Sorry, LBPhilly,
We (me?)were talking about the outdoors.

Yes, a dog is a very valuable tool in alerting and deterence.

I meant that there are certain non-yard trained dogs here that bark at anything and everything - neighbors when we go into our yards, stray cats and neighboring dogs, birds, service folk, etc.... no owner checking on their calls.
I watched this all-white pekingese-type yapper just sit there and bark at a flapping piece of tarp - incessantly for hours!
Took all I had to restrain myself from doing harm to the owner - while I await further action from Public Health/Animal Mgmt. dept.
I love animals.
I agree with - ???- earlier poster who likens animals' constant barking as form of abuse - Their needs are not being met - insecurity or whatever -
Some breeds are just yappers but can be trained - or kept inside.
There is a young Shephard behind me where the owners ARE trying - they respond. but his bark is so powerful and piercing that ONE yelp can jerk my attention or awaken the shift-working family member in the other room.
That we have to live with (they're in accord with noise allowance) but it is still a multi-daily jolt to the system.
If I could move to the country I would, so I stay and fight.