Horrible experience @ pet store...

[lizbud]

Personally, if I had a dog with whom barking was such an issue, I would have the dog surgically debarked and forget about it. Then the dog can bark all it wants without really bothering anyone. It certainly does not bother the DOG. They whisper bark away without a care in the world. They just dn't annoy people any more.

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.

I can't believe you are being serious about this. Someone just
comes from out of the blue & says they are a dog trainer & what they say
is true. Who the heck are you anyway?

I don't know any legitimate Dog Trainer who has the time to fritter away
their hours posting on a Pet site.

[Bronx'sBower]

As I am the one that began this thread I have tried very hard to ignore everyones bashing...it's getting very hard when people keep beating a dead horse (so to speak)...we all understand Red has her beliefs and reasons but that doesn't make her less of a person. Us PTers need to respect other peoples opinions-not ridicule for them, because all in all it isn't our place to pass the judgement.

[K9soul]

I think if people want to debate a controversial issue a different thread should be started about it in the Doghouse. Since Bronx'sBower is not interested in debarking the debate is really not relevant in this thread and I too think it's a shame people have to get so personal and insulting.

Bronx'sBower, glad to hear that the barking problem is improving. It sounds like you're taking the right steps. The moral of this whole thing seems to be people can be kinder and more polite with their opinions rather than bashing and offensive such as this checkout lady did at the pet store. It makes a person feel defensive and like they are being judged personally. I have no doubt that every single person who has posted here loves their dogs and would never want to do something they felt was cruel.

[Bronx'sBower]

Thanks K9Soul-I dont think I could have said it better....

Also thanks to the previous writer for looking up "The Husher"....the only muzzle I would ever consider is this one as it does allow panting, drinking and eating. The only thing it does is weaken the muscles in the mouth so they don't want to bark as much...In a way however I am glad the clerk made me so angry that I didn't buy the muzzle-Bower really is doing much better but again as I have said it's going to take time....time and patience are a virtue Have a great weekend all you wonderful PTer's!!!