DEbarking a dog? Is that humane? What do you think?
By dloveli
@dloveli (4366)
United States
July 11, 2009 7:46am CST
I was watching ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT yesterday and they did a segment on dogs who bark and neighbors complaining on them. All of a sudden a dog comes on the screen and when he goes to bark. He opens his mouth and when he starts barking it sounds as if he has lost his voice. You could barely here him. He was a little dog, a pomeranian. For people who know dogs you know that pomeranians are a yippy dog. Meaning they have that high pitched bark. Come to find out his owner had him "Debarked". Debarking is when they remove the vocal chords. You heard me right! They take out their vocal chords. They are now unable to make any type of noise. They can barely be heard at all. They showed another dog who was a stray they found. He too had the inability to bark. He has had 4-5 surgeries due to complications from having the vocal chords done. Is that humane? THe woman justified herself because her neighbors were complaining and she wasnt about to get rid of him. Im sorry I have a pomeranian and a yorkie and they aggrivate the bejesus out of me. I am not going to deprive them of their voice. What if they hear someone at the door trying to break in or knocking and you dont hear them? Dogs are protectors. How can they protect if you do somerhing so horrible. As much as it makes it comfortable for the owner, think about the animal. A dog is supposed to bark. How can you take that away for your own comfort. Im sorry I am against it. Its inhumane! I looked it up on the internet and it stated that they usually have to have scar tissue removed over and over. Leave the puppy alone! If you cant stand the barking you shouldnt have a dog! What do you say? dl
10 people like this
44 responses
@Annmac (949)
•
13 Jul 09
I so much agree! No-one can ever justify that as far as I'm concerned! To me this barbaric act is up there with the de-clawing of cats! Dogs bark, cats scratch, if you don't like it, either 'train' your animal or don't get it in the first place is what I'd say to anyone!
I'd boycott any Vet or practise, I knew that would perform those surgeries! It's not why they trained to be Vets!
If idiots want a dog that doesn't bark they should go for a breed that doesn't! They exist!
People should be glad dogs do bark but owners should be able to control when they do! That way there'd be no need to complain!
My neighbours appreciate the warnings! Whether it's from my German Shepherd or the four Yorkies the other side of her, she feels safer. It would take a 'brave' intruder to face either! My disabled employer keeps a Pomeranian for the very quality this stupid person rejects in such a cruel way. All the dogs are trained to be quiet when told and she's being taught to 'speak' on command. All dogs have a range of noises and that high pitched bark is perfect. He may need help and she's a better alarm than a phone! He may not be able to reach one and her barking would be heard and reacted to by his neighbours!
Several of my neighbours have young children whose high pitched voices annoy the heck out of me and my neighbour but we'd not expect anyone to de-voice them! With the summer holidays coming up though who knows.........
3 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
I have heard thousands upon thousands of stories where dogs have saved their families by barking when there was an emergency. People being awoken during fires. People have heart attacks and the dogs barking alerted neighbors. I could go on and on. Name one good thing Debarking does. Oh yeah, It keeps your neighbors happy. FU** the neighbors! Neighbors usually compromise. I have had the neighbors from hell and you know what. Nothing you are going to do will ever appease them. I promise that. Today its the dogs barking. TOmorrow it will be the pooping. Maybe they will switch it up all together and start finding fault with the owner of the dog. What then? SOme people like to complain. I wouldnt alter or mame any member of my family, including my dogs, cats, parrot and last but not least my goldfish. They are all my loved ones. I chose to bring them into my home. I will treat each one with the loving respect they deserve. I sleep great at night! I wonder how they sleep?dl
1 person likes this
@Annmac (949)
•
14 Jul 09
At least the dogs I know don't have all night parties that keep the whole neighbourhood awake. They don't smash bottles or leave litter all over the front either! That's my idea of real neighbours from hell and I've had my share of those! There are 8 dogs in a block of 6 houses and the only time you hear them barking is in daylight hours if they are outside! There's always a good reason why they are barking too.
I know which as a neighbour I'd prefer!
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
11 Jul 09
I have heard of getting a bark collar for a dog and it is to help them stop barking at every single thing. I have never tried one on a dog before though. I think some dogs do bark too much but there is no need to be cruel to them for doing it.
2 people like this
@suluchewy (32)
• Trinidad And Tobago
12 Jul 09
Some people talk too much do we detalk them. That my dear is a load of crap.
@embhc8 (48)
• United States
12 Jul 09
Talk about cruel not to mention a dogs bark is a warning for a person. I know I live alone and when my dog barks at something I take notice and it keeps me aware that there is something outside that could be a danger to me and my home. Anyone who does this is a sad excuse for a pet owner and any vet who performs this surgury deserves to have their liscese taken away.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
It is the worst thing I could imagine. I have two dogs and would get a million more if I could. I would let them all bark happily. It is part of being a dog. What more do they do than bark, eat, sleep , and lick themselves. Heck if I could lick myself like that I would bark happily too. lol. dl
p.s. I wonder if they could teach me......
1 person likes this
@Bad_Daddy55 (497)
• Canada
12 Jul 09
The jack@#$ or Bi^&* should have there big lazy a@# mouths removed or sown shut. These people are just to lazy to train there dogs to bark at a proper time, someone at the door, stranger coming on the property and all the other things that dogs are supposed to bark at. I have large dogs and when they bark it is for a reason... Smaller types terriors etc. bark more but can be trained to bark less or on command... That lazy so and so should get a life that won't mean cruelity to animals..
REMEMBER ALWAYS LUV/ CARE FOR YOUR DOG/ PET, THEY WILL ALWAYS LUV U..
2 people like this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
13 Jul 09
This is horrendous! Dogs are supposed to bark! I can not believe anyone would even perform such a surgery! The surgeon should have something of his removed!
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
It is absolutely horrendous! If I did something like that even for a medical reason, I would feel so bad. If it was a medical necessity, I would make sure that he was happy and comfortable in every other possible way. I think doing that to a dog is taking away their purpose. We cant even live without a purpose. We'd go crazy. dl
2 people like this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
13 Jul 09
Just imagine the pain caused to the poor dog and its confusion over not barking the same way.
1 person likes this
@my_name_is_coco (4333)
• Philippines
11 Jul 09
it's cruel and inhumane.even if our neighbor's dogs yapping wakes me up in the middle of the night,it's better for me than waking up due to the neighbor's "yapping".I have no plans of removing my dog's bark,nor my neighbor's dog's bark.barking is their way of communication.we may not understand it,but it is ther way of saying,"how are you" or "stay away from our home!!!".
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Jul 09
If the neighbor's go to bed and shut down all the lights minus a nightlight or two, this should let the puppy know its time for bed. As I know that people dont like advice, I wouldnt suggest it. Maybe if you guys are talking one day, you could tell the funny story about a friend of yours whose dog is barking at night alot. So the vet said put the puppy on a night schedule. Shut off the lights and televisions etc. and make it time for everybody to sleep. It worked for me when I got my second dog. Everytime I wake up to use the bathroom or whatever, he grabs a toy. Now during the day I will try to play as much as possible. When it comes time to sleep, I put the toys away and cover them. When we wake up they get dressed, go outside, and then the cover comes off the toy box. Believe it or not it works! Unfortunately not everyone gets that involved with their pets. SO the easy way out is to have his voice box removed. It even sounds horrible. dl
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
12 Jul 09
that's inhumane.i'm surprised a vet would agree to it.
if he barks,give him peanut butter.
that's what we gave our dog on the few occasions he barked,and he was happy
chewing that for awhile.kept him quiet,too.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
13 Jul 09
they'll love it-my dog did.
LOL my neighbor has a lil dog-a papillion.
doesn't speak much,but he does the happy circles all the time.it's funny to watch
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Jul 09
Peanut Butter Hah? I have a pomeranian and he is neurotic with his barking. Its hard to get him to stop once he starts. I am always joking around that I think he is hyper and needs riddelin or valium for dogs. I thought it was a joke. After doing a little research on helpful hints, I was stunned to see that some dogs are nervous and need medication. Wow! I wouldnt do that until I had exhausted all other avenues. I am going to try the peanut butter. Its a great safe idea. thanks dl
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
12 Jul 09
I am with you.....there is no way I would have ever done it to my Reggie when I had him....he talked to me....I know you think I am nuts but you could ask him a question and he had this little low growly sound like he was trying to say something! lOL....I think it's inhumane!
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
Oh NO I dont think your nuts. My machito does the same thing. THey know how to communicate with us. Imagine if all of a sudden we took the ability away. It is humane. I wonder what it would be like if we did that to their owners. WISHFUL THINKING......dl
@imgrandma12 (677)
• United States
12 Jul 09
I think that is cruel it like if they done it to a human if you a dog get use to the barking barking comes with a dog thats their way of speaking I agree with what you wrote you can train your dog not to bark so much its the right way takes your time but at the same time your giving your dog the attention it needs to be your best buddy.
1 person likes this
@imgrandma12 (677)
• United States
13 Jul 09
or a cat I want my dogs to bark I want them to let me know if a stranger is near
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
That's what dogs do. Dogs bark. Hence the name watch dog. If you wanted a quiet animal get a goldfish. How could any one justify debarking? Not only is it selfish and inhumane, Its dumb. Shame on the veterinarian who performs this type of operation for no reason. If the animal had a health issue where its cure would be to remove the vocal chords, then so be it. Its for the betterment of the animal. We should not even be allowed to have that procedure as an option for our animal without medical necessity. dl
@lajaded1 (96)
• United States
12 Jul 09
i think debarking is cruel and inhumane I have 2 little nippers ( a rat terror and a minpin/doxie mix who want to be a rottie) I think that a dog to should be trained to curb unnecessary barking, my little guys bark when someone comes to the door or when they think they are protecting me. i would never ever deprive them of their voice i wonder how would that owner like that done to them!!!!??
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
It is clear to see that your little guys mean a lot to you. I feel the same about my babies. They are my children. I treat them as such. I put their clothes on in the a.m. and their jammies in the p.m. THey are looked upon as a part of my immediate family. They are more important than my sister. dl
@Dazman1971 (22)
•
12 Jul 09
This is a ridiculous concept. Barking is a means of commucation that can tell the owner the dogs mood, by listening to the tone and frequency of the bark. It is also the dogs way of warning another dog or human.
It's like maiming an animal because it's convenient for us.
I don't know if it's totally painless for the dog, after it wakes up, but it would be strange to get used to not having it's bark.
Another point to consider:
I used to sell security systems and dicounts would be offered for people that owned a dog.
Take away their bark and they are pretty useless in the security aspect. A dogs' bark can deter criminals from breaking into your home.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
It is ridiculous. It should be outlawed. Its criminal. I dont get how any decent God fearing person would do that to a harmless animal that wants nothing more than to get an approving pat from their owner. How could anyone be so cruel. I am just happy you all agree with me. dl
@SummerChick (513)
• Philippines
12 Jul 09
This is very cruel. How can some people do this?
I believe there are trainings that can make this barkings mellow or toned down without the need of a surgery. All of us has vocal cords and tissues including these animals.
There is a purpose for having vocal cords and tissues, take them away and you can never replace them back and you will be disabled for the rest of your life.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
From what I have researched it say that there are lots and lots of complications with debarking. I guess the scar tissue is terribly irritating and reocurring. I wouldnt do anything to my beloved puppies that I wouldnt do to my own children. WIth the exception of spayed or neutering. lol Happy MyLotting dl
@alexandra777 (643)
• Philippines
12 Jul 09
I have my first ever puppy for 24 hours now, had to get up from bed a number of times to keep her company during her first night with us. I didn't want our next door neighbors be disturbed from their sleep and so i kept close to my dachshund for most of the night and had perhaps just about two hours of sleep myself. Reading instructions from the internet about how to care for my pet and actually learning about her behavior is a first for me. I am a very inexperienced pet owner. Before Dynah came to our lives i used to say that i will never let a dog or a cat in my house. They can stay in the porch. But i ate my words, i couldn't bear to leave Dynah alone downstairs on her first night so she got her place in our bedroom. But puppies are puppies, they are like babies. My Dynah yipped and barked and i was just like a new mother, forgetting my once precious and much needed sleep just to soothe my baby.
How could people like that woman you mentioned do that to their dogs?!!! I don't know what to say... that's just horrible!!! 
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Jul 09
First off CONGRATULATIONS on your new arrival! When you get a new puppy they are scared because it is all new to them. It will get tiring to have to get up a couple of times each night. I put mine in bed with me. He is spoiled rotten. I dont recommend this unless you have the time to spoil him. My dogs are bad sometimes. when I am not there they will take my knick knacks down off my shelf. Just letting me know they wanted to go. Especially for a puppy because they chew things. Watch out for your shoes!lol. I dont know if you are crating him. It is sad in the beginning because they dont understand but after a while they will get it. I didnt crate them and I wish I had sometimes. It is actually in the puppy's best interest. Dogs bark that's what they do. If you have nice, understanding neighbors maybe they could dog sit or get to know your little bundle of joy. Once you get to know someone or thing it's harder to complain on them. I did this with my neighbor. I would let the dogs kiss him and now they bark excitedly everytime they hear his car. He will knock or I will open the hall door and let them see him. We ended up getting him a dog as well. People like to be involved. As for people who debark, they are lazy and afraid of confrontation. dl
@alexandra777 (643)
• Philippines
12 Jul 09
Thanks, dl! We already expected the hard part of caring for a puppy but as you have said, our new bundle of joy reciprocates the attention we give her. Now i understand why my friends are so attached to their dogs! 
@alexandra777 (643)
• Philippines
13 Jul 09
Good morning dl! It's 8:05am here and i just came to say thank you for adding me as your friend and i really appreciate it! Be with you again later as i have to go about my day's work. By the way our Dynah just had her breakfast and she woke my husband up just two times so... well, we are adjusting! 
@suluchewy (32)
• Trinidad And Tobago
12 Jul 09
If per chance this lady gets an unwanted night visitor (break in) she will regret what she has done. I don't know if you have noticed but little dogs will keep barking until you come to see if there is anything wrong whereas the bigger dogs will stop and maybe go look and if you dont know your dog(s) you may think that the intruder has left.
She should be detalked i am sure that her husband/boyfried/children/co-workers whoever she comes into contact with would appreciate what she has done.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
GOOD point Sulu! I couldnt have said it better! It is true that when she needs to be alerted of a break in, fire, etc., she will regret her selfish decision. If only we could devocalize people. I only hope I wouldnt be chosen to have the procedure. I dont think I am a big mouth. As I have said before, I prefer to be called a "social butterfly". lol dl
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
11 Jul 09
My jaw is in my lap. I am still trying to comprehend this vocal cord removal business. I cannot even believe that the procedure is legal. One would think that would fall under animal cruelty.
Yappers get on my nerves too, and my oldest son brings his ankle-biters over often to play with my big dog (lab mix w/ brindle coat, no one can figure out what she is besides lovable lol), and they do get to yappin up a storm. If my son ever even thought about doing that to mammaw's little rugrats, I'd be grabbing a stepladder to smack the bejezis out of him.
I still can't believe some one would actually claim to love the pet that they've done that to. I'm in full agreement with you, if ya can't handle the whole package, ya shouldn't have a dog.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
It is terrible. I new this lady she was a dirtbag. She got this beatiful irish setter and when I saw him I wanted to DIE!. He never moved out of the corner. According to her had been abused and had is voice box crushed by a previous owner. Instead of making his life better. The poor dog just laid there as if he was so sad and beat down that he didnt have the will to live. Just the thought of him makes me cry. People are the animals not the dogs. dl
@spicysweetie21 (2573)
• United States
11 Jul 09
God that is so horrible and completely inhumane. If a person is loud and annoying, would people think it would be okay to do this to them if they could, NO WAY! Did this woman even try behavior trainers or that type of thing? This woman is horrible and the doctors that could do that to an animal are equally horrible.
1 person likes this
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
12 Jul 09
i cannot believe anyone would want to debark their dogs!!! it's like removing the vocal cord of a baby because it doesn't stop crying. barking is one of the most used ways a dog communicates. removed, the dog is not able to express happiness or sadness so effectively. i feel so sad for the dog, even more sad for the owner. she debarked her dog simply because she is too lazy to think of alternatives.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Jul 09
Yep I saw it on entertainment tonight, Friday night. I think that is like sewing someones mouth shut because they talk too much. NOT! I am a talker and it would be a cold day in Haydes that anyone did that to me muchless even tried. thanks for your support on this. DL
@megumiart (3771)
• United States
11 Jul 09
I don't like when people try to de-bark their dog. I think of it as equivalent to trying to de-cry babies. Barking and Crying are natural things to do, and people just need to learn how to handle it, rather than try to terminate it.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Jul 09
I never looked at it like that. It is exactly the same as decrying a baby. I dont know how they can live with themselves. Knowing they took their animals ability to communicate away because it irritated someone. If it was a neighbor complaining about your child being too loud you wouldnt cut his legs off. So why is it any different. People shouldnt have dogs if they arent real and true dog lovers. dl
@uicbear (1900)
• United States
11 Jul 09
I couldn't imagine having this done to a dog, and to be honest, don't understand why someone would do it. There are ways to train dogs to be quiet. Part of why people have dogs, as you say, is for protection. If a dog can make no sound, than there is no way for it to alert you of danger. Unfortuanately, people don't think about what owning a dog really means before they take on the responsibility and then don't want to train it properly.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Jul 09
You have said it all! I have seen so many situations where people get a dog because it was sooo little and cute. Two months later, the dog is 10 times that size and every one is scared and complaining, looking to drop their problem on someone else. Especially pit bulls. In my city, you see tons of young kids pulling a pitbull. What? As strong as they are? I am afraid of the day when I am walking my 2 small dogs and a pit bull comes along with a 10 year old owner. What do I do then? Aside from pray that there is a store or something around. If this ever happens God help the parents, city etc. I will be on a war path like you've never seen. dl
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
12 Jul 09
It is stupid. Talk about selfish. I can see if the dog had a medical issue and needed to have it done for his health.The woman who did it said she wanted to keep her dog and didnt want to move. She should have thought about that before the dog was welcomed into her home. That really is STUPID. dl
