I have a beautiful lab that barks at night.

I am glad he barks because when he sees a stranger approaching our yard, but he also barks at cats, and any movement.

I am afraid my neighbors are going to complain, and I don't want to use those devices that make an uncomfortable sound to the dog whenever it barks, preventing it to do so.

Is there a way to train him no to bark at night. I want him to keep his protective instinct, but barking at cats and lizards is exaggerating.

Thanks
William Scott

Basically there is no real solution to a barking dog other than keeping the dog in at night and instantly repramanding him when he barks at the wrong thing. You could get one of those shocking collars and shock him when he barks at the wrong thing but I personally think that is worse than cruel punishment on any animal.

I know it's been a couple years but if you are still having trouble, I thought I might make a suggestion. Give the dog daily exercise. He needs to be stimulated. He is getting his stimulation by barking. If you tire him out he will bark less. I hope it works.

Please do not use the shockers or other abusive techniques. It will make him very anxious and you will have more behavior problems to deal with. Hire a dog walker if you do not have time to give him exercise. Also, put a light outside. My dog was afraid of the dark and wouldn't even go out to the bathroom at night unless I went out too. So your dog may be afraid because he can't see well.