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Question
I have a 3 year old Pug/Beagle named Bella.  She is a great dog however we are really struggling with her barking.  We live on a corner lot and so she can see people in the front and then of course on the side where the side walk runs right next to our fence.  Any time anyone walks past our house when she is in the yard she barks like crazy!  Not a mad bark but like a come play with me bark.  We've tried yelling at her, calling her in the middle of her barking fits & when she comes give her a cookie, trying to catch her (not an easy feat) and smacking her rear but nothing seams to work.  Maybe we just aren't being consistant enough?  What should we do?  Get a shock collar?  Help!
Rob

Answer
Hi Rob,
 There are products that you can buy or medical procedures that can be done but I recommend re-training
because it is more a behavioral problem not a medical or a punishment.
 The best way I can tell you to do this is when he barks upon being approached, grab his collar ( I prefer a chain choke collar) by the ring to pull it tight and tell him ENOUGH! in a stern command and when he is quiet , even if only for a second, treat him and in a pleasant voice tell
him good boy enough .  Repeat this  until enough is responded to as a command. You should be able to give this command after that and he will respond even if no treat is involved
Good Luck and take care                 Beth