itching and barking

Question
hi. i have a 10yr old Jack Russell. he is getting worse and worse for barking, he barks when you leave the room, he barks if you try to talk over the top of him, he barks at the normal stuff too eg. a knock at the door and postman. he even stands in the garden and barks for no apparent reason.

we've tried ignoring him....it don't work.
tried squirting him with water...works for split second
tried to muzzle him...he then whimpers more than bark.

really don't know what to do its like hes in competition with my young daughter.

help!!!

Answer
Hello Clare,

I hear your frustration,  barking can be an annoyance.  First, I would see if there is a medical reason for him to be barking. Once that is checked and there is no health issue, I would continue with some behavior modification.  By that I mean, when he barks take him to another room away from what ever caused him to bark.  After he stops, walk him back to the very place and see if he does it again.  If he continues, repeat until he stops the behavior.  This may take awhile so try to have some patience.

Hope this helps.
Susan Potts
http://spottsdogcare.blogspot.com