I have a 3 year old male golden retriever who is a lovely dog but he has one big flaw. Whenever we let him in garden he barks at anything and everything esp birds in garden. It is getting to a point where I have to let him out to do his business and he has to come straight back in. He is a big softie and will let anyone into house and is very friendly to people and other dogs. Even if he sees birds in garden from patio window he barks excessively and drives me mad, I know have to close curtains in backroom to stop him from seeing out. I need some advice on what to do!

Barking is a natural and normal behavior in dogs. While there's not an exact science to reducing Rover's repetitive ruffs, here are some tips to help keep the peace.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need
Radios
Bark Control Dog Collars
Dog Bones
Dog Dishes
Dog Doors
Dog Food
Dog Toys
Dog Training Aids
Dog Treats
Steps
1Step OneConsider what's making your dog bark. Does he need yard access? Is a cat taunting him through the window? Does he just like the sound of his bark?
2Step TwoCheck your pet's basic needs: hunger, thirst or elimination. Your pup might be trying to tell you something.
3Step ThreeRemove your dog's motivation for barking. For example, make a dog door for easy outdoor access or close the shades.
4Step FourInvest in a citronella no-bark collar, which is effective and not cruel; if your dog barks, the collar sprays a small amount of citronella, which dogs dislike.
5Step FiveUse positive reinforcement to train your dog to bark on command; this will help him learn how to be quieted on command as well.
6Step SixSay "Good" at the exact instant your pet exhibits good behavior, followed by a reward and plenty of praise.
7Step SevenConsult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a pet behaviorist for additional suggestions if all else fails.
Tips & Warnings
To prevent barking while you're away, leave your dog inside the house, turn the radio on to soft music, and close the drapes and blinds when you leave.
Certain breeds, nervous or overexcited dogs, dogs with separation anxiety or dogs that haven't been trained properly at an early age are prone to excessive barking.
Excessive barking might be caused by separation anxiety, which can be dangerous to the dog if not treated properly. The dog may require professional help from a certified veterinary behaviorist.
Avoid using shock collars - these are not recommended, especially for dogs with separation anxiety, unless the only other option is to have your dog put down.

Don't let him go into the garden.

Teach him to speek with a reward after he has that down to every time u ask him he speeks u then teach him quiet and only reward him when he shuts up after a few weeks u can go into the garden and every time he barks u say quiet and reward him so after a time he will not bark at every thing and learn he will only get a reward if he is quiet