stop barking?

[KilaDaKilla]

what is the best or most effective way to stop my dog barking...i had a neighbor complain and it might get serious...funny thing is that she isn't even one of my immediate neighbors...but nevertheless, i need a solution...any input would greatly help...some friends have recommended shock collars, spray collars, but which ones are more effective...anyone ever use any of these? any input greatly appreciated...thx!

[Suki]

can you provide more info regarding your dog? i.e. age, living conditions, schedule he/she is used to, etc.

It's my feeling that dogs bark, besides for obvious reasons to communicate to us, but also, because they're lonely, bored, frustrated or pehaps even afraid of something. I've always felt a tired dog makes for a much better situation for the animal, especially if its owner has to leave it for extended periods of time.
Is there a way you can REALLY exercise your dog BEFORE you leave? Can you walk it around your neighborhood so it can see what it's actually smelling?
If he/she is indoors during your absence, after exercising it, perhaps confining it to an area of your house that's more quiet won't be as disturbing to your neighbor. Maybe even putting on a radio, if your dog is constantly used to noises from humans. Also, when you leave, don't make a big deal about your departure. Just leave, no big, "good byes" etc. Same with at home while you're there. Whenever your dog barks, I wouldn't recommend giving it immediate attention, as that'll demonstrate to him that his bark means some sort of feedback/reaction from you, when addressed right away. And even if it's to yell at him for the bark, neg. attention is still attention I've heard of people using shock collars to throwing water on the dog everytime it barks. I'd rather use a more positive approach, that when you give a verbal command, of say, "quiet" to reinforce that positive behavior with any means you choose.
Over all, I'd suggest getting that dog good and tired, give it something to stimulate it in your absence=radio, kong filled with something to keep it busy, and when it does listen to your verbal commands to reward it with something positive. Being tired, first and foremost tho, I think, is key.
Perhaps the others can also give you some insight as well.

[KilaDaKilla]

well...i tend to think i take my dog out a little too much...shes only 8 months old, weighs about 35-40 lbs and i usually take her out in the morning for about a 30 minute walk before i go to work...because i own my own business, im able to come home in the middle of the day to take her out and eliminate (not everyday but as much as i can i do so)...at the same time i walk her for about 15 minutes before going back to work...i then come back home (if i haven't already done so) to take her out or to the dog park to get some socialization and some excercise...then, late at night before going to bed, i take her out for another 30 minute walk...i feed her three times a day and she doesn't bark consistently...i think my neighbor complained when she was barking early in the morning to let ME know that she needed to go eliminate outside...as she does all the time she needs to go...im trying to keep my dog nice and slim for agility purposes...she may bark when someone hangs out in front of my condo but a couple "SHH's!!!" usually gets her to keep quiet...i wasn't home when she was barking excessively so i dont know what exactly was causing her to bark