The first step toward controlling this behavior is to determine why your dog is barking.  Your dog may be:

• Bored or lonely.
• Guarding its territory.
• Afraid.
• Experiencing separation anxiety.

What can be done to control barking?

Excessive barking is a behavior problem. If your dog has not been to obedience classes, take it. Your dog will not only enjoy the activity but it can help you learn to deal with barking and other disobedient behaviors. 

If your dog is bored or lonely, such as barking to get your attention, expand their "people time" by keeping him indoors, exercising them regularly and providing interesting toys. Grooming is also a great way to make sure your dog is getting enough attention. If your dog is guarding their territory, such as barking at "intruders," teach your dog a "quiet" command. Let it know it's done its job, then tell it, "it's alright, Spot." Obedience classes may help with this training. Having your dog neutered or spayed will help to decrease territorial behavior and may minimize barking.

If your dog is afraid, desensitize them to what is frightening. A dog trainer and obedience classes may be able to help you with this as well. 

If your dog has separation anxiety, such as barking as soon as you leave its presence, desensitization techniques can also be used. An example of this training would be to put it in a room with the door closed, when they begin barking, tell them "no," and give a "quiet" command. Your pet will soon learn that separation is okay.

Learn additional tips and tools to help you help your dog limit their barking. 

Even the most ardent dog lovers among us become aggravated if a neighbor’s dog barks incessantly. The constant yapping can disrupt sleep, ruin your time in the yard, and generally become an ongoing nuisance. But there are some steps you can take; with effort and a little luck, you and the neighbor’s dog can peacefully coexist.

For starters, don’t blame the dog. Several things could cause the barking:

• Some breeds are more territorial than others. Whether the dog is in the house or out in the yard, they may be “protecting” their home from passing cars, someone walking near their property, or just the mailman approaching the door.
• Dogs don’t handle boredom well. If the dog is alone all day in the house or left alone in the yard for long periods of time, they may develop unwelcome compulsive habits, such as barking.
• If the dog sees or hears lots of activity outside, they may become excited enough to bark. This isn’t necessarily a warning; it may be a way to express frustration at being left out of the fun or a stress reaction to the noise and activity.

So what can you do?

1. Talk to your neighbors. If they’re away from the house all day, they may not even know about the barking. Or they may be aware of it and are already working on the problem.

While it might be tempting to just drop a note in their mailbox, meet your neighbors face-to-face. Leave the attitude at home and communicate in a friendly, neighborly way that the barking is becoming a problem for you and your family. Explain the problem and give them a chance to respond.

2. Be proactive. If the dog barks every time you step into your yard or venture near their property, try blocking their vision by planting a hedge or erecting a fence or privacy screen. If the dog’s barking is territorial, blocking his view of your property may remove the threat.

3. Make friends with the dog. If blocking the dog's view doesn’t help, maybe it’s time to make friends with him.

Ask your neighbors if you and your family can meet their dog and let them get to know you. You might even suggest that the neighbors bring the dog over to your yard to play a bit. If your trips to the yard are rare, your occasional presence may startle or frighten the dog. Try making time outside an ordinary occurrence. Once they are used to the sight, sounds, and smells of their human neighbors, they may not be such a big deal to him, and they won’t feel the need to bark.

4. As a final resort, you may have to resort to filing a formal noise complaint. Folsom, most landlords, and homeowners’ associations have noise regulations.  Complaints can be submitted by calling Folsom Police 916-461-6400, option 1. This could result in your neighbor being cited or given a warning for any violation observed by an officer.