Can someone recommend a virtually silent dog breed for apts? Also, what about the pros & cons of 'debarking'?

Question

I live in a complex which will allow me to have a dog if it is virtually silent. As I am at work during the day, I (and my manager) need to know that the dog will not disturb others while I am gone. Additionally, what are the immediate and long-term effects of 'de-barking'? What is debarking?

Answer 1

de-barking is a cruel and inhumane thing to do to any dog. They remove the vocal cords. I can't think of any reputable vet who would do this kind of surgery just to keep a dog quiet.

If the complex is that strick and you will be away from your appartment for long periods of time, I think the answer for you is not to get a dog at all.

Answer 2

Debarking if done properly by a responsible vet it can still cause complications because of the scarring in the throat is causes which limits your dogs windpipe. What makes you think your dog will bark all day? I have 2 in an apartment and they both sleep all day while I'm at work. (i've set the webcam to record where they are so i know this for a fact) There are a few things you'll need to do for that. Most important you need to be a leader to your dog. Get a good training book like Jan Fennel or Ceasar Millan (not endorsing techniques just offering examples) They and others teach how to be Alpha so your dog sees you as the leader. This way when you leave you don't have a dog panicing that you're leaving and he/she won't be there to "protect" you. Laugh if you want this seriously happens. If your dog sees itself as the alpha it feels responsible to protect you which is why some dogs get aggressive with stranger. You also might consider a shelter dog, they are a bit older and more able to stay in all day without having to go out and relieve themselves and take a few days off work to bond with the dog so it can be comfortable in your apartment and with you. Once you've gotten a dog and its settled in your apartment test its reaction when you leave. Put your coat on and with as little fan fare as possible grab your keys and walk out the door. Stand outside the door and see what the dog does. Also consider crate training the dog or using an X pen. This will prevent the dog from damaging the apartment and costing you money.

Answer 3

Debarking if done by a vet with experience is an easy laser quick operation that shortens the vocal cords. It makes the bark much softer and it is not cruel. What would be cruel would be to make debarking illegal which only one state has done. That state did it because they claimed silent dogs were attacking police officers.
Basenji do not bark, they can however howl. They are a very clean breed, but not as small as a toy, although they are not large they are a good size.

If you are looking for a toy breed look at the Japanese Chin, they have excellent temperaments and bark very little. In fact I have heard owners complain that they have never heard one bark. They can bark though and sometimes they talk,while you are there,but that is easy to stop. I have never heard one bark because it was alone.

Whatever you decide to get make sure it ha a look that melts your heart because it will have accidents and it will need to be walked in the rain and snow too,or you will have to get used to picking up soiled paper. Having a dog that melts your heart is the only dog you should consider in an apartment as dogs in apartments are lots of work.

Take a look through the breeds at the link bellow

Answer 4

Debarking is getting the voice box surgically removed... There are lots of dogs out there that dont bark, why not go to your local pound? When you walk up and down the aisles you can see which ones dont bark! I adopted a lab/bassett hound mix that doesnt bark =) but when he does bark (while outside playing) he sounds like a hound and howls =) its so cute... but for apartment living look for a little dog that doesnt bark when you walk by them!... also get him crate trained (since he's already in a cage at the shelter) that way he will feel secure and can stay in a crate in one room as to not run around the house freaking out! =) The long term effect of getting a dog debarked is that he will never be able to bark.... so i guess what is a dog if they cant bark? get a cat then.... they dont make any noise and they use the litter box and you dont have to worry about them messing in the house!! =) well whatever you choose to do keep us posted!!!

Answer 5

Any dog can be trained not to bark. Some breeds are easier to work with than others. Do web searches for info on breeds, especially characteristics for vocalizing or nervousness (a more anxious, tense, nervous dog/breed will be more apt to respond inappropriately to outside/hall noises, separation anxiety, etc. I recommend that once you decide on one/two breeds, contact a breed rescue organization and see what they have to offer. They are often a source for older, often well-trained, dogs who need a loving home. I would generally recommend adopting from the pound, but in this case you wouldn't have as good an idea of its breed/traits/history - they are often not there long enough for their "quirks" to be well-identified. Rescue groups often work with a core of people who foster the animals for a longer time and really know the animals. Inform the contact person of what your needs are, they are a wealth of information on the individual dogs. Re debarking - I believe it is the surgical severing/removal of the vocal cords or voice box. I cannot think why anyone with a "companion" animal would do this to a creature, esp. for "convenience" sake. Finally, read up on good dog-training books (the Brit lady "there's no bad dogs, just bad owners" or the Monks of New Skete) for good info on training. And remember, bored dogs are troublesome dogs. You will need to make sure the dog doesn't start making noise because of lack of exercise, boredom, anxiety, etc. Good luck. Please consider adopting an older, mature dog - you'll bypass all the puppy issues (noise, housetraining, chewing, etc.)!!!!!

Answer 6

A dachshund. I have one that only barks and growls when she is playing. Debarking is a very bad thing to do to a dog. It is a surgery that removes the dogs vocal cords.I suggest that you don't debark any dog!

Answer 7

Get a greyhound or a whippet, or something else in the sight hound group. They virtually never bark, I've seen whole groups of greyhounds and they never make a sound. Also, you can adopt a retired racing greyhound, and it will only be a few years old. It will therefore be easier to leave it home alone than a small puppy.

Answer 8

I had an Alaskan spitz that only barked when someone came to the door. I lived in apartments for years with her the best dog I ever had I miss her very much she died at age 14 and was the best dog I could of ever hoped for havent seen or wanted another since her death. So easy to train and very loyal.

Answer 9

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/crAOY

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 10

i know this isn't the answer you were looking for - but a suggestion.get a cat instead,they are silent,much cleaner,don't tear up as much stuff ect. if you are at work during the day how are you going to potty train the dog?that is alot harder than you think.de barking? i have never heard of that procedure,but it sounds inhumane-there are those shock collars to keep them quiet but why would you want to do that,its awful.i would highly recommend a cat for your sake,and the sake of the animal.