Many pet owners often consider "voice de-barking" in order to control the barking of their dogs. This is a surgery to remove the dog's vocal cord tissue in the hope that it will reduce the dog's barking. Technically speaking, this surgery does not completely eliminate the dog's barking, but it affects the volume and characteristics of the sound. So, how much does the dog's barking change after surgery? Let us explore this question together.
Voice removal surgery is usually performed at the request of the pet owner, where permitted by law. According to research, many dog owners opt for this surgery because they are concerned about complaints from neighbors. Surgery can also be performed because of a court order. The safety and effectiveness of surgery are often the main concerns of the owners.
According to statistics, nearly 35% of dog owners said they faced problems with excessive barking, which sometimes led to legal disputes.
According to the observation of animal medical experts, dogs' barking voices usually become softer after undergoing voice reduction surgery. Specifically, the barking after surgery was about half the volume or less than before surgery and was no longer as sharp and piercing. For many dogs, this soft "husky" sound not only helps to reduce distractions from their surroundings, but also helps improve interactions with their owners.
Most dogs that have undergone voice-deafening surgery will produce a hoarse bark that can be heard up to 20 meters away. This sound is deeper, but it has not completely disappeared.
Excessive barking is often caused by improper socialization, stress, boredom, fear or frustration. Therefore, some dog breeds, such as Setters and Border Collies, are more prone to excessive barking due to their nature.
Before considering barking surgery, owners can try other non-invasive ways to reduce their dog's barking.
Professional dog training can significantly reduce the frequency of a dog's barking, and professional trainers can guide owners to use appropriate methods to manage their dog's behavior.
Correction collars can be used as a training aid, however, improper use may cause unnecessary pain. In the past few years, vibration collars, scent collars, and ultrasound have gradually gained widespread attention as alternative options.
Sometimes dogs bark out of stress and boredom, so try changing the environment to make it more comfortable. Increasing the time you spend interacting with your dog, such as playing or taking walks, can significantly reduce your dog's anxiety.
There is much controversy surrounding the implementation of voice removal surgery, and some countries consider it a form of surgical cruelty. Supporters believe that this can create better living conditions for dogs that bark frequently and enable them to live normally in society.
The position of many animal medical and welfare organizations is that surgery should be performed as a last resort, after behavior modification measures have failed.
The legality of voice removal surgery varies in different regions. The procedure has long been banned in the UK and is considered surgical abuse. In the United States, some states, such as Massachusetts and New Jersey, have also enacted laws prohibiting voice removal surgery.
Whether you choose vocalization surgery or another solution, your pet's sounds are an important way for them to express their emotions. Each owner should choose the most suitable management method based on the actual situation of the dog. Will such a choice affect the dog’s quality of life and happiness?