My dogs are terrible helpers and my husband likes to release them into the yard when I am gardening, “she wants to be with you”. Yeah and fucking pull out the little tree I just planted because she thinks I am playing with her.
We put them away when doing things with small parts or sitting on the floor work, but it’s the gardening that really excites them. No I don’t need you to help me dig a hole, no we aren’t digging there, no I don’t need you to walk across the fresh planted seedlings.
It is frustrating because in general they are well trained and well behaved, sit when asked, wait for me to go through the door, return when called. But let me work in the yard? They get too excited to behave. Absolutely think it’s play and nobody can convince them otherwise.
If I may give some unsolicited advice while disagreeing with the other comment. Interact with them as little as possible, don’t let them disturb you and ignore any play signs.
While doing your thing, have them lie down and reward them with a previously unseen treat. Start frequent treats, but don’t make them expect it, praising vocally should be enough eventually. The more you do it the less you’ll have to actually say anything and they’ll lie down when they see you’re busy.
YMMV though, I’m not an expert, my girl is just a strong charactered and energetic furball.
Just like with kids, sometimes you can let them help by distracting them. Let them dig a different hole, even encourage them. They get the enjoyment of digging, the satisfaction of helping and as long as you can distract them from the actual task, your good.
My dogs are terrible helpers and my husband likes to release them into the yard when I am gardening, “she wants to be with you”. Yeah and fucking pull out the little tree I just planted because she thinks I am playing with her.
We put them away when doing things with small parts or sitting on the floor work, but it’s the gardening that really excites them. No I don’t need you to help me dig a hole, no we aren’t digging there, no I don’t need you to walk across the fresh planted seedlings.
It is frustrating because in general they are well trained and well behaved, sit when asked, wait for me to go through the door, return when called. But let me work in the yard? They get too excited to behave. Absolutely think it’s play and nobody can convince them otherwise.
If I may give some unsolicited advice while disagreeing with the other comment. Interact with them as little as possible, don’t let them disturb you and ignore any play signs.
While doing your thing, have them lie down and reward them with a previously unseen treat. Start frequent treats, but don’t make them expect it, praising vocally should be enough eventually. The more you do it the less you’ll have to actually say anything and they’ll lie down when they see you’re busy.
YMMV though, I’m not an expert, my girl is just a strong charactered and energetic furball.
Just like with kids, sometimes you can let them help by distracting them. Let them dig a different hole, even encourage them. They get the enjoyment of digging, the satisfaction of helping and as long as you can distract them from the actual task, your good.
At least I made something like this work once