I am not a fan of leaving a dog outside for many reasons. A person in the next town from me had a dog stolen right out of her yard and, as you mention, the weather is an issue. Maybe she will give him little "tests" where she can leave him for short periods of time and see what he does or doesn't get into. :) She could also try the crate, but if he is 3 years old and never been crated he might put up a fuss. I crated Ripley in the beginning and he didn't like it one little bit. Somehow he even cut his nose on the crate. :rolleyes: At the least could she maybe gate him in the kitchen? Even if he continues to bark, at least it won't be as loud and less bothersome to the neighbor.