I agree with you. I just thought I would share some of my experiences because I laugh every time I think of my dad, sending them to ring my doorbell.
And the experience of being in the cidatel that was just something that was so different from everything I had ever experienced to that point. Probably the negative energy that your dog felt around them was that cult mentality. There so intent on what they believe, but they can be pushy, even if they are well meaning.