Our 2 year old dog has just started barking too much. He used to be ok, just sat and looked out the window, wagged tail at anyone passing etc. He has now started hurling himself at the window in fury at all passing cats, and quite a few passing dogs too.
I have had to shut him out of the front room which fronts on to the street (about 2 feet away) but he even goes bonkers in the other rooms if someone is at or near the door, or a cat in the back garden etc.
He doesn't bark at people at the door, only when they knock.
I don't want to use a bark collar as i am not sure, but suspect this may be a nervous thing, as he is generally a bit nervous (though not normally of dogs and cats, more buses and lorries and carrier bags!) I don't want to use something which might make him worse, it would be very bad if he started acting aggressive when we are out and about as currently he is so friendly and that's what i want to keep.

hi caint help you really my girls are just the same!! when ever anyone walks past the window or knocks on the door they go bonkers barking like mad..i thought they were protecting the house? but to be honest think i may be making excuses up for them;) wish i could find a cure too. regards minni!!!

confining him to where he cannot see the outside stimulus is the trick.  If he can see out the back door you could cover the glass with film, the kind to make it obscure.  If he reacts to the sounds leaving a radio on so that he is less likely to hear will help too.

There is no way I could leave my lot in front room if I went out as they would be sure to bark at the passing dogs, and anyone coming up the drive or standing chatting outside our house.

A solid back gate also reduces visibility and hence barking when they a re outside, and when I replaced back door I had it obscure glazed rather than clear, so no teasing cats to wind them up when I am out.

When I am in I make sure that barking or getting excited by what they see out front does not pay off (they get a buzz out of doing it). 

If they bark then they are instantly sent into the kitchen (you may need to leave a lead on the dog), it is the same principle as not allowing them to bark outside by sending them indoors every time consistently.

ah yes never thought of that send them in the kitchen its like a sort of time out on the naughty step? will def give that a try thanks!! p.s i watched dog borstal for the first time the other week..the trainer suggested using water to stop it? ever time the dog barked when it wasnt ment to it got a quick burst?? i thought it was abit harsh so never did it..what do you think?

It is what I use as mine are a bold breed, who it won't upset, but will be enough to break into what they a re doing, it is a pretty mild aversive/negative consequence and it serves to distract them from what they a re doing so I can get them to do something positive for which they can be praised instead. 

I call it my canine remote, as if they are simply ignoring a command they go quiet as soon as I say 'where's that bottle'. 

With up to five dogs barking when visitors arrive I can't afford them to keep going more than absolutely necessary.

A friend with a large garden uses a hosepipe on hers if they are taking the mick and do not listen to commands of quiet.

The whole point is that a dog will choose to do what gives it pleasure and avoid doing things that are not pleasurable or unpleasant.

It is more about teaching the dog what we want it to do (instead) rather than teaching them not to do something.  After all what is rewarding about not doing something?

yes i get your point.. my OH says i should try it as my girls dont like going out in the rain never mind getting a quick sqirt of water..i have my sofa infront of my window and they like to lie on the back of it and look out of the window (i could move the sofa but i like it there and shouldnt have to really for a quiet life) think i will give it a try. thanks