Horrible experience @ pet store...

[buttercup132]

You are not serious!!!! Surgically debarking a dog, is well....Just wrong!!! How could you do that, and feel like a responsible dog owner???? that just seems like a lazy way out!! Dogs can be trained! There is absolutely no just reason for this to be done!!!!!

Exactly and dogs neeed to bark its what dogs do.
If you dont want to deal with a dog barking get a hampster or something that dosent make noise...

(That wasnt directed to you Bowser's mom)

[RedyreRotties]

I happen to disagree that debarking is cruel.

I think correcting a dog all the time for barking is worse than a brief non invasive procedure to eliminate the annoyance of barking. If barking is such an issue that a muzzle is being considered, then I would consider eliminating the barking all together.

The de barked dogs get NO less pleasure from barking. They just don't make the noise.

To the OP: Please read my posts, esp. the one about the recall.

If you say COME to your dog and he ignores you or stands there, that is what you have just taught him to do when he hears the word come.

You will get a better understanding of how to help your dog learn to come when called if you will read the recall post.

You might also gain some more understanding of how to shape behaviors from reading this website. One of my favorites.

http://www.clickerlessons.com/index.htm

To those who are flaming me for suggesting debarking, I'd appreciate it if you did not get personal. Dogs are not people, and they don't react to things as people do. Debarked dogs do not miss the bark. According to them they still have it.

[CathyBogart]

BronxsBower, it sounds like you're keeping yourself informed and not just trying to take the "easy way out". The clerk at the store had no right to act that way towards you. Opinions can be stated without being rude or demeaning. It sounds like with consistent work (and maybe a training tool to help with the barking) he'll be the perfect pup.

As for the neuter, I was otld that it takes a few weeks for the hormones to catch on to the fact that there's nothing there anymore. My parents' dog Wilbur acted like he was unnertered until about 2 weeks after the surgery, when he finally started to settle down.

[Bronx'sBower]

Well it's been a great couple of days! Bower is beginning to know who is boss and thats great-but I have to remember to be the boss in ALL aspects of his life. Right now I am trying to master only a couple things at a time since we already fell off the wagon once. So the last couple days he has remastered "come" command but I am a little confused. He does really well in the back yard when I tell him come but I at some point would like to walk him without a leash (a long way away from that I know) but most importantly I would like him to be able to enjoy our front yard as much as he does the back, he just likes the neighbors too and I don't want him running over there. How do I train him not to leave the yard? With the same "come" command and treats?
As for his barking, he has calmed down a lot but most importantly he has learned he doesn't get any satisfaction in barking and that it doesn't do anything for him, except a trip to his crate every so often. Slowly he is catching on, and for that I am so excited.
I am also working on giving him "his job" before he can play or eat. When we play catch I make him sit before throwing the ball-sometimes he gets impatient but its going to take time. For daddy he will sit and wait and look at the ball, and only once it's thrown will he get up and get it. Now it's my turn to master this but he is such a smart dog that I know it will all work out.
Overall I know its going to take more time but if I knew it would be this easy (using that word loosely) I don't think I would have given up so easily. I think he is going to be a great dog and is going to do really well in obedience classes. The reason I am waiting ( I noticed someone said I should be able to get him in earlier) is because of the trainers-a few places I called acted like they had no time to talk to me or answer my questions and concerns. If they can't give me the attention and information I need prior to a class, what makes me think they can do it during the class? I found a good trainer, the only good trainer that I spoke with, and the only available classes don't start until September. I am not as desperate as I was a few days ago, we are beginning to see the light

[GreyhoundGirl]

Uhhh. I'm no real expert, but...

"When Bower barks I will let him out, check his food and water, play but sometimes none of these are what he wants."

He might just be doing it for attention. If you do those things when he barks, to him it will be bark + mommie = play time.

I too agree with NOT DEBARKING, what a cruel thing to do. Here they are ( in my town ) after everyone who crates their dog ( . )When some people are having painfull, unnessesairy surgery done just to avoid training ! That's just wrong ! I had no idea that was still being done !

I also agree with why people would sell products they don't approve of. Some people thing they know everything. ( like that person that started attacking me as to why my Boxer was so skinny ) I also agree with avoiding this store, and telling all friends to avoid it too. ( my moms friend is boycotting Orange Julius. ( because they charged me full price when the sign said 1/2 price )

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Both my boys have the citronella collars and there is a distinct improvement. My advice would be to use the "quiet" command at the same time so you can dispense of the collars eventually

[RedyreRotties]

Some breeds bark a LOT.

Shelties
Samoyeds
Collies
Poodles
Siberians

The list goes on and on. Many if not MOST of the people who keep, train and show these breeds debark them.

IMO it is MUCH kinder to allow the dog the joy of using his voice, even if it's much softer than it used to be, rather than yelling at the dog, spraying in the face with water, using citronella or shock collars, etc etc etc

I don't understand how subjecting a dog to a lifetime of enforced silence combined with unpleasant corrections is less harsh than a couple days of discomfort and then a softer voice so everyone can be happy.

I view debarking the same way I do removal of dew claws, spay/neuter, tail docking, ear cropping, etc etc etc. To me, it gives the dog the freedom to bark joyfully whenever he wishes, without annoyance to the humans around him.

DISCLAIMER: The above is nothing more than my own personal opinion. Many may disagree, and if done without personal attack, feel free to do so. This opinion will not cause you to lose weight, stop smoking, or obey the speed limit. Follow all instructions carefully. Do not use while bathing or sleeping. All rights reserved. Your results and mileage may vary.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

debark them.

Do people really do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My two do bark a lot but its down to me to let them know when they can or can't woof