In a word...  No. 

We started Bark Therapy a few months ago in an attempt (at Cesar Milan's urging) to get Mary to SHUT the barking UP!  My sweet little Mary is a bit of a yapper, and we were desperate to try whatever it took.  No WAY am I getting rid of this darling little dog because she barks, and removing her larynx is not an option, so we tried Bark Therapy.

It was a failure.
                             
Okay, let me backtrack.  It was a failure in that Mary still yaps way too much.  I honestly think that if she was walked twice a day, everyday, it actually WOULD help.  But she's lucky she gets 3 times a week, so I suppose it's not 100% her fault.  But that's as good as it gets, baby.

                           

On the other hand, Bark Therapy has been a raging success, in that I LOVE IT!!  There's nothing like walking (while trying to ignore the cars whizzing by) in total safety over a bridge over a BEAUTIFUL river with the cool (it's February) wind blowing either in my face or at my back, looking at the gorgeous views, watching for dolphins, or watching pelicans fish (I loooove pelicans!)  with others who are out enjoying what I'm enjoying.  Mary behaves beautifully (unless she sees another dog), and it's simply Heaven.  Usually by the time I'm out there, the sun is setting, and that makes it even more heavenly.  I have increased my endurance quite a bit, and can now walk over and back twice without stopping or usually without even breathing hard!  It's 3 miles total on 2 laps.  I'm VERY proud of myself! 


So while Mary still barks WAY too much, Bark Therapy has done ME more good than HER, although it is good for her too, and she loves it more than anything other than cuddling with me under the covers on a cool night.  :o)