled for a second: