[Soapie&Buddy'sMom]

I did a search and didn't find anything quite on point for this, so here is my question:

My dogs do not usually bark at anything outside EXCEPT for the letter carrier. Then, all three dogs engage in what I call "hysterical" barking - they just go completely crazy. 3 yr.old Buddy starts, 9 yr old Miller joins in, and then 9 yr old Soapie has her say.

Also, Miller barks a lot when he thinks it is time to go for a walk. No, not just to go outside, which he will bark for as well, but when he just needs to go outside he will do one short WOOF! and then wait for me to let him out. But when he thinks it is time for a walk, he will come up to me and bark REALLY LOUD, so loud that it hurts my ears, and I think Miller's too because he always shakes his head afterwards.

I want to stop or at least drastically reduce the barking-at-letter-carrier and the WALK!-NOW! barking. I asked my trainer for suggestions and she advised to spray lemon juice in the dog's mouth while he is barking, and then when he stops barking to lick it off, praise him.

Has this worked for anyone? Is it a good idea? I tried it once with Miller so far so I haven't really given it a shot. It seems too much like punishment, but maybe I'm wrong.