We have a slight problem with Molly barking.

In the last few weeks she has taken to bark at every little noise in the evening. I can appreciate it's that time of year for fireworks, but half the time I can't even hear anything. I can also appreciate that she can hear things I can't.

It's not actually the bark that upsets me as at least I would know if there was someone around, but it's the fact that once she starts she doesn't stop! The barking will go on for a good while and then even if we get her to stop the next thing sets her off again - she kind of gets into a momentum.

I have tried the following:
1) Ignoring her - she just carries on
2) squirting with water - she just carries on
3) bribing her with toys - she realises after the first time what I am doing and then the next time she ignore me
4) making a fuss of the cat - she's a jealous little madam and will always come running over, but again this only works once
5) opening the door to show her there's nothing there - works only once

This only happens in the evening and sometimes it's after I've gone to bed so I can't let it carry on as it's quite late. She seems worse when hubby isn't there so I wonder if she thinks she needs to protect me? but I've not given her any signs that I am scared. Also, as my other post about her messing in the house says - we've just moved so I think she's unsettled by that. I can understand this will have an effect but I don't want her to get into bad habits.

Any suggestions?

Ignoring her will only work if she's doing it to get your attention, most dogs bark because they want to alert their owner to a potential danger. Ignoring her will probably mean she will keep it up because she wants you to know there's something that needs your attention.....
Squirting - it will take some time for her to realise that it's her barking that's getting her squirted, so if you feel that's the route to go you need to keep it up.
Bribing or distraction - she obviously thinks the threat is needing her attention more than the toys/treat you are offering.......
Likewise making a fuss of the cat...

Have you tried thanking her and asking her to settle down/lie down on her bed?

Turn up the volume on the TV/radio so she can't hear the bangs?

Rewarding her for being quiet............

Just thought I'd let you know I tried your suggestions over the weekend and there has been a big improvement.

Every time she barked I said something along the lines of 'Thank you Molly, good girl' 'you're such a big girl frightening them off'. then I would take her attention away with a toy or game.

She obv. hasn't really got a clue what I was saying but the thank you and good girl bit seems to work. I have everybody (even my niece and nephew who were staying) following the same rule and although it's erarly days it does seem to be working so thanks very much for your help.