Barking is one of your dog’s most important means of communication, but excessive vocalization can lead to conflicts with neighbors and owners who drop off their dogs at the shelter. Although expressing his concerns is of course part of your dog’s daily life, these problems lead some owners to consider surgery to “land” their dogs.
Also known as voice softening, softening is an elective surgical procedure that reduces the tissue of a dog’s vocal cords. Some veterinarians use a stamp to remove tissue, while others make incisions of different sizes or use a laser. The goal is not to completely silence your pet, but to reduce the volume of his voice so that he does not wear it. While some describe the procedure as cruel, others describe the escape as a relatively simple procedure that saves the lives of many pets who would otherwise be taken to shelters because of their loud voices.
Although escape is an easier procedure than sterilizing or sterilizing your pet, there may be less invasive options to treat excessive fido vocalizations. If he barks, your dog is trying to tell you something, so be careful what he tries to say. Ask yourself if your pet is doing enough exercise, spending too much time alone, or experiencing the stress of separation anxiety when left alone at home. Other common causes of excessive barking include responding to sounds from the neighborhood or alerting other animals or people on the property. Once you have identified the source behind your dog’s barking, you can solve the root of the problem. For example, if your pet barks at passers-by or the neighbor’s dog, you can install a privacy fence that will keep you out of sight. Dogs that bark when their owners leave the house often feel safer with a comfortable place to rest, such as a box with soft beds and a blanket. Or, if your pet is stressed out by spending long hours alone at home, consider taking it to a dog house where it will receive body and mental stimulation throughout the day. You can encourage your pet to remain calm by rewarding his behavior with treats and even teaching him the “Calm” command. Make sure that your dog has enough exercise and do not leave him alone for a long time, which can aggravate barking due to suppressed energy or separation anxiety.
As with any surgery, evasion carries a risk of complications and you should consult a qualified veterinarian if you decide to skin your pet. Among the advantages of the electoral procedure is a dog that can bark whenever he wants, without risking disapproval or conflict with neighbors or his family. However, since barking is not a problem in itself, it is worth identifying and treating the underlying cause of your pet’s persistent bark before deciding on surgery. If you can’t figure out the reason for Fido’s noisy behavior, you may want to work with a behaviorist to identify and solve the problem. Chances are, spending on training will lead to a happier and healthier relationship, as you’ll have a better understanding of what your dog is trying to tell you.