After 8 months of careful consideration, trying bark collars and every means possible to keep my dog from barking, howling and whining. I've decided to debark him. Why?? Well im moving into town very soon.. and dont want to run the risk of having to find a new home for a noisy afghan hound... wouldnt be the easiest thing in the world. I consulted with other breeders, exhibitors etc. and all recommended i give it a try. However i am now currently involved in a very heated debate with a friend who is labelling me cruel and irresponsible. As i have pointed out to him... if that is cruel i'd hate to see what you think of the people i have heard of drugging their dogs up for coat and temperament in the show ring, people abusing their barking dogs or letting their dogs be exposed to abuse from neighbours etc. People who keep their dogs on a tiny little cement pad all day... or people who simply euthanise their dog for barking without trying every possible option. As i am limited to time, money, space and council regulations, atm i cannot possibly take on another dog to keep him company. Debarking simply tones down barking, they can still make limited noise to communicate etc. So what do you think... is it crueler to have him debarked now and let him still have a happy full life or leave it to chance that he may have to be rehomed, end up in the rspca pound, euthanised etc as a result of his excessive barking??
