There is no task that "requires zero dogs" but OOP is too dumb to realize. All tasks require at least one dog looking serious at it.
this post was submitted on 26 Oct 2025
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Require? No.
Appreciate their presence? Always.
(Until they get overexcited and start jumping underfoot)
That's always the best way to help someone carry something large and fragile and / or hazardous.
Me when friends ask for help moving.
My dogs help with everything I do. And I appreciate their help.
Most of their direct duties involved notification and security, but that doesn't just mean barking when someone's at the door. They often spot things around the house that are not right and bring our attention to them: a cat accidentally locked in a closet, the aquarium motor making noise because there's too little water, a slow water leak in the bathroom, etc.
My wife occasionally has vertigo and falls. We've had more than one dog that would dive under her head to keep it from hitting the ground. (That was not a trained behavior.) Our biggest dog also offers himself as a brace when needed.
They also provide constant morale support. Anyone who's feeling down gets cuddled within an inch of their life. And one dog will bring his stuffed animals and tuck them in around you to make you feel better. It is genuinely sweet, as well as cute.
My dog hates it when we move stuff around but he also has to supervise to make sure no one gets hurt
Sniffing my tools is an important job!
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
My brother’s dog loves to swim but is afraid we’ll drown if we’re in so he cries and paddles out to us and brings us ashore.
Dawwwww that's a really wholesome stories. Also I love boobies too!
Natural middle management material!
I wish the fuck mine would stand around and watch. She helps by licking, pawing, jumping...
Mine love being emotionally supportive when I'm doing things. It's adorable.