The dog across from me is a barker. I've gotten to know him, I know his name. Now, when I arrive home, or a friend comes over, I just say, that's enough Teddy, and he stops.
Fergie next door, goes MENTAL with excitement each time I go in to my back yard. With Fergie I just say shhh fergie. And she (usually) calms down.

I doubt either Fergie's dad, or Teddy's mom and dad mind. I've also told Teddy's mom and dad on more than one occassion that it's nice to have such a good GSD guard dog in the neighborhood.

In each case, I've gotten to know the dog a bit, know his/her name.... and am often able to calm them when they are agitated.
Yes, dogs bark. But sometimes they bark too much. Why is trying to calm them bad?

Short answer. I don't think it's categorically wrong to try to get a neighbor's dog to stop barking. IF you are truly just annoyed by the dog. If you're mad at the owners, don't take it out on the dog.