Is having my pappillion's voicebox removed a humane way to solve his yipping?

Question

He's never outside or in the wild.

Answer 1

You are not having it removed. It is called a laryngectomy or more commonly known as de-barking. It is a simple procedure where they put him under and go in and make a couple of snips in it and then wake him up. I have had 2 dogs done and not only did they not notice the difference, they are much happier now because I am not constantly yelling at them. They still bark but the volume is much, much lower.
Some people may say that it is cruel or lazy. I used to be one of them until I was placed in a position that my neighbors killed one of my dogs because they would aggravate her until she barked and then complained at the barking. When animal control took my side and told them to leave her alone, they poisoned her. I took my 2 biggest barkers and had them de-barked and have had no problems since. My 2 that were de-barked are much happier because I am not so nervous and upset every time they bark (afraid I am going to loose another one to my "crazy neighbors"). Do not let anyone judge you by their own close-mindedness.

Answer 2

Having a dog debarked is not a big deal, the just go into the mouth and snip the vocal cords. They do not remove a voicebox and he can still bark, it is just muted. MUCH more humane than shock/citronella collars or yelling at the dog all the time. I had a dog debarked many years ago, she was up and running around a few hours later. Didn't bother her much at all. If you choose to do that, go to an experienced Vet, many have never done it before.

A well timed water mister can do wonders for barking dogs, but you need to be consistent.

Funny how people think an unecessary major surgery like spay/neuter is a great thing, but a minor surgery so awful. Funny also how people who know nothing about it also have such strong feelings about it. Also funny how people are so against something that would help many dogs stay in their homes instead of being given up to a shelter.

Answer 3

Boy, you sure got a lot of answers from people who have a blind spot on this one. KG gave you a good description of the procedure and a real life example of why it is sometimes a very good idea.

I've trained all kinds of dogs for 45+years and I can tell you from experience that while you can train a dog to do all sorts of wonderful things, there are SOME dogs (not all) who WILL NOT learn not to bark no matter what you do. If you have tried your best to train the dog not to bark and if the barking is causing troubles for you, by all means you should consider debarking. You, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier. It is not at all inhumane. A dog is not a person and is not consciously aware of things the way people are. Changing his bark (which is what debarking does) will not upset him in any way. He'll still be able to bark, but it's kind of like he has laryngitis, sort of a whispery bark. By all means check with reputable vets and breeders - I think you'll find that the vast majority of them will agree that (a) debarking is not inhumane or cruel to your dog in any way, and (b) sometimes it is the only viable option when training is unsuccessful and the barking is causing serious problems.

Answer 4

Yes, but they don't remove the whole voicebox. It's no more painful than having the dog spayed. It's a heck of a lot more humane than yelling at the dog all the time, using a shock collar or worse, having to get rid of the dog. The dog still thinks he can bark - the noise is just muted.

You can also train the dog if you have a lot of time on your hands, but it won't stop him if you're not there. This is one reason not to get a Toy dog if you live in an apartment! Greyhounds are better apartment dogs - despite their size, they are quiet couch potatoes.

Answer 5

I have never had to do it, but I've known dogs who were debarked. I think it is much more humane than getting rid of the dog or constantly yelling at it to shut up. Some dogs are simply barkers and you can't stop them. This way they can bark to their heart's content without bothering anyone. However, make sure you get local recommendations for a vet from people who have had it done successfully, some are better than others, and sometimes the voice can come back.

Answer 6

Very inhumane, it would be like removing a human's voicebox just because they talked too much. Dogs bark it is part of who they are, but if the yapping is too much. Talk to obeidance trainer, vet, and other dog owners. Just like any training a dog may need various things, this too can be toned down, and you can enjoy a relationship with your dog.

Answer 7

No! don't do that! How would you like it if someone started removing parts of your body so that you could not communicate?

If you are having that big of a problem coping with your dog, consider finding it another home. You could place an ad in the paper or talk to someone at the local humane society

Answer 8

No it is not humane and has been outlawed in some states because of the extreme cruelty of it. I have taught both my dogs to stop barking on command I suggest you stop being so lazy and do the same. It is simple, when your dog barks squirt her with a water bottle and say NO firmly and seriously, reward her with a tasty treat when she stops barking on command...repeat, repeat, repeat trust me it works one of my dogs is a yappy girl but this method has totally changed her behaviour and now she listens very well and all I have to say is No, Quiet! better than mutilating her body by taking away her only means of verbal communication.

Answer 9

IF you already have tried(REALLY tried!!! NOT just puttered around at it!!!) TRAINING!!And ,since you're talking about a VERY responsive breed,I'll bet you HAVE NOT,your next step is a bark collar. THEN,before you KILL the dog &/or get evicted,de-barking is NOT CRUEL!! KILLING it just for barking IS!!

****The voice box is NOT REMOVED!!!***

Do some research before you get all emotional,children.


Bet a gazillion bucks that the bleeding-hearts have NEVER seen a de-barked dog! They do just fine & the VAST majority are HAPPIER since they no longer have somebody constantly getting AFTER THEM !!

Answer 10

NO ! Shop more wisely the next time for a dog... Usually nervous dogs bark alot. Try St.Johns Wort for him . It is a herb sold in pill form...Also Nylabone puts it in some edible bones now days... It is for anxitity .. Try it it might work .. But with all med or herbs it wont be instant....It is just a herb . What could it hurt ???