Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the Centre for Neurobiology and Behaviour, Psychiatry Department, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

There are many causes for this behaviour. Separation anxiety, craving for attention and even the doorbell can cause the most placid dogs to bark inappropriately.

When trying to discourage inappropriate barking it is important that you know the reason for the barking. Some dogs bark at the doorbell in protection of their pack (the family). It is important not to discourage the desire to protect the family, but allow the dog to associate the doorbell with good things. Practice this by inviting friends over to ring the doorbell. Correct any barks with a firm