this

i think you could explain to them your situation and that you are working on your dog.
I'd suggest closing the blinds and leaving the TV on so he will have something to occupy his time. Also kongs, DAP diffuser, interactive toys, radio etc can help with boredom. Also you could spend time training him to enjoy being in the back room similar to "crate training" - associating positive (treats, praise) with being back there? This could take some time

I think they have the right, to peace and quiet just like you have the right to have a dog in your house. But it sounds like his barking is not excessive from your recording. Maybe he barks when he sees them, and now with the blinds down he doesn't see them, which is why your recording only caught 2 min of him barking?

I've been doing a lot of training with my puppy on being OK alone and not whining/barking.

--Good luck

Thanks to all of you for your comments, suggestions and most of all understanding. I have continued to keep the blinds shut and continued recording. The most barking has been for 4 minutes in a 7 hour period. I really don't think that is too bad. Because the recorder is voice activated it is impossible to tell if it was 4 continuous minutes or bark stop and then start barking again.
I have mentioned the problem to a couple of other people in the neighborhood (I have not given the name of the complainers) Everyone's attitude seems to be the same.."Tell them to go to -----" They say he is inside the house, not tied out and not on a lanai so the other people need to "get a life".
I hate keeping the blinds pulled; but will probably do so for another week or so. I open the blinds when I get home and he of course enjoys his view.

I am now dealing with another issue...blood in his urine. He got me up several times last night to go out and pee, very unusual for him. It kind of scared me so I caught a urine sample in a cup and there was a spec of blood. I dropped him off at the vet's this AM. They did a urinalysis and found crystals which is not unusual for him. They did an Xray but did not see any stones. He is now on an antibiotic in case an infection is causing the blood. I am suppose to take him back in 3 weeks to have the urine checked again. If there is still blood we will need to do an ultrasound which is very expensive, but if he needs it I will just have to go out to my money tree;) He had to have bladder stone removal surgery 3 years ago and I am hoping it does not happen again. I am trying so hard not to worry about him.

Again, thanks for all of the good thoughts!

Oh dear I'm so sorry and hope he doesn't have a stone. I've heard that some people have very good success with certain Rx diets that are suppose to reduce the occurance of a certain type of stone. Has your vet talked to you about this? Sending prayers your way, and good luck with the barking. I know you hate to close the blinds, but he probably feels safer when them closed. That's why they suggest putting a cover over their kennels.

It sounds like you have tried to be a good neighbor to some people that dont really deserve it. I think that you should stop worrying about them and turn your attentions to you and your baby. As my DH says "you do all you can do" and you have.
I will keep you both in my prayers. You might start a thread on the sick and injured part of the forum so more people will be aware of his condition. Prayer does work.

There's natural cranberry extract for dogs, or you can try cranberry & papaya digestive suppliment by pet authority(I use this one). It will help keeping your baby's urinary track healthy in long run. I'm sorry that you are going through such problems.

The dog I had before Gracie used to have a table in front of a window and he would sit on it much of the day to pass the time and watch for us to get home. He was so happy to have that outlet. When one of the kids was out some where at night he would get up and watch out the window every now and then for them. He didn't bark much tough.
I would not take that place away from my dog just because your neighbor is a bit put out. You would know if it was a big problem and obviously it is not. Ignore the neighbor.

Prayers for your little guy. I do understand. Been there too.