OMG. That is almost the exact situation with my neighbors.
Their Papillons are neurotic obsessives (elder with a compensatory wimpy streak). My view of them is a bit smeared by this. They run with my German Shepherd at the fence but will not ever stop barking at our house (10 ft away, another of those poor development plans) - even when everyone is on the 2nd-floor opposite corner of the house and the dog is at grandma’s. Neighbors were ninnies about it and let the dogs yap. I got angry because I’m trying to nap my baby, and myself in that close room when baby would sleep. Our parties on the deck/porch were ruined alot because of their ceaseless barking.
It’s improved, but too late for the naps and our relationship. Apparently their new DIL complained about it (she has a well-adjusted little white dog) and they got a little more serious about curbing them. Also stopped just letting the dogs sit and bark at us for 1/2 to whole hour.
Ironically, now they’re a little too sensitive - I don’t mind dogs barking at each other - I can control that and understand it (my GS will obey me and come in, plus she’s not much of a barker). It was the “barking at no one” I hated most.
Sorry, it’s just a rant!
LOL! Ours just do it to say 'hi'! They bark for 2 or 3 minutes then they all just go about their business. My neighbor and I leave our back doors open all day so the dogs go in and out as they please. I think mine and his only go out when they hear the other out there. We both think it's funny. Almost like punching a time clock :)
btw, I am sorry it took them so long to recognize a problem. I had the same with the folks behind me for several years. Drove me nuts. Some people just don’t seem to be bothered enough by anything let alone take the simple steps to put their dogs in line. .