Malinoisgirl

Forum Regular Posts: 1,171 Joined: 16/4/2004 From: Queensland Member No.: 2,358 QUOTE (cowanbree @ 4th Jun 2009 - 09:57 PM) That is very strange. I have done about 20 plus debarks EEK! So many nuisance barkers - and I was unlucky! QUOTE (Just Midol @ 9th May 2009 - 01:10 PM) I disagree with this, simply because there are too many people out there who would use it as a first option rather than a last option. Even as it stands now, people will try "bark" collars but will refuse to put one that delivers a static shock on the dog because it's considered "cruel". As long as it's done as a last option I don't care, but I agree with the restrictions on it and if anything I'd like them tightened Couldn't agree more. Sometimes it's necessary to make the dog's home life more enjoyable in general. Sometimes the dogs are possessions without a voice.

All I can tell you is of my experience. My dog was debarked by a very experienced vet who works for breeders all over queensland. If you are having dogs debarked in Qld then my guess is that you may be seeing the same surgery. The reason for the cicatrix in this case is because the surgery removed both sides of the bellows, not just one, leading to the base of the wind pipe being slightly nicked. This is doen when the owner wishes the dog to be made VERY quiet and is not the norm these days, however my dog is not yet 4. This complication does occur in a small percentage of cases as i said - I have done extensive research and spent an hour at Queensland University with a canine specialist having the reason for the cicatrix, the different surgery options and physiological reasons for explained to me in great detail before her last corrective surgery. I could not agree more - it is very unlucky - what i would like to point out is that it does affect a quantifiable percentage of dogs. If your dog is a saluki or other breed that is very sensitive to anaesthetic this is a strong consideration. As for the lack of confidence, I guess that depends on the drive and breed of your dog, the understanding of the trainer you work with and how much training and of what nature you choose to do with your dog. For those only interested in obedience trainng it would not be an issue. For those whose dog is not dominant my guess is it wouldn't be either - but that is an unqualified guess. Debarking is a personal decision for pet owners, whose criteria for such a decisison are defined by their personal living situation and the type of dog they have. Given my dog's experience and the fact that my breeder and several vet's are aware of the complications I feel that it is relavent information for anyone considering debarking their dog. Finally, and I am sure some of you will not agree with me and that's ok, I think people see debarking as a convenient way to solve their dog's barking problem - without taking other steps to encourage alternative behaviours.

I saw your post and am moved to reply. When I purchased my dog she had been debarked at 7 months of age as the breeder was planning on keeping her for breeding. I must warn you. My dog suffers from what is called a "cicatrix" - this is when the debarking surgery grows back - no the bark doesn't return but the throat closes over and the dog has trouble breathing = further surgery and anaesthetic is requred - annually. She was debarked via her mouth and both sides of the bellow removed. Usually only one side is removed and this is why dog's barks return. One vet I saw said that removing one side of the bellows usually allows the bark to return more vehmenently but removing both increases the risk dramtically of the above problem occurring. Having the surgery performed through the mouth although less stressful in terms of recovery for the dog is more likely to return this type of problem as no stitches are used. I have been to two top class vets with my dog to avoid future surgery and this is the outcome - it occurs in 10 - 15% of dogs who are debarked. Further you should be aware that being debarked effects a dogs self esteem and confidence markedly in some breeds. Have you really done all that you can? I find it hard to imagine a dog that can outsmart a e collar. Only you know the answer to this but let me assure you that you dog will know that it has been debarked. Personally I think it is a human sollution to a canine problem but understand your situation. Perhaps your neighbour could move:-)