My 10 month old miniature schnauzer dog has an extreme propensity to bark. I am seeking some way of positive training to command him to bark/speak. So I can control the situation that is currently out of control.
He barks at everything; people, cars, particularly other dogs. He is a very good gaurd dog and lives with two other dogs, a Cesky and a Scottie. Neither of which bark, unless greeting you.
I have read a number of articles about anti bark collars. None of which read well.
My vet has suggested an operation, if things are really bad. This seems rather a drastic measure and I don't want to silence him completely. Can anyone offer some advice or guidance?     

Hi Guest,

I'm sure someone more experienced than me on behavioural issues will be along soon but one piece of advice I can't recommend highly enough is to find an alternative vet!  ANY vet that recommends debarking a 10 month puppy should be struck off

Good luck, Teri

Sorry Guest, I have no advice to offer except change your vet immediately

If the OP is in the USA sadly debarking is the usual route It is as far as I am aware illegal in the UK

very good advice given already change your vet immediatly
debarking is cruel

Yes as most people have suggested change your vet :)

Perhaps ask the vet if they have access to the internet to contribute to this thread and give their side as I am sure we would all be very interested to hear it ! :)

Lucy
xx

Hi guest

Bin the  vet - his advice is barbaric

The vet might of meant castration , as he might think it could calm him down. just a thought :)

If the OP is in the USA the vet will have meant debarking as it is a common operation there, a lot of security attack dogs are debarked so that they give no warning to intruders

That's horrific!  I've never heard of 'debarking' before and am glad (or hope) that it is illegal in the UK.  I'm absolutely disgusted that a Vet, someone who is supposed to help animals, would even think about performing such a henious operation.....blimey, it's a good job I don't live in the US...

Train your dog not to bark.................

Hello

The first thing you should do is to contact a dog behavouristwho can help youand your family to correct your dogs behaviour without the need for drastic surgery, your local vet maybe able to give you details of some. one thing to remember when you have a dog that barks is not to shout and scream at it as this will only make things worse as the dog thinks you are joining in!!!!