Debarking In Sydney

[3Dachshies]

Hi,

I am so glad I found this forum. I sit with a huge little problem. My miniature Dachshund (3years old) is a nuisance barker. We have tried training, dog whisperers, bark busters, sonic collars and citronella collars. She only barks when we are not at home and the few times when she was barking while we were at home it was at birds. We thought she needed more exercise and gave it to her. If it is not on the treadmill we run at least 30mins on the road with her. We have 2 other Dachshunds and they are the most calm and relaxed dogs. Last time I had a dog trainer here we were told there are nothing wrong with her andthat she seems calm and relaxed - even after we played our recordings. We had letters from neighbors, letters from the council and even a nuisance order on her. We ended up moving to a different area. The new neighbors are a bit more understanding but we already received sms'es and anonymous letters in the post and one more letter from the new council we fall under. We went to the vet and he prescribed some drugs to calm her - which also did not work. She is not an anxious dog - she is just very talkative and full of energy. It seems that our last resort is debarking. I have read many topics on this forum and see it is not as bad as it sounds. Now for the big question..... where can I take her for the procedure? I live on Sydney's North shore.

[sas]

Sorry to hear about this.

You have posted in the wrong section though, you'll need to post in health and/or training.

I believe in NSW Debarking has to be the last couse of action and you need to have letters from the council. Perhaps contact your Vets and ask them how you go about getting all the paperwork in order.

[Havasneeze]

Hi,

I am so glad I found this forum. I sit with a huge little problem. My miniature Dachshund (3years old) is a nuisance barker. We have tried training, dog whisperers, bark busters, sonic collars and citronella collars. She only barks when we are not at home and the few times when she was barking while we were at home it was at birds. We thought she needed more exercise and gave it to her. If it is not on the treadmill we run at least 30mins on the road with her. We have 2 other Dachshunds and they are the most calm and relaxed dogs. Last time I had a dog trainer here we were told there are nothing wrong with her andthat she seems calm and relaxed - even after we played our recordings. We had letters from neighbors, letters from the council and even a nuisance order on her. We ended up moving to a different area. The new neighbors are a bit more understanding but we already received sms'es and anonymous letters in the post and one more letter from the new council we fall under. We went to the vet and he prescribed some drugs to calm her - which also did not work. She is not an anxious dog - she is just very talkative and full of energy. It seems that our last resort is debarking. I have read many topics on this forum and see it is not as bad as it sounds. Now for the big question..... where can I take her for the procedure? I live on Sydney's North shore.

I'll answer here since this is where u posted. I recently had my bearded collie debarked. After being hit with an order under the noise pollution act by the local council they have finally relented, after 3 years of hounding me, to issue an order under Section 21 of the companion animals act. This is the piece of paper needed for a vet to debark your dog. You also need to complete a statutory declaration stating that you have tried all methods available to stop your dog from being a nuisance and have no alternative but to have the dog debarked or it will be euthenased.

I had my dog debarked by Cannon & Ball in Wollongong as they were highly recommended for this procedure. I don't know what vets debark on the north shore but Karen Hedberg at North Richmond also does it.

Hope this helps...

[aussielover]

What havasneeze said.

Nortth shore Veterinary specialst centre do it (crows nest), I;m sure the specialists at Ryde also do it. You must have all the paperwork in order though or no vet is legally allowed to do it

[TessiesTracey]

Could you not hire a dog walker or sitter?

Is she an outside dog? If so, would it be worth a try keeping her inside somewhere secure and seeing if that helps?

I'm sure you've probably thought of all these things, but thought they were worth suggesting anyway.

[*Bones*]

Could you not hire a dog walker or sitter?

Is she an outside dog? If so, would it be worth a try keeping her inside somewhere secure and seeing if that helps?

I'm sure you've probably thought of all these things, but thought they were worth suggesting anyway.

It seems, from the first post, as if all the suggestions you made (above) have been tried without success. If the other dogs are not barkers and one is, debarking is necessary. Lots of dogs are debarked, and seem to suffer no ill effects. Better debarked than dead, in my opinion.

[mita]

Could you not hire a dog walker or sitter?

Is she an outside dog? If so, would it be worth a try keeping her inside somewhere secure and seeing if that helps?

I'm sure you've probably thought of all these things, but thought they were worth suggesting anyway.

It seems, from the first post, as if all the suggestions you made (above) have been tried without success. If the other dogs are not barkers and one is, debarking is necessary. Lots of dogs are debarked, and seem to suffer no ill effects. Better debarked than dead, in my opinion.

Couldn't agree more with this. In Qld, the law covering debarking virtually says this. It also requires first checking off other options...all of which has been done by the OP. So I'm pleased Havaneese has posted similar good sense for NSW law. Great info, especially pointing the OP to a vet experienced in carrying out the procedure.

I used to have negative views on debarking...which I'd just heard of. Then I met 2 p/b show tibbies that had the sexiest voices. They had no trouble expressing themselves, were in no discomfort...only the high pitches that make sound carry so far were lower. To my amazement, the owners told me that the dogs were debarked (they'd been in a similar situation to the OP). Seems it's more like pitch-lowering.

[TessiesTracey]

Could you not hire a dog walker or sitter?

Is she an outside dog? If so, would it be worth a try keeping her inside somewhere secure and seeing if that helps?

I'm sure you've probably thought of all these things, but thought they were worth suggesting anyway.

It seems, from the first post, as if all the suggestions you made (above) have been tried without success. If the other dogs are not barkers and one is, debarking is necessary. Lots of dogs are debarked, and seem to suffer no ill effects. Better debarked than dead, in my opinion.

Well, no, that's why I said 'I'm sure you've thought of these things, but thought they were worth suggesting anyway'.... dog whisperers were mentioned, trainers etc and the fact that the dog only seems to bark when the owners aren't around and there wasn't mention of a dog walker/sitter that's all

I hope the OP manages to find a workable solution.

[aussielover]

I don't see it as a big deal as long as all other avenues have been exhausted. the procedure itself if fairly straightfoward and minor. Less invasive than a female dog spay. I'm sure the dog would rather be debarked than dead (as others have pointed out).

They still think they can bark...

[Havasneeze]

I don't see it as a big deal as long as all other avenues have been exhausted. the procedure itself if fairly straightfoward and minor. Less invasive than a female dog spay. I'm sure the dog would rather be debarked than dead (as others have pointed out).

They still think they can bark...

Yes my beardie can still bark but it doesn't annoy the neighbours any more. I was concerned that he wouldn't be able to howl when the sirens went past (he really does seem to enjoy that!!!) but he seems to have worked out how to do that now....

[The Teacup Warrior]

Call me old-school but I don't like the notion of de-barking (yeah, I know, I know... being put down for barking isn't fair to the dog either). Maybe I just have too many negative associations with it because of the de-barking that's done on a lot of dogs in puppy mills (again, I know there's a difference between properly-done de-barking by a vet and what puppy mill butchers do, don't jump down my throat anyone!

If it's only barking with the OP isn't at home, maybe it's a problem with separation anxiety. Maybe it needs a home where it can be with someone who's home all day. Again, not saying that the owner ought to give up the dog rather than de-bark, but it is another option to consider.

I suppose what I'm getting at is... is the dog barking because it's unhappy? De-barking it might fix the noise problem, but does that mean that the dog will still be unhappy? If so, then I'm not sure de-barking would be the best option... it'll just be unhappy at a quieter volume.

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

I don't like it but would rather keep a dog alive than have to euthanase due to noise problem. A friend of mine was finally given that choice a few years ago with her two dogs - there had been constant complaints, she didn't hesitate as she loved them and didn't want to lose them.

I adopted an older dog that had already been debarked, it hadn't been done well and he coughed every time he ate or drank but he lived to about 16 and it didn't bother him, he still barked but it was a huff sound.

If you have to do it, get it done by the best qualified vet.

[The Teacup Warrior]

Then again, the OP did say they've tried medication to calm it as well. I dunno, I still don't like the concept but I do see where the OP is coming from.

Too bad you can't just get rid of your neighbours! Or move somewhere isolated...

I'd make sure any vet that was carrying the procedure really knew what the hell they were doing though... I can't think of any vet that I know who'd do it?

[dogslife]

I support you having it done. Some dogs will bark non stop regardless of what you do for it.

Its better you have it done and the dogs lives a long life..........

Done properly the dog can still bark...it just reduces the volume.

ps Karen Hedberg at North Richmond is well respected by the Dane owners.

Stormie a doler works for a great vet that lots of people go to. I don't know if he does it but if you PM her she may be able to recommend a great vet.

[Crisovar]

There are many reasons why dogs bark, it is not always the result of a disturbed unhappy dog.

Some dogs simply like to hear the sound of their own voice, they bark playing, they bark when they are running around in the yard, they bark at butterflys. Debarking dogs does not deprive them of anything, it is not cruel.

They still bark but they are toned down.

Having seen the results of pissed of neighbours and councils I fully support the procedure, it saves many lives.

[WreckitWhippet]

Ask your local ranger can you have a chat with them, they'll probably already be aware of the situation but go through what you have done to try and stop the barking, also get a letter from any trainer who has assessed the dogs.

It's a bit of a catch 22 but request a " nuisance order " from the council for barking and that will be your ticket to having the dog debarked legally. It will mean that each time you move or update chip details that you will have to ticked the box but having had the debarking done, it won't matter.

[raz]

Call me old-school but I don't like the notion of de-barking (yeah, I know, I know... being put down for barking isn't fair to the dog either). Maybe I just have too many negative associations with it because of the de-barking that's done on a lot of dogs in puppy mills (again, I know there's a difference between properly-done de-barking by a vet and what puppy mill butchers do, don't jump down my throat anyone!

I wouldnt have thought puppy farmers would bother with the expense of debarking - it's pretty exy, isnt it?

[Souff]

Call me old-school but I don't like the notion of de-barking (yeah, I know, I know... being put down for barking isn't fair to the dog either). Maybe I just have too many negative associations with it because of the de-barking that's done on a lot of dogs in puppy mills (again, I know there's a difference between properly-done de-barking by a vet and what puppy mill butchers do, don't jump down my throat anyone!

If it's only barking with the OP isn't at home, maybe it's a problem with separation anxiety. Maybe it needs a home where it can be with someone who's home all day. Again, not saying that the owner ought to give up the dog rather than de-bark, but it is another option to consider.

I suppose what I'm getting at is... is the dog barking because it's unhappy? De-barking it might fix the noise problem, but does that mean that the dog will still be unhappy? If so, then I'm not sure de-barking would be the best option... it'll just be unhappy at a quieter volume.

Be the owner of a nuisance barker before you start hammering people about their dogs being unhappy.

This owner has already stated what they have done and looked at the reasons why.

Souff

[aussielover]

Call me old-school but I don't like the notion of de-barking (yeah, I know, I know... being put down for barking isn't fair to the dog either). Maybe I just have too many negative associations with it because of the de-barking that's done on a lot of dogs in puppy mills (again, I know there's a difference between properly-done de-barking by a vet and what puppy mill butchers do, don't jump down my throat anyone!

If it's only barking with the OP isn't at home, maybe it's a problem with separation anxiety. Maybe it needs a home where it can be with someone who's home all day. Again, not saying that the owner ought to give up the dog rather than de-bark, but it is another option to consider.

I suppose what I'm getting at is... is the dog barking because it's unhappy? De-barking it might fix the noise problem, but does that mean that the dog will still be unhappy? If so, then I'm not sure de-barking would be the best option... it'll just be unhappy at a quieter volume.

Then again, the OP did say they've tried medication to calm it as well. I dunno, I still don't like the concept but I do see where the OP is coming from.

Too bad you can't just get rid of your neighbours! Or move somewhere isolated...

I'd make sure any vet that was carrying the procedure really knew what the hell they were doing though... I can't think of any vet that I know who'd do it?

It is not the neighbours fault at all! Why should they have to put up with a barking dog? I love dogs and have my own, but I have written letters of complaint to neighbours about their barking dogs before, and written in to the council after they failed to respond.

Perhaps the dog likes the sound of its own voice, a barking dog doesn't always = unhappy.

It is the same concept as desexing really, which the majority of people seem not to have an issue with.

I am not saying i would like it to become the first respnose to a barking dog at all but for a person who has been thru all other options, it is humane and appropriate.

You will find many specialist vets will perform this procedure (if they receive the appropriate documentation saying it is legal etc)

[Staranais]

I don't like it but would rather keep a dog alive than have to euthanase due to noise problem.

Yup, that's my feeling about it also. I would be very reluctant to debark any of my own dogs, but sometimes people have exhausted their other options & don't have a choice, & it's far better than PTS or sending the dog to a shelter.

Talking to the local ranger is a good idea.