[VLynn123]

I have a mini doxie who is a year old. She continues to bark at everyone, I try to distract her with her toys or tell her to quiet down. I bring her to work with me on occasion. She's always around other people and dogs since she's been 3 months old. Lately, she barks at everyone. I can't get her to stop. I don't know what else to do. She's driving me crazy. I enjoy taking her to work with me where she can play with the other dogs. What can I do to minimize her barking. :confused:

[labman]

Breaking an established habit at a year old may not be easy. I don't have all the answers, and wouldn't count on others solving the problem either. 3 months is too late to socialize a dog to strangers. She may never accept things very well she was not exposed to between 6-12 weeks. One of the first steps is to establish yourself as top dog. This both pressures her to obey you and relives her of the responsibility to do something about the strange people and dogs.
Having a good pack structure reduces such problems. The dogs see all the
People and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
The pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
Outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by
Reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
Or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
A treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/.

If not already, spay her. It is not a cure all but helps with many behavior problems.

I would give up taking her to work for a while, and limit her exposure to other people and dogs to when you can give her your undivided attention, with zero tolerance of barking. As she adjusts to being quiet when she has your full attention, you can allow her more and more time with other dogs. Start with holding your hand in front of her face and giving her a stern ''Bad dog!'' in a quiet, but firm voice. You can also try holding her mouth closed. If that doesn't stop her, get tough. Give a warning stern "Bad Dog!". In
Stubborn cases, I repeat the "Bad dog!" right in its face with the dog on its
Back. Hold it down until it lifts one back leg to show submission. Use one
Forearm under his jaw to keep his teeth away from your face. Another very
Effective technique if the dog is small enough, is to pick it up with your
Hands behind its front shoulders and hold it out with its back to you. Make
Sure it is far enough out it can't fling its head into your face. Hold it
Until it quits struggling and relaxes. If you can't do either of those, try
The squirt bottle. Fill it with water and a little vinegar or lemon juice.
Give it a squirt in the face as soon as it misbehaves. Dogs hate that. I do
Too and only use it in desperation. Denying it your attention works great
Too. Turn your back, walk off, whatever. Dogs are very social, and losing
Your company is the worst thing that can happen. The solution to a stubborn
Dog is an owner that is even more stubborn. Don't forget the praise and
Petting when she finally yields.