Training the dog in impuse control after basic obedience is a necessity. Basic training won't really train them to control impulses. Once you have taught some impulse control, then train to bark on command & then the "Quiet" training. That has worked on all of my dogs but it takes dedication & work & persistence & loads of patience since you are training the dog to go against the basic bark instinct. Keep the training to very short episodes 2 -3 times a day & remember, you love this dog so don't ever lose your temper or show any impatience if he's not learning fast enough for you. Training a dog teaches us to be better people & control ourselves when things aren't going fast enough for us. But hanging in there & working to help your dog to learn not to bark inappropriately will be worth it - and fun as you see them gaining understanding & self-control, wanting to please you.
I disagree a little bit with previous poster as hitting them with paper & such will only increase their level of excitement & teach fear response to you & things in your hand - not quieten them, in my experience.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |