Puppy barking, help!

[Cripesalive]

My almost 7 month old Cavie is driving me mad at the moment barking at everything. She barks at me when she wants something (even though I ignore), she barks at the window, she barks at anyone who is walking past, she barks when she drops toys, she barks at the TV. She doesn't bark at other dogs when we are out and about, or people on our walks. Just when they walk past the window. It is constant in the evenings and driving me mad. Can anyone help?

I was just about to come here to post the exact same thing! My pug is 7 months old & driving me mad!
No advice but I feel your pain & let's hope someone has some good advice!

I was told by my trainer not to allow our puppy up at the window. Basically they see someone walk past or near the house and bark in a 'this is my house go away' type way. Person goes away as and dog thinks barking made them go away. So does the same next time someone goes past, and next time and so on. I'd either stop dog going in that room for a while or keep blinds closed to break the habit. Then keep them on a house lead and if they start barking calmly say it's ok it's just a person and guide them out of the room. That should stop the habit forming again. The more they get to practice the barking at people going past the worse it will get.

Also re toys I keep toys that I know he wants to play with me (not ones he plays on his own) out of sight until I've got time to play, stops him mithering me.

Teaching quiet is good too, he knows he doesnt get a treat or game unless hes quiet first. Then can use ' quiet' at other times.

Barking for attention in the evening does pup need to go to sleep earlier? Mine gets barky when he's overtired sometimes.

I'm in no way an expert being a 1st time dog owner of a 10 month old pup but these things have helped a lot. Dog Training Advice & Support on Facebook had some good advice on barking (and everything else!). Good luck!

Perdita40 - solidarity! It is incredibly frustrating isn't it. I keep just wanting to shout for her to be quiet but I've been told its the worst thing you can do but it really does drive you mad.

ThriceasNaice - thanks for taking the time to post and I think you are right that its a habit that has formed now. Unfortunately my windows are floor to ceiling so hard to avoid but I think I'll try pulling the blinds down at the peak times.

I do suspect that she is overtired as she finds it hard to nap, I've started trying enforced naps in the crate and hope that helps.

This is probably a stupid question but to teach quiet do you just say quiet and treat when she stops barking? I don't want her to think the treat is linked to the barking if that makes sense.

Luckily I have patient neighbours!