Hello,
I have always found help at this site (especially from Labman), and I'd like to ask another question that has become a major issue in our household. In two years our family has grown from my husband and I into us plus three dachshunds. We are a happy family of five with a very noisy household.

Background on our pups is Sparky is 2 years old, Arnie is one, and Ruby is 8 or 9 (she's a rescue from Louisiana). Sparky used to bark a lot - and it became more prevalent after Arnie joined us. Ruby - being a past gal of the streets has a severe knack for barking at even a leaf rustling. The three of them together is becoming outrageous. I'm afraid Ruby's going to give herself a heart attack. I swear the others bark just to bark sometimes, too. It's funny and cute sometimes, but ultimately it is becoming deafening.

People have suggested to me these collars that shoot a tiny burst of something when the dog barks. I know they even sell them at Petsmart, but is this a safe way to train a dog not to bark? It doesn't sound pleasant to me, and I will do nothing that would ever cause my pups harm. If anyone has any ideas or opinions on this or any other techniques I would greatly appreciate your advice.

We need to work on something to fix this problem, and I am really clueless on how to make it happen. I have been to puppy training classes at Petsmart, but the technique of thanking them for barking quite simply is not working for me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Hi, Amy,
Know the smallest breed of hunting dog? It's the dachshund! They are natural hunters, aggressive, and love to bark, if you let them. They have taken control over the family, doing what they want... in this case, barking at everything and each other.
Do they get a lot of exercise? Each one should be walked briskly every day, for about 45 min. They are naturally used to getting lots of exercise, and when this type of dogs don't, they are bored out of their minds. They have to be "tired out", by either walking every day, or running with them in the back yard, if you have one.
Every watched Ceaser Millan, the Dog Whisperer, on NGEO TV channel? If you get the channel, the Dog Whisperer is on every Friday night, many different segments, for 30 min. each. Sometimes, it's on on other nights. It would be well worth your familys' time to watch it, if you can get it. He has covered what to do with barking dogs; and it's a common thing.
I wouldn't use any "shock" treatment devises. You don't need them.
First, have the dogs been neutered and/or spayed? If not, that's the first thing to do.
Now, if they have, this will take persistence and consistency, from all members of the family.
Separate one dog from the rest. Take it for a walk. Keep the leash length short, so your hand will be near (maybe a foot or two) the dog. NEVER let the dog walk in front; always walk at your side. The first time the dog barks at something it shouldn't, put your fingers firmly (don't hit it) on the dogs' back, and push it down, in a sitting or lying down position. Hold your finger over it's head, rub the dog's back. You don't even have to say a word. If you have been yelling at them, you can see words don't work.
Firmly holding down the dog, will immediately take his mind off being aggressive, and he will calm down. Every time he barks, do.
Now, you have two left to do the same thing with.
If they start barking in the house, take one in another room, and start doing the same thing with the other two. They will, after maybe 4 weeks or so, get the idea that you are BOSS, not THEM. They will stop barking all the time; because they know you will not allow it.
I wish you the best, and if you can watch the Dog Whisperer, Please do. It's awesome!
PS; Here is Ceaser Millan's website; I have his video, and it's awesome, too.
Cesar Millan Center (http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/)

I agree with Fred that shock collars are not wise in that they may add to the anxiety that sets off the barking. Like Fred, I know dashunds to be barkers, but it may prove invaluable to think like a dog to get to the bottom of it too. Fred has outlined a way for you to become "alpha dog" and I agree that this is foremost - nothing drives dogs crazy faster than not knowing who is who. All dog packs need an alpha dog and I read that in the book The Hidden Life of Dogs. We have a lab/hound mix who liked to bark at birds, squirrels, anything that moves outside so I tried running to where she barked, looking intensely where she looked, woofing once (yes, I felt silly too!) and walking away like no big deal hoping she would take my cue. Living in a semi remote place, we want her to sound the alarm when necessary so we needed to fine-tune her discernment. I am happy to report it worked. Here is a link to that book I can't recommend enough:
Amazon.com: The Hidden Life Of Dogs: Books: Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671517007/104-5196940-1755154?v=glance&n=283155)