Suggestions to calm a chronic barker?

[acewells]

<p>My well-exercised dog often barks for no reason, only to be quieted by petting. He has a bit of separation anxiety. I work at home and because he doesn't like to leave my side, he would prefer to have me stand out in the backyard with him. He wants to go out so he barks, I let him out and go back in, he barks to come in and be with me, then barks to go back out, etc. Over and over this pattern repeats. When he does stay by himself in the back, he barks at squirrels outside. When he's inside, he barks just to hear his own voice sometimes. I love this big baby to death but his incessant bark drives me up a wall. When I tell him "no" or try to communicate "no" with him in any way (ignoring, wagging my finger and frowning, firm tug on his collar, etc.) he just doesn't seem to get it. What discipline method have you found that works well for a barker? Again, he is well exercised -- I take him for walks so he is getting what he needs.</p>

[Allin1PetCare]

<p>Several questions come to mind:</p>
<p>What breed, age, and is he neutuered?</p>
<p>Describe your exercise routine (going for walks is not exercise for certain breeds).</p>
<p>We at all in One Pet Care offer free phone consults to all Wag and Brag members so if you're interested, give us a call at 772.489-2945 or email us at info@Allin1PetCare.com.</p>
<p>Be Blessed,</p>
<p>Arlene, All In One Pet Care</p>
<p>www.Allin1PetCare.com</p>

[acewells]

<p>

<p>He's a four-year-old German Shepherd. We go for 2-3 mile very brisk walks. He is neutered when he was about a year old, when we first got him.&nbsp;</p>

</p>

[pitaholic]

<p>you may want to try some mental stimulation , the walks&nbsp; are just physical for the most part, me and my dogs play find the cheese,&nbsp; it makes them think and&nbsp; use their senses,&nbsp;&nbsp; also&nbsp;&nbsp; my little dog is a yippy thing but&nbsp; in order to&nbsp;&nbsp; keep him quiet, I taught him to bark on command, and then&nbsp; proceeded to teach him the command "Quiet"&nbsp; that way he knows what i mean when i tell him to be quiet,&nbsp; reward any calm behavior,&nbsp; only pet him when he is&nbsp; quiet, even if it is only a few seconds of silence, eventually he will get that idea that" when i am quiet, i get the attention that i want"</p>