Arabella has just started the barking at everything and I know what you mean by embarrassing. I have read that by shaking a can with pennies will stop them as they don't like the sound. Ok, I tried this with her at home and it worked but who wants to carry a can with pennies all the time.
I found an alternative by accident. I always have altoid gum or mini mints with me, yes a big fan. One day Arabella started her barking spell on a walk, I bent over to pick her up when the tin fell to the ground. The noise it made stopped her in her tracks and she sat down, looked up at me. I was a little flabbergasted and thought it was a fluke. We continued on our walk, she started barking at an oncoming dog, I shook the tin and she stopped barking. She is by no means cured but this has worked with her training. She is stubborn but I think it will take consistency in using the tin to make her stop.
I hope this helps. I am sure more experienced owners have other tips too.
__________________ Arabella  her Mommee!
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