Duke's voice

Okay. So I'm still a bit worried about Duke's voice. He doesn't bark, even though sometimes it seems like he's trying! He makes these little noises, and I know some of you have said yours make them too. The best way to describe it would be like a dolphin! Little "ack ack" sounds, and grunts, and squeaks.

He can growl, which he's only done once, when he had Lliam piled on top of him in a bear hug, and I think he'd just had enough of the attention

I'm worried silly that his previous owners had his vocal cords clipped. Which is just too terrible to think about. My poor poor boy... How would I be able to tell?

Only the vet would be able to tell you, has he had a look?

But it could just be that he hasn't had anything he wants to bark at! He's happy enough not to want to!

Unfortunately some people resort to removing the vocal chords instead of training a dog not to bark! Disgusting! If they have been removed/clipped, then there's nothing you can do about it, although I believe that sometimes they will grow back and the dog can produce a funny sort of bark.

I wonder if perhaps what's happened. That they're growing back. He's so cute though, he gets all excited, he almost can't contain himself! He forgets we're there and stand dead still, ears pricked, standing at attention, and if I tickle him or say his name, he just grins and wags his tail so hard

I have never heard of a dogs vocal chords being removed, thats just nasty!!

Ernestine wrote:I wonder if perhaps what's happened. That they're growing back. He's so cute though, he gets all excited, he almost can't contain himself! He forgets we're there and stand dead still, ears pricked, standing at attention, and if I tickle him or say his name, he just grins and wags his tail so hard

He sounds like he's so happy!

janey wrote:I have never heard of a dogs vocal chords being removed, thats just nasty!!

Isnt it sick? Its fairly common practice in some countries, some people also have their cats claws removed so that they cant scratch the furniture! I think its so wrong modifying animals and handicapping them for the rest of their lives for our own convenience or fashion. Just dont get a pet in the first place, whats wrong with people??!!

Absolutely. Some people wouldn't agree, but as far as I'm concerned, it's in the same league as ear cropping and tail docking.

I think its disgusting, quite shocked, is it commen???

Not so much here in the UK, because vets won't do it unless it's absolutely necessary.

But I believe in some countries it's done to guard dogs so that burglars etc don't hear them coming.

Thanks, I'm quite shocked it goes on anywhere!

janey wrote:I have never heard of a dogs vocal chords being removed, thats just nasty!!

Me neither! How the heck is that done?! And would a vet do that? (thinking of booking the kids in).

Lili, poor children, I wonder if it can be done on the NHS for all children

Ahem... back to the topic at hand, before we get arrested for suggesting this thing for our kids!!

Hubby videoed a clip on his cell, (hence the pretty bad pic quality) of Duke "barking at the front door. Not sure what it was, but the door was open, safety gate locked, and his Dukeship was sitting there watching the world go by, adding his own little sound track. I'm going to try post it in the Gallery. Please go take a look, and let me know what you think!

Thanks