I adopted a 4-year old terrier mix, male, neutered, from a rescue organization two weeks ago. He's funny, 10 lbs, very cute and affectionate.

During the recent week, however, he's started to bark alot at ordinary noise (during the first week he had kennel cough and could barely bark at all). I'm talking about noises like neighbors opening and closing their doors, talking in the hall, or walking around (we live in a condo so it is easy to hear that stuff). I thought opening up the windows and the front door would get him acclimated to his new surroundings and city noises, but it agitates his territorial nature. I still do it when the weather's not too cold, though.

When we are outside on his walks, he does fine with his surroundings. He doesn't bark unless he sees someone coming toward us. From what his records state he was an inside dog before his original owner gave him up, so I'm hoping that in time he will get used to the noises and people and understand that they are not intruders.

He is not responding to the "distract him when he barks and praise the ensuing quiet" technique. I don't want to get inhumane but I'm worried that the neighbors are going to be fed up pretty soon.

The thread about how to handle an attacking dog was a good one, so I thought to ask for tips on how to handle this. Thanks!