[nagdu] Get control of that dog

[Julie J]

Michelle,

I had a couple more thoughts...

I used to know someone who had a separate "leave it" cue for when people 
would reach to pet the dog.   So for example "leave it" would be used if the 
dog was showing interest in food on the floor.  And something like, "bad 
dog" would be used when other people tried to pet the dog.  The dog made no 
negative connection with the "bad dog" phrase, but it would be clear to the 
people that they had gotten the dog in trouble.  I haven't had my coffee yet 
so I have no clue if I am explaining this at all understandably. *smile*

Another line I thought of is, "I know you care about me and that you want to 
help, so here is what you can do to help me..." then just insert whatever it 
is that you would like the person to do.  Telling the other person that you 
recognize that they care seems to give them the warm fuzzies that they are 
trying to get through the "help".  But phrasing it like that gives you the 
control over what help you will accept.  I've used it a couple of times with 
good success.

Best of luck,
Julie