Constant Barking

Question
I have an 8 month old female Cocker Spaniel and whenn she was reaching 5 months old she begin to bark at many sounds, simple things such as a door shutting or opening, the a/c coming on, other dogs when we are walking, etc.  I have tried calming her down by holding her and letting her know she was okay and I also tried telling her "no" or discplining her but nothing seems to work.  Any advice or suggestions would be wonderful!

Answer
At 5 months, she may have decided she was a big girl and should take on more responsibility for the pack. The dogs see all the
people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by
reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/

Here are some more ways to define your position:

''Elevation for small puppies:  Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up.  He is facing you.  Hold him for 15 seconds.  Repeat until he no longer struggles.  If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.  

Cradling for small puppies:  Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby.  If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds.  With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down:  Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you.  Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position.  When he is quiet, praise him.  Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position.  When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work.  It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual.  I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective.  You may want to give her a belly rub while she is on her back too.  Helps bonding.  There is a big difference between her rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll her over and rub her belly.  The latter cements your place as pack leader.

Once you are firmly established as top dog, she should see less need to bark, and more responsive to your corrections.