[alaskayorkie]

I think a lot of us have the same problem. Our dogs are so small, they bark as a defense mechanism. That's not to say you can't address it. Mine have improved over the years.

I taught "speak" by ringing the doorbell. When he barked, I rewarded him. I started using a hand command for it, aka I'd open my hand sort of like a dog's mouth opening. Once he had that down, I taught "no bark" with a closed hand command. I'd close my hand, say "no bark" and reward him when he didn't. I'd go back and forth between "speak" and "no bark" to teach him the difference.

Now, he'll still bark at things outside, but a "no bark" and a reward usually stops him.

A couple other things to consider trying:

* Put some pennies in a can and shake it when he barks. They don't like the sound and usually stop barking.
* I've never used them, but I would try a citronella collar if I was desperate. It sprays something in their face when they bark.

But all things considered, I prefer something positive like the no bark command to something negative.