My family always knew not to bother me--other people not so much. When my children were in school I had to leave the phone on--now I don't. But anyway I found a solution--once an insurance agent called--I told him I worked nights and hung up. One hour later he called again--I asked him for his contact information and told him I would call back when I was awake. I called him at 0200--he was rather upset and hung up--I called back at 0230--never heard from him again. If people knock on the door my Akita and I open the door together.