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 (www.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.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: Trina S., via email, shared a picture of her kitten “Smudgie,” adopted from Animal Care Services in Long Beach, California.

Smudgie loves her red yarn toy. Every day she deposits little pieces of red yarn all over the house as she tears it apart. I’m sure Trina is busy vacuuming!

To see Smudgie and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

— Heloise

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

This can help lessen neck strain, too!

— Heloise