excessive barking

Question
Hi,
I have a labrador retriever, 16 months old.He has a slim apperance.I have a big problem, he keeps barking whenever some one is home, he barks so loud that it becomes difficult to hear someones conversation, even if I leave him in the backyard he keeps barking. He stops only if go to him or bring him where everyone is sitting(that is what I cannot do always because some people don't like dogs close to them)
I have tried ignoring him but he does not stop it is just too difficult on the ears.I have tried giving him his chewing toy but he is not interested. Often people advise me to keep a stick but I don't want to do that.I can't scare him it just makes him more anxious. My mother, relatives blame me for not being harsh. Please help me.thank you for your time

Answer
Hi Jogeshwar

What he's doing is demanding your attention.  And unfortunately in the past, you've allowed this behavior to continue.  So you have to take some of the blame.

You need to get his attention and let him know that he's doing something wrong.

Fill a pop can with gravel and tape the lid.  

When he starts barking.  Rattle it, and tell him "NO!".  If he continues, wing the pop can at him.   The noise and the fact that you can get him with it will startle him enough to quiet him down.

Keep this up until soon, you can just rattle your keys or coins in your pocket to make him pay attention.

Good luck