Maybe I shouldn't mention this but my sister passed over in 2002. :-) But she's still here. I get intuitive feelings about psychological issues and think, "Now, where did that come from? And then I realize it came from her."

And how can I be lonely with two fuzzy creatures who are as affectionate as can be and demand, demand, demand. Phoenix was keeping me company here at the keyboard for quite awhile, his fuzzy little belly resting on my forearm. Makes it damned hard to type. And Merc comes around for his belly scratch.

Your dog feels threatened and is protecting himself and his family (you and your family). I might suggest a technique that could help. Have someone your dog doesn't know come to the door. He barks. Open the door, allow the "stranger" in and then, if the dog continues barking, walk back out. Have the person come back in and repeat as many times as it takes before the dog finally shuts up. Then when it's quiescent, give him a treat and allow him to make friends with the stranger. The stranger should allow the dog to sniff his/her hand and then he can stroke the dog on its head gently, soothingly, while speaking soothingly.

Repeat the process on other days until the problem goes away. It will take some work and dedication and the cooperation of other people but it also might do the trick. He is not rewarded for barking, is rewarded for not barking, and is taught that strangers are not threatening.