Twyla6 I would leave a stern note and text immediately and alert them to the scratching and constant barking . dogd behave differently when their owners are not around. Film the sounds and tell them the neighbours told you and when you came to the house to check you found no one home and the dog not caged and distressed and as you are not a dog person you will have to ring another person to assist the dog if the owners do not come back immediately and render assistance as your rules are strict about how a pet is to be left. H