5. Debark

What it Requires

There are two types of debarking available for dogs: the venticulocordectomy and the laryngotomy. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend debarking as it can cause a number of serious complications when training and good kennel design can reduce barking.

In a venticulocordectomy, the veterinarian goes through the mouth to remove part or all of the skin flaps that make up the vocal cords. The dog’s voice is “softened” to a raspy sound. This surgery is done through general anesthesia. In a laryngotomy, the veterinarian enters through the neck. This is a more complex surgery and requires stitches and a long time to heal, according to Ms. Bonham.

When it is Useful

Debarking should be done as a last resort when all other types of training has failed and you’re faced with losing your dog. It is useful when your dog will not be quiet under any circumstance.

Effectiveness

Debarking isn’t a panacea for training. A dog can quickly “regrow” his voice back especially if he barks and scar tissue forms, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. A major problem with the surgery is that the scar tissue can reduce the amount of airflow into your dog’s lungs and he can have problems running, breathing, or could overheat easily.

There’s a good deal of controversy surrounding these procedures and many veterinarians will not perform them as a matter of principle. The reason why is most people feel this is a cruel and unnecessary surgery that takes away a form of the dog’s vocalizations. According to the National Animal Interest Alliance debarking is not cruel but many municipalities are banning the practice anyway.

Debarking doesn’t stop a dog from barking. It just makes the dog’s voice softer and the dog can continue to bark without disturbing the neighbors. So the vocalizations aren’t completely removed but the dog sounds as though it is hoarse.