Puppy who Loves to Bark

we have a min pin/terrier mix who will bark very loudly when she hears strange noises. i know this is pretty normal behavior, but does anybody have any tips on cutting down on the barking somewhat? we live in an apartment and sometimes she will bark loudly late at night.

thanks, any advice much appreciated.

The dog has most likely had success at 'scaring away the scary things' so far.... Put yourself in her/his paws for a minute?? S/He hears a noise, alerts you, You start making noise about it (your telling dog to be quiet, stop barking, shut up..whatever) In the dogs mind, you are joining it in attempting to scare away an intruder! S/He doesn't understand you want Her/Him to stop..
You need to train her to understand the command "quiet". I use a spray bottle and wait for the dog to bark, Say, "Quiet", IF the dog barks again after the command is given, squirt it! When the dog falls silent PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE "Goooooood Quiet! good girl/boy" You can give treats during this part of the training..it will help encourage the dog.
Repeat this as many times as needed to see that your dog is understanding what you want.
Then up the anty a bit, have a friend stand at the door and knock lightly, dog will bark (I would allow her 1 freebie bark here as it is the door, and she is supposed to alert you) If she barks excessivly after you've thanked her for the alert and is ignoring your command of Quiet.... use the same method as above. You should not open the door until she sits 'quiet' for you.
You will need alot of patience for this because the mix of breeds you have are both notorious for barking excessivly and being territorial....check the shelters and rescues for how many are out there already because people don't have a clue how to train smaller breeds!!
If you are patient and persistent and above all keep your calm at all times (no frustrated voices) you will see the dog learn to control itself upon your command of quiet.
Good Luck

thanks wjranch!