Lorraine, I agree with you. It's just common courtesy, although I know the dogs probably LOVE to be outside, barking and running.

I will admit that one time, long ago, I left my dogs outdoors over two nights on a long weekend, with a petsitter I used to use, coming twice/day. I don't know why in the world we didn't have her do what my petsitter does now! Anyway, I had a terrible complaint from a neighbor who showed up very late at night at my door, not identifying herself, and giving me a fit, through the closed door, at 11 pm at night, about my dogs barking. She would NOT identify herself and I was so scared (lived alone with my daughter at that time). Several days later, when I was in the backyard, she came out on her deck and admitted that she was the one who came to my door. I quickly explained to her how sorry I was about the barking and that it wouldn't happen again, but that her method of letting me know was quite frightening and that I would gladly give her my phone number, or even a note in my mailbox would have sufficed. I was embarassed about the noise problem, but also terribly upset about her method of letting me know about it! I never did speak to that woman again (still don't even know her name), but her dog became a problem later, escaping her yard, coming into mine, and the poor little thing was terribly mistreated. A Yorkie, being put outside to stay all the time!!! That dog "disappeared" one day, after coming to my house one too many times, dirty and eager for attention.

I hope your brother will get this worked out, Jazzcat. It has to be driving him crazy, especially with him understanding that it truly is a problem for his neighbors. Wonder if a dose of Melatonin would help settle the dogs down a bit, either during the day or night? It's a natural supplement and might help. He might consult his vet about this. It was suggested to me to use on a rescue dog that needed to stay calm. 1 mg every 12 hours was what was suggested for a 70+ pound Golden Retriever. Also, I think he is right to consider boarding if he doesn't have someone who can bring them in at night, either crated or having a room to stay in, and let them back out in the morning. It can get quite expensive, for sure! I pay dearly for having someone I trust come to my home. It sure beats boarding them.

Logan