Taping a dog's muzzle is not an appropriate way to control barking. It may have been an option many years ago, but it is an outdated one.

An 8 year old dog is considered a senior. It's possible that his hearing is erratic; sometimes he can hear things louder than usual, and other times not so well. So now he barks at everything.

Or he could just be getting more insecure. Has he been getting the same amount of attention as he's used to? If any changes have been made in the household, he might feel like he's losing his status.

The only other solution would be a no-bark collar. Some have a bark-activated tape that you put your own voice on. When the dog barks, YOU are correcting him. Others have a citronella spray that sprays in front of the dog's nose when he barks. Dogs dislike the smell.

The collars are rather pricey, but worth it. Once the inappropriate barking is under control, the collar can be removed. It doesn't take long for them to get the message.

DrsFosterSmith.com has them. They also have the ones that deliver a mild shock for a lot less money. I used them on my dogs without any problem---the shock level can be adjusted---and now I don't have to use them very often. It took just a few times for them to understand that they weren't to bark when the collar was on. When they get carried away, I put the collar on without the battery and they quiet.

Please keep us informed. Many of us have this problem and we need to know what works for you.

Mary