The kind of bark we are talking about today bursts out loud and fast as the dog responds to something he/she hears or sees. Usually, the dog rushes to the door or window that the sight or sound is coming from. At some point, when the sight or noise that set them off has gone, the dog simmers down, maybe drops a few more sporadic barks, then goes back to whatever he/she was doing before. Of course, if provocative sights and sounds appear often, there may not be much of a break between barkfests. To help your dog to stop barking block your dog’s view out the window. This will cut back their exposure to the sights and sounds that get them going. If your dog’s jumping on the back of a sofa or chair to reach the windows, consider rearranging the furniture. Mask outside sounds with a fan, radio, or even TV to stop your dog’s barking. Set up white-noise machine, or a radio playing soft music can help. Set it up by the door or window where that provocative noise comes from. Reward your dog when he/she doesn’t bark at things. When your home with your dog, make it your business to notice times when he/she reacts mildly and appropriately. For instance, he might get briefly alert and then lie down again. Either way say, “yes” quietly to mark his good behavior, and give him a treat. 
