Dog's started barking, any ideas?

[MetalMidget]

Our dog has recently started barking a lot more, and I was wondering if anybody had any insight as to why, and how to get him to stop.

Previously he'd only ever briefly bark if there was a knock at the door, otherwise he was renowned for being a very quiet dog. However, over the last couple of months, he's been a lot more twitchy, barking at the sound of car doors being open and closed outside, or someone dropping something upstairs. There's always a trigger, but I'm not sure why it's suddenly kicked in to this degree - he's about ten years old (rescue dog, so not sure of his exact age), and he's been with us for nearly eight years. No change to our (or his) routine, and there's been no other changes to his behaviour.

He's the best dog in the world, I'm just worried he's gone a bit neurotic and stressed and don't know why!

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Sudden changes in behaviour often have a medical cause. I'd suggest a check up at the vet.

[MetalMidget]

He's due his six monthly check up very soon, hopefully it's nothing sinister!

[spiderlight]

Might something have happened to scare or upset him when he's been home alone? I guess there's no way of finding out, so I don't know how helpful that is!