Rechu - Ah, the gate and security guard sound really awesome! I think I'd feel safer someplace like that too!

re: The device that my neighbor has... I think it's one of those ultrasonic bark stopping machines. I haven't seen it, but she said that it's able to detect when they bark. After a brief period (so the dogs can still bark a little) - it makes some noise that they don't like, and it stops when they stop barking.

I haven't seen it, so I'm just guessing, but I think it's just turning it on. I suspect she doesn't want to leave it on all the time b/c the dogs find it unpleasant.

I understand why she didn't turn it on before running to the store - she was gone for 30 minutes, I'm sure she didn't think there'd be a problem in such a short period of time.

I kind of wish that I had a device that would make them bark... and bark and bark and bark... while she's home, so she could see how annoying it is when you can't get them to quiet down!

Thanks, and good luck with the move!