A DOG which was driving its neighbours barking mad has undergone therapy to make it a hush puppy.

Lindsay Bambrick, of Main Street, Newhall, had no idea how bad her dog Basil’s barking was until she heard a tape recording made by South Derbyshire District Council.

The council’s environmental health team recorded nine-year-old Basil’s howling and barking when it was left home alone, following complaints from neighbours. Even Ms Bambrick, 31, had to admit the noise was awful, which is when she decided to call in Bark Busters — a company which deals with canine behaviour problems. Ms Bambrick said: "When I heard the din Basil was making, I couldn’t believe my neighbours had put up with it for so long. I had no idea he howled for hours when left home alone."

Ms Bambrick said she realised it was a matter of re-homing Basil, a lurcher-German shepherd cross breed, or moving house if the noise didn’t stop.

She said: "I did try an anti-bark collar, which did nothing, and even considered a surgical procedure where the vocal chords are cut — but I really wanted to know Basil was happy when left — not just quiet."

Lee Hardy of Bark Busters, which has trainers all over the country, worked with Ms Bambrick to put a stop to the barking and howling.

He also put an end to the destructive chewing that took place when Basil was left alone.

The dog had chewed his way through two three piece suites and a couple of armchairs.

A spokesman for Bark Busters said: "The training was all about making Basil feel secure and establishing Lindsay’s position with Basil."

Ms Bambrick said now Basil is "100 per cent better" than before.

She said: "I can honestly say he is now super. He has not only stopped howling, but is also a much happier and relaxed dog."

The Bark Busters spokesman said Ms Bambrick’s neighbours were "delighted" Basil had stopped his noisy behaviour.

The spokesman said: "Basil has proved it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks."