[masraum]

Originally Posted by Superman

In a nearby thread I noted our 24-month Heeler is trying very hard to be a good dog. The biggest thing standing in her way is the barking. She barks at everything, plus she barks at nothing. Loudly. WE have a vibrating bark collar, which I think she finds amusing. We say "NO!!" and put her in her crate, often enough.

Has anybody had good luck with a strategy we have not tried yet?

I've heard that "NO!" to them is like us barking, and that it's a reinforcement to the barking.

I've had decent luck with getting them distracted before a barking trigger occurs (I do understand that she barks at nothing). And by distracted, I mean getting them to focus on you.

If there is a normal trigger (someone knocking at the door), then set something up where someone can knock on the door. Get the dog on a leash and some training treats. Tell the dog "look at me", and have someone knock on the door. I'm NOT a dog trainer, but I believe the theory is that you have them begin to associate barking triggers with focusing on you.

There may be other better methods. I'm far from a dog whisperer.