It can be very distressing to your neighbors when your dog is barking incessantly, so for that reason alone, it is best to help calm your pooch. The barking is a behavorial problem and can be difficult to stop as many breeds are prone to it. But there are many things you can try to reduce the barking. First of all, dogs bark because they are bored and if they are left out for long periods, they are more likely to bark constantly. Try to play with your dog and give him things to do. Always leave fresh water in his bowl and send the dog out on an a full stomach. Always reward your dog during the quiet times with a treat or a hug. If the dog barks and you want to quiet him/her down, use the word "Quiet" and put your hand around the snout gently. Do this whenever he is barking and then when you release the snout and he is quiet for a time, reward him again. Do this over and over. Dogs respond well to repetition and consistency, but you have to make this a part of his daily routine, so yes, a lot of effort may be needed on your part.

If your dark barks at the birds, cars, and bikes going by, he has a social problem. Take him for a walk and help him to be more social so he can learn that these things are not a threat. Bring him to the front yard and walk him down the street every day and he will get used to these stimuli.

But remember to be courteous to your neighbors. If the dog won't stop barking and you are not home a lot, then leave the pooch inside or perhaps building a doggy door is an option.

Fido needs to be on a schedule! Remember, dogs like repitition and are very much creatures of habit. Take him out the same time every day and encourage him to pee. Make him love to be outside. Bring the dog to the tree or perhaps another static item in the backyard and allow the dog to do his thing. Rewarding the dog with a hug or a treat when he goes. So back at the house, you do the opposite, If Fido pees again, then you must frown upon this and show the dog your displeasure. Be consistent and stearn using the same words and actions to train him. Do not be threatening or punishing. This will make the dog more insecure. You can also try and catch the dog in the act and as with the barking, look him in the eye, be stearn and shout "NO PEE." Dogs pee often because they want to mark their territory and will do so on a table leg, couch, vase or perhaps anything new that is in the house. You will notice that some dogs will lift the leg and pee at every other tree they walk by. So be consistent and stearn and patient and help him realize that he can only do this outside.

Don't be ashamed about curbing your dog. Your neighbors will love you for it. We have a park by our house and some folks let the dogs run free. Some of the kids in the park end up walking into it and getting the poop all over themselves. So do it for them. It will also save you from embarassment. If your dog decides to poop on the neighbor's lawn instead of the park, you will be grateful to have your pooper scooper available for a quick cleanup.