At least 10 percent of dog owners cite their pooches’ excess barking as a concern. If you’re among them and looking for suggestions, here’s one to avoid.
Debarking is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the vocal cords overlying a dog’s airway. After the relatively painful surgery, bleeding, swelling or eventual scarring can cause your dog respiratory distress or other problems. What’s more, most dogs still have a muffled bark following surgery while regaining much of their barking function within months.
And there are other welfare issues. Barking is a key means of canine communication, and just removing your dog’s ability to bark won’t address the behavioral reasons behind the barking.
It’s no wonder that most veterinarians refuse to perform debarking. A safer bet is ask a trainer or canine behaviorist for help.