Becks is now 8 and a half months old and hes a fantastic, well behaved boy but these last few weeks he has started to bark all the time whenever he hears the slightest noise outside.  A car pulling up, someone walking past anything and its driving me mad.  Is this normal at his age?

He is reaching adolescent and letting you know about it!

Whatever you do don't shout at him or he will think he is doing the right thing and that you are joining in.

The easiest way (!!!) to stop a dog from barking is to teach it to bark on command - and stop on command.  As soon as you hear him start give him a word such as "speak" praise and treat him if he is food orientated.  Then when he will speak on command and stops, say "quiet" and treat again.

One thing that is useful to teach dogs is a "settle" command but this is not exactly taught it sort of evolves (work that one out).

When Becks is laying quietly very gently say "settle, good boy" and repeat a couple of times but do it gently enough for him not to move.  Repeat this often when he is in different parts of the house, car, out and ultimately he will realise that settle means - lay quietly and when he is irritating you, you will be able to say "settle" and he will go and lie down.