DEAR HELOISE: I need your advice. My two little schnauzers are using my living room rug as their potty.
-- Joan S., via email
DEAR READER: Joan, don't despair -- you can teach an old dog, or a new dog, new tricks! Let's look at some potty-training hints from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org).
First, reprimanding the dog for past accidents doesn't work. If you spot your little guys doing their duty right then, it's OK to spook them to get them to stop. Stomp, clap or give a low-toned "No!"
Watch your pups closely, and don't let them have the run of the house. Pacing back and forth, sniffing the carpet and walking in a circle all are signs that it's time to go outside.
It's time to celebrate when they get it right! Big pats and praise are in order, and maybe a small treat.
DEAR READERS: When you flush the toilet, it's usually a good idea to close the lid before you flush, whenever possible. Tiny droplets of dirty water can spray into the air and spread to toothbrushes, soaps, etc.
DEAR HELOISE: When my kids were young, we went to the beach often. They didn't like to rinse off in the cold water. We would take a 2-liter bottle of water and leave it in the car window to warm.
When we returned to the car, there'd be warm water to rinse them with. The bottles also are good to freeze for a large ice chest. As the water melts, you have cold water to drink.
-- Donna Jo, via email
DEAR READER: The water in the car in the summer sun actually can get quite hot. Test the water before pouring it on skin.
DEAR HELOISE: Store paring knives, blade down, on the countertop in a clear glass filled with uncooked white rice. Looks pretty, and a knife is close at hand.
-- A Reader, via email
DEAR HELOISE: I blot excess grease with a paper towel before eating -- it cuts calories. I know the grease tastes good, but does extra grease really taste any better?
-- A Reader, via email
DEAR HELOISE: To make cleaning the baseboards easier, I secure a microfiber cloth around my broom with a rubber band. The dust and spiderwebs cling to the cloth.
-- Michael B., Reno, Nev.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
HomeStyle on 05/26/2018