My dog wont stop barking

[ripley 1]

My dog barks constantly. It used to be just when the postman bought the mail or if someone rang the doorbell... But now he barks at anyone who walks past our house, people in their own front and back gardens that he can see from our house, random noises that he hears in the house that he thinks is coming from people walking past. He even barked so much last time I took him to the vet that we were asked to wait outside for our appointment :o( He barks all the time whether we're in the house with him or not.

I've seen those collars you can get that are supposed to stop dogs barking (I think by giving them a shock) but I don't really want to try anything that drastic/cruel just yet. Are there any other ways to get dogs to stop barking?

[woofgang]

you can get a collar that sprays out a puff of air at the dog or one (I think Roger Mugford sells it) that sprays citronella.
Is he getting old? some dogs bark more as they get senile especially if they are getting deaf as well.

Is he bored? nervous? does he feel that you are not a sufficiently strong leader so he has to take charge?

Its hard to know what to suggest without knowing more about you and him.

Does he have separation anxiety or other nervous type issues?

basically you need to sort out why he is barking before you can control it

[lankeela]

Electric shock collars are cruel and there are moves underway to ban them.

The antibark collars that use citronella or make a noise are fine, but they do get used to them. Have you tried using a water pistol or spray bottle? Also try to remove any triggers - I had to put a postbox on the outside of my house to stop mine barking when the postman came, and taped up the letter box so the tw*ts who still put the leaflets through can't do that any more. If I go out I leave the curtains closed and the radio on.

If you are there when he barks, make him lie down and keep him there until he settles down. You should be able to give him a down command which he will recognise. Also give him a titbit when he has stopped barking, so he will learn that if he lies down and is quiet he will get a reward. Try to stay calm yourself, as shouting or getting excited makes them think there is something to bark about.