The Advantages of Debarking Dogs

The procedure of debarking a dog, medically named a ventriculocordectomy, is controversial among pet owners. Under anesthetic, the veterinarian removes tissue from each side of the dog's vocal cords. He does this either orally through the open mouth or using the laryngotomy method, which involves a small incision in the skin of the neck. This reduces the vibration caused by barking and therefore reduces the sound.

  1. Reduced Stress

    • A debarked dog is subject to much less stress. The dog no longer gets constant reprimands to "keep quiet" and this may result in an improved relationship with the owner. In some cases, training a dog not to bark can make it depressed or neurotic, because suppressing its excitement and the sounds it makes is unnatural. The debarked dog is usually more confident and under less pressure to behave.

    Reduced Noise

    • A debarked dog makes much less noise. The dog continues to bark, but the sound that comes out is like barking in a "whisper." The dog is also able to howl, yip and whine, but the sounds are much softer. Most debarked dogs can sound the alarm for an intruder if necessary, as well as wake up their owners, but the neighbors are no longer likely to complain about the noise.

    Increased Freedom

    • Often a dog owner keeps a dog that barks a lot indoors for long periods, or crates it to try to prevent it from barking. A debarked dog, therefore, can enjoy a great deal of freedom because it can bark as loud and long as it likes. This means it can stay outdoors, watching passers-by and even barking at them, without upsetting anybody.

    Saving Lives

    • Owners often surrender dogs to shelters because of complaints about the noise they make. A homeowner faced with the option to lose his home or give up his barking dog may not have much of a choice. A dog that barks may have difficulty getting adopted, or move around multiple homes before settling down or finally being euthanized. Debarking the dog can prevent this, and the dog can continue to live happily in its home without generating complaints.