Barking all the time

[nswain]

What is the best way to deal with a dog who barks, for hours, at nothing????
Grumpy is quiet all day but around 5pm every evening she starts barking. And goes for hours. It started a few weeks ago and it's driving me nuts. Sometimes I can see what she's barking at (neighbors in their backyard, car driving by, squirrel) but most of the time I can't see or hear anything.
We have tried ignoring her and she doesn't seem to care. Usually she gets a time-out for bad behavior, although we haven't had to do it for months. But this isn't like chewing the couch... it's not like I want her to never bark again. I'd just like some moderation!!!! Help...

 

[ELubas]

Well, you can teach her quiet but this sounds like "boredom" barking to me-nothing better to do. Does she get a lot of exercise-just wondering as my boy , who is a lot older than your girl , will still resort to this if he does not get enough exercise. Teaching quiet, like ignoring, takes PATIENCE. I find it easiest to do with a clicker, and treats to start. You need to make them understand the clicker first and then move on to "marking" the behavior you want. Others here, I'm sure, will have some ideas but there are lots of great books on clicker training, with Karen Pryor's being about the best.

 

[meliss&kash]

Hmmm. I would either just ignore it, although if she's barking at things outside and not you, this may not help much... or redirect her to another activity. Is it because she is used to going out for a walk or to the park at that hour and then the routine has changed? I know Kramer does this kind of 'anticipation' but he whines instead of barks... like hey, yesterday we got a walk at this hour, what's going on??!? aren't you taking me out???! or the famous *it's time for dinner* whining, like I will forget to feed him if he doesn't remind me.
Anyways, if that's the case with your dog, maybe change the routine so that 5pm = quiet time with a yummy bone or kong. Not really solving the root cause, but hey, it could stop the barking somewhat.