If you have a problem barker, there is usually more than one kind of `noise' bothering you; the dog's yapping and the neighbors' complaining. When neighbors complain, the dog usually barks when you are away. Whether the barking is when you are home or absent, a two fold program is called for:
The barking itself must be curtailed directly
The cause for the barking must be removed
Any other problems involved must be corrected
Ironically, thousands of barking by `yard dogs' are cleared up in a trice by making a simple change in the dog's situation. He is left inside the house! Most yard-barkers are either not housetrained or are destructive if left inside. If this is your case, it is easier to deal with the inside problem than the outside barking. If the dog has matured since he was banned, try leaving him inside for short periods for a few days. Then, lengthen the time over a week or so. You may find that simple maturity has cleared up the house problem, and your barking problem will be solved as well.

Getting At The Causes
Why do dogs bark constantly anyway? Experience indicates that most bark either at some person, animal or object, or about some condition, such as being isolated from people or other dogs. It is normal for dogs to bark at animals and people entering or passing by the property. Some city and county laws define this as `reasonable' barking. However, when the barking becomes a problem, you need to understand why and how it started to correct it humanely.

Puppies Need Barking Guidance
Most excessive barking stems from early, unconscious training by dog owners themselves. That is, when the puppy first shows signs of territorial defense the owners are delighted and may even urge him to carry on. But the wisest way to manage a barking puppy is to call him to you, then quietly investigate the situation. You shows the pup, through your behavior, how he should behave. Of course, if something is really amiss, the pup will start barking again and you can investigate. This simple approach trains a dependable watch

Are You Barking , too?
Another way to create a barker is to bark back at the dog-out-shout him!. This often works when you are at home, but all the dog really learns is that you are boss barker. Thereafter, when you are gone, he takes control and the barking erupts with renewed gusto.

The Solution for all Ages
When the dog starts to bark in your presence, call him to you as quietly as the barking will allow. If the barking is about something unusual that you think needs attention, go investigate, but do so quietly. `Shush' the dog with a whisper if he starts to bark again. Then go back and settle down. Call the dog and keep him close by. Be persistent with this routine for six weeks. During the course of this exercise you will notice the dog sound his first alarm bark, then look to you. If you are out of the room, he will seek you. That is ideal watchdog behavior

Corrections When You're Not Home
Corrections when you are not at home are more complicated. Territorial barks, as mentioned earlier, are natural for dogs and are part of their functional make-up. However, the dog that makes a full-time job of it in response to normal, everyday happenings, needs to be taught other functions to replace his territorial needs. Therefore, part of the correction is to get your pet to function for you rather than the self-satisfaction of guarding his territory.

Learn-to-earn Praise And Pets
First you need to gain the dog's response to you. The key to this is your dog's need for approval as a member of your family group. Therefore, whenever the dog nudges for petting and attention, ask him to "sit," before petting and praising, then release him from the sit. This is the learn-to-earn praise and petting program, often dubbed the no free lunch program. Everyone in the household must follow the plan. It teaches the dog to . function to earn petting, praise and approval.

All fondling (prolonged petting) must be stopped or the program won't succeed. This will be a sacrifice, but the barking problem usually involves a bossy, `spoiled' dog. And unearned stroking spoils many dogs, especially barkers.

After following the earned praise and petting exercise for about two days you are ready to make set-ups to co recta the barking that occurs when you are not at home.

The Sherlock Holmes Stage-Fact-Finding
First, some detective work is needed.

• When does the dog bark? Is it right after you leave home? If so, leave a few minutes earlier than usual and use the corrections to be detailed later.

• Does the barking occur just before, or at the time you arrive home? Then you will need to make arrangements to get home a few minutes earlier than normal for a few days.

In either of these situations you may need someone's help if you cannot vary your schedule. Just be sure the person helping you completely understands the following corrections.

The Sneak `n Peek Correction Technique
This correction is called `sneak `n peek.' Use the set-ups by leaving or coming home earlier than your usual time on work days as well as your days off. Make all your usual preparations for going to work, then;

1)Sit down quietly for at least five minutes in the area that you usually leave the dog

2)Pay no attention to the him. Don't even make eye contact or speak.

3)Get up and leave without a word.

4)Start the car and drive off down the street-do whatever makes the dog think you are really gone!

5)Then, sneak back to an area adjacent to the dog, but out of his sight and scenting ability, (if outside, stay downwind).

The instant the dog displays any sign that he may start barking, such as pacing or whining, or if he does start barking, apply a noise as a `distracter.' The distracter must be some sound other than your voice. The sound must be quick, less than a second in duration, in order to be successful. A single rap on a window, door, fence, etc., interrupts the dog's attention from the barking, but avoids revealing where the distracter came from. If possible, make your observation point behind the dog when his attention is on his usual target.

When the barking stops, do not praise the dog. Remain silent and repeat the distracter if the barking starts again or if you'll see or hear the dog getting ready to bark. Continue this routine until the dog settles down; this may take between a few minutes to an hour, but it must be done.

If you must leave for work before total success is achieved, don't worry -- complete correction will take a little longer, but will eventually you'll win. You will know you are making headway when the following happens: A sound occurs that used to cause barking; the dog alerts to it, but settles down or just whines or sniffs in the direction of the sound.

Your-Patience-A key-Element
If the entire program is applied for a period of six weeks, you should be the owner of a dependable watchdog that does not bark at unimportant incidentals, but will `sound the alarm' when there is a genuine threat to you or your property. The sneak `n peek part of the program may succeed in only a few sessions, but keep up the entire learn-to-earn routine for six weeks.

Be consistent and patient. The rewards will be a peaceful life for all concerned... you, the neighbors, and the dog.