I did a transport of Shelties this weekend and one of the drivers was telling me that some breeders have the barkers taken out early on in life for the Shelties cuz of the high pitch bark.

It all sounds cruel, dangerous and mean to me! a bark is all part of the dog... now i'll admit at 2am when bug starts barking at the skunk i have thoughts of ripping out the barker but i don't think thats the same thing cuz i've also thought about duct tape at those times too!

I'm with you - it sounds cruel