okay, dog lovers. I'm at my wits end here. if you're going to judge, skip the commenting. I'm trying to be as honest as possible here to get some help.

I'm tired of hearing that a tired dog is a good dog, because guess what - here, it's not. for whatever reason. he doesn't follow the dog "rules."

anyway, I cannot take the barking anymore. he is a 4 year old sheltie. we've tried everything - citronella bark collars, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, standing over him, making noise to startle him, treats, toys, you name it, we have tried it. going on 2 years here of nuisance barking.

we live in a duplex, my inlaws are on the other side, they have a boxer. that barks a LOT. my dog generally follows suit and barks at things their dog barks at - on his own, if that dog is quiet, he only barks if people knock on the door or if my in-laws come home.

I think he barks at my in-laws coming home or if they're outside because they let him come over and play, so maybe he thinks they are his "people" too? the only thing I have left that I think could be the issue is if he needs a "job" to do instead of barking at everything. the job cannot be hiding and finding treats, unfortunately, because his vet has him on a diet now (it never ends).

I am at the end of my patience with him and I feel awful. But if you've spent hours trying to get a child to sleep, and ONE bark (that is so high pitched it goes right through you/makes you jump out of your skin) wakes her up, every day and/or night for almost a year straight, you wouldn't have much affection or patience left either

I know his barking is good if someone broke in - what I want is for him to LISTEN to me and STOP when I say "quiet" ...or something!!! and he just barks right at me when I try to stop him, as if swearing at me.

someone help me!