Expert: Delores Beck - 6/14/2010

Question
Hi, I have a 2 year old cocker spaniel.  He barks whenever he sees or heres another animal - particularly other dogs; he even does this even when they are on the TV.  He does also bark a little when we arrive home, out of excitement.  We always say 'no' to him, and if he continues to do it then we put him outside, or in the kitchen.  We have also tried muzzling him, banging a book to create a noise and one of those gadgets that make a high pitch noise when he barks.
It is very frustrating, and we don't want to upset the neighbours.  
He gets 30min walks every day, and in the warmer months the door is constantly open, so he can go into the garden when likes.
He does know commands; sit, wait, rest, down and toy; but I want to start training him to do others, but this problem is becoming a real barrier.
We don't have any friends with dogs to socialise him with, and we can't afford training.

Answer
How long is he alone all day?

When he starts to bark, how long does it go on?  Does it happen on walks?  Or only in the house?
Different situations may need different tactics.

For instance, you say he "barks a little" when you come home.  There are two approaches that may stop this.  The simple one is to have a dog cookie on you - sit on the floor and give him a greeting and the treat.  The other is to sail right past him and pay no attention at all until he calms down.  When he stops barking - that's when he gets attention & a treat.

For the rest - I need more details.  But I do have a few tricks to stop this.
Delores