DEAR READERS: A barking dog can be a good "alarm system" in your home, but a dog barks for many reasons: When a stranger approaches, when the dog hears a noise outside or when the dog hears other dogs barking, among many other triggers. Barking is good, but too much can be annoying.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca.org), there are many ways to limit a dog's barking. Here's an easy one:
Allow the dog to bark two or three times, then say (don't shout), "Quiet," calmly but firmly. Touch the dog's muzzle and say, "Quiet" once more. Step away, and call the dog to you. Give a small treat after the dog sits. This should help your pet understand not only that it's OK to bark to alert, but also that it is pleasing you.
DEAR HELOISE: I live in an adult community. Someone's grandson, for an Eagle Scout project, had other Scouts help him paint a white box on our driveway and the number of the house. This solves the problem of EMTs, or police or a guest, finding the house they are looking for.
-- Rita, via email
DEAR READER: A wonderful project that will help so many.
DEAR HELOISE: When I put on jewelry, particularly earrings, and look in the mirror over the bathroom sink, I make sure the stopper is closed. Those tiny stud earring backs are gone forever if dropped. Also, I always put the lid down on the bathroom commode. Items can hit and bounce right in.
-- A Reader, via email
DEAR HELOISE: I put old telephone directories under my computer's monitor and laptop's cooling tray to raise their heights to eye level.
-- Mary, via email
DEAR READER: This can help lessen neck strain.
DEAR HELOISE: After cleansing my face with a makeup wipe, I use the wipe to touch up the sink basin, too. This keeps the sink clean in between washings.
-- Jennifer R.
in Pennsylvania
DEAR READERS: Visit Heloise.com to check out my new and improved website. Peruse the pets, pick up a pamphlet and ponder the possibilities.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
HomeStyle on 02/16/2019