EDMOND — Q: I have an 18-month-old beagle. He’s a great dog except for one bad habit — he dearly loves to bark and does so almost constantly when outside. He doesn’t even need a stimulus that I’m aware of — he seems to simply bark at the sky. Apparently he just enjoys it and his distinctive voice is quite ample for a little guy; it can be heard a city block away — I’ve had phone calls from neighbors that far away.

I’ve checked on the debarking operation, but it seems cruel to me, and is way too expensive for my wallet. Can you give me some information regarding anti-bark dog collars? I’ve heard pros and cons about using them. Do you feel they are inhumane? — Lyle C., Edmond

A: Lyle’s e-mail, detailing his beagle and consequent problem, was about three pages long — I’ve condensed it considerably, but I think you can still grasp his dilemma.

The situation that Lyle faces is far from rare. In his case it is compounded by the fact that he has a breed of dog that usually loves to bark and generally has great volume for a small dog. Such situations in a city environment can become a profound annoyance and may lead to (1) the owner ending up in court, (2) getting rid of the dog, or (3) hopefully, a solution to the problem.

Solving excessive barking problems can be tough and expensive, but when approached properly it’s usually doable. The initial step in a proper approach is to consult a reputable dog trainer. Your veterinarian probably will be able to recommend one in your area. Good trainers feel that their methods eventually promote a “desired behavior” as compared to a temporary “control” that a dog owner, going it alone, would achieve through employing anti-bark collar devices. Anti-bark collars are quite controversial in the dog training world, but given this, some trainers still utilize them in extreme cases requiring a quick fix.

Three distinct types of anti-bark collars are available from pet supply stores and via the Internet: citronella spray collars (this is a pungent odor distraction system), electronic shock collars, and the sonic collar that emits a disagreeable, high-pitched sound with the advent of each bark. The latter appears to be the least effective of the three and can be falsely triggered by another dogs’ bark.

A 1996 study found that citronella collars are 89 percent effective as compared to 44 percent for shock collars, yet, the more expensive shock collars far outsell citronella spray collars. Go figure. These collars vary in a range of $85 to $300, with those for large and giant breeds demanding the highest price.

The surgical solution, or debarking operation, should not be employed unless all other options have completely failed. Even after competent and expensive surgery the dog still can bark, but at a much reduced decibel level and a radical change in pitch. The only positive that I can think of for employing this procedure is that it is better than euthanasia. Many veterinarians today refuse to perform this operation.



DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.