[ColdNoMore]

I know a couple who had two, loud and constantly barking dogs...have this done on them.

Barking Surgery (Paw Here)

Devocalization (also known as ventriculocordectomy or vocal cordectomy and when performed on dogs is commonly known as debarking or bark softening) is a surgical procedure performed on dogs and cats,[1] where tissue is removed from the animal's vocal cords to permanently reduce the volume of its vocalizations.

Controversy and legislation


Reasons opposing

-In some regions of the US and in the UK, convenience devocalization is considered a form of surgical mutilation.

-Most vets and the RSPCA offer information to behavioral schools on how to train dogs not to bark.


Reasons favoring

-After surgery, dogs are allowed to bark more freely, which is a natural behavior.

-The dog is no longer subject to constant disapproval for its barking.

-Breeds and individual animals known for excessive barking/vocalizing have a higher chance of being adopted/rescued and not being repeatedly re-homed if/when training fails.

-After debarking, dogs that previously had to be kept indoors to avoid antagonizing neighbors can be allowed outdoors.

When I first heard they had it done, quite frankly...I was shocked it even existed.

However, knowing that this childless couple loved their two dogs as much as most parents love their children (LOTS of stories of them going overboard here ) and them discussing it with a number of prominent veterinarians (most said that it doesn't physically harm the dog), I knew they didn't make the choice or have it done...on a whim or without deep thought.

In researching the issue since, it quickly became obvious...that there are strong beliefs from both viewpoints (a huge understatement).