I have a one year old Bichon Frise bitch. She is an absolutely lovely dog, apart from her barking. It's really starting to stress me out a bit to be honest because as the weather is nicer, I have had the windows open (not unreasonable!) but someone talks, coughs, sneezes outside and it provokes a flurry of loud, high pitched, indignant barks. I've tried a couple of techniques like saying "Thank you, I have heard you" (she ignores me) and ignoring her then praising her when she shuts up - but honestly you wouldn't believe how long it takes her to shut up from a barking episode.
In addition to this there is a public footpath next to our house and if she sees somebody walking on it (how dare they!) she takes off, barking at the top of her lungs, charging after them. The ridiculous thing is it isn't nasty barking; she is wagging her tail, but she seems to think she's defending her property ... so for instance like this morning I went to get something from my car and the dog followed me, and someone was walking past - "WoooWoowoowowwwwwoooowowowww!" and off she went. I'm just conscious it is scary for people as they don't know she's a softie - she sounds like a hound from hell. I have tried putting her in the shed for 15 mins as punishment - she hates being alone - but it hasn't made any difference. I know it's partly a prevention thing, but honestly I should be able to have my door/window open without being deafened surely?!
It's stressing me out more now as I'm on holiday and trying to relax but it's difficult as my day is broken up with barking fits :(
help! :(