Our beagle has separation anxiety and would howl and bay if left alone. I bought a electric bark collar, it has 6 shock levels starting very mild, and with only a few jolts she stopped. It was amazing how quick it worked. I guess becasue there was no association with me.
She knows now when the collar goes on and is quiet and actually much calmer than when she would bark/howl/bay and work herself up into a frantic state.

We use a similar collar with our two mini doxies. It has a tone and mild jolt. We have a remote for them, so if we are outside the RV or house or inside we tone them (and that's all they need now.) Sometimes all I have to do is say - "Do you want me to get the collar" and they quiet down. Dogs are very smart! -Nancy

And I think he's very handsome! - Nancy

I was really hoping to avoid "the collar" partly because of pride

I felt bad at first, but you really don't have to use the shock but once or twice, they are very intelligent critters !! They are happier knowing we are in charge and they don't have to take over! - Nancy