With a heavy heart I appeal to you all. I'm faced with a terrible dilemma that hasn't been resolved (so far). I haven't made my decission, but I'm feeling I'm being backed in a corner with an inevitable resolution. Here's my story.
I have a miniature schnauzer (1 year 9-06). She is total sweetie pie. BUT.... she has a very annoying, high-pitched (glass-breaking) shrill bark.
My husband and I have retired and are travelling in our motorhome fulltime. We are NOT allowed to have a dog barking excessively in any of the RV parks we visit.
She is my 6th Schnauzer - so I've had many years of experience with the breed. I've tried three different 'bark' collars for her...(citronella, pitch, shock)... the first two don't remedy the situation... but the shock does... but then again, it's a SHOCK ! everytime she barks or attempts to bark. I hate it and feel it's inhumane. I've even paid $500. to a barkbuster (but yet no positive results). I'm feeling I'm at the end of my options... or closely approaching it.
I've (in the past) looked unfavorably on pet owners who've had their pet's vocal cords cut. I'm feeling this may be my only resolution to the problem. I'd still feel horribly guilty if I had to do it.
But, it's not ME that I'm thinking about... People who are NOT dog lovers have turned me in to the Park and I've received complaints and warnings. If I were in my own home, I'd get complaints from neighborhood 'friends' and be turned in to the city.
Sigh..... anyone out there with and constructive or successful results I can try?
Anyone out there know of the psychological ramifications of this surgery?
Anyone out there had this surgery on their pet?

I know numerous people who show dogs, who have had MANY dogs surgically debarked.

It's a minor surgery, and the only thing that happens afterward is EVERYONE is happier.

The dog is happier because it can gaily bark away without being corrected for it.

The owners are happier because they don't have to deal with the noise.

Ask around, find a vet who does it with a laser, and get it done.

Debark, and dont feel bad.

They dont know they are debarked.

Its the best thing for chronic, uncontrollable barking.

The only people who preach against it are putting human emotions on a dog...which is silly. There are vets who wont do it for the very same reasons, which is a bummer. I think if more people were responsible like you and debarked their problem barkers, a lot less dogs would end up in shelters, given up for problem barkings.

MP

MP

This is Harley's Mom again.
I want to THANK YOU ALL for your positive reinforcing replies.
I'm feeling much better (and less guilty) about this possible option.
Here she is in all her glory!

quote:

Originally posted by PixiedustPapillons:
She's a sweetie!!!

Harley says thank you for noticing (blushing)
and Have a Happy Howl-o-ween !!