cfuh, I'll bet you didn't expect to start a huge debate, did you?

I have stopped my dogs from barking excessively simply by removing them from the area where they're barking. For example, when I take Jake outside I'll leave him out until he starts barking, then bring him back inside immediately. Now he knows that if he barks he has to come in.

If he's barking at the front door, I move him away from the door.

My neighbor has helped, too, by yelling "Lay off, Jake!" if he starts barking. My neighbor loves Jake, and she's pretty proud of herself for helping to stop his barking.

Jake's a Sheltie - they're notoriiously barky, but we haven't had any complaints about Jake.

Good luck!