Problem: Article: As a general rule, you should use 3 gallons (12 L) of water for every 1 lb (450 g) of fabric.  The water should be simmering hot when you pour it into the tub.  Glass and stainless steel will not be stained by the dye, but most plastics will become stained. If you are worried about staining the tub, consider lining it with plastic sheets before filling it with water. This works best if you are using a single tub. If you need to split the process up between two tubs, though, make sure that the amount of water and the amount of dye you add to each tub is exactly equal. Alternatively, you could use your washing machine to dye the curtains. To do so, begin by filling the washing machine basin with the hottest water possible. The rest of the process will essentially follow the same steps. There are differences between liquid and powder dyes, and there may even be further differences between dye brands. Check the instructions on your dye to determine the best way to prepare it.  Usually, you will need to prepare a bottle of liquid dye by vigorously shaking it for a minute or so. To prepare powder dye, fully dissolve one packet in 2 cups (500 ml) of very hot water. Dump your prepared dye into the filled basin or filled washing machine (whichever you decided to use). Use a paint stick or board to stir the dye in until you are certain that it has fully spread throughout the water. If the curtains are dry or cool to the touch, quickly soak them in a sink or separate tub filled with clean hot water. Hot water helps activate the dye. Your results will be as pure and even as possible if both the dye bath and the curtains are hot when you transfer the material to the dye. Place the curtains in the dye bath, submerging them completely beneath the water's surface. Allow them to sit in the hot dye for 5 minutes. Do not stir or agitate the curtains during this time. If you are using a washing machine, do not start any sort of washing cycle yet. After the first 5 minutes pass, add 1 cup (250 ml) of salt or white vinegar to the dye bath for every 3 gallons (12 L) of water. You should also add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of liquid washing detergent.  Salt and vinegar help intensify the dye color. Use salt with cotton, linen, ramie, and rayon. Use vinegar with silk, wool, and nylon. Liquid detergent allows the dye to move more freely throughout the water and into the fabric fibers. Once the additives are in the water, allow the curtains to soak in the dye bath for about two hours.  This amount of time is standard if you want to produce the intended shade; however, you can leave the curtains in for a shorter or longer time if you want a lighter or darker shade, respectively. Check the curtains periodically until you achieve the shade you want. Note, though, that the final shade will usually be a bit lighter than it appears when wet. Agitate the curtains continuously. If you are machine dyeing the curtains, set the machine on an agitate cycle and continue agitating the fabric the entire time. If you are dyeing the curtains in a tub, stir the fabric every few minutes using a large painting stick or board.
Summary: Fill a large tub with hot water. Prepare the dye. Mix in the dye. Soak the curtains. Place the curtains in the dye bath. Add salt or vinegar. Soak for several hours.

Problem: Article: Many experts on dog behavior recommend that a dog be exercised before travelling, or before being engaged in any activity that might get the dog restless and agitated. A well-exercised dog will be very inclined to rest because it has burned off its excess energy. Therefore, it's a good idea to schedule a brisk 30-minute walk before taking off. Your dog’s favorite blanket or toys contain a lot of familiar scents, and will reduce anxiety when the dog is brought to an unfamiliar place. Supplements containing casein, a protein found in milk, may be calming for some dogs. Try a supplement such as Zylkene if you want to try a gentle, natural approach to soothing anxiety.These supplements come in a variety of forms, such as capsules and chews. Studies have shown that pheromones are present in all mammals during the nursing stage. In dogs, this is the hormone secreted by the puppies’ mother, so when the puppies smell this hormone it calms them and reassures them that mom is around.  Examples of products that contain this hormone are: Adaptil® collar and spray, Sentry® Calming collar, and Comfort Zone® Diffuser with Dog Appeasing Pheromone. These products are very easy to use. The collars are simply placed on the dog’s neck to provide a sustained release of the pheromone which lasts for a month. Diffusers are simply plugged into a socket, and the pheromone is slowly and continuously released for a month. This type of product is ideal for rooms. Spray preparations can be used to spray cages, cars, or any carrier where the dog is placed. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. It is a sleeping hormone that causes the animal to have a good rest at night. It has a seasonal variation in animals and humans, increasing when there are fewer hours of daylight in winter.  Melatonin has sedative and anticonvulsant properties, and it regulates body rhythms and reproductive cycles. It is mainly used in the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, and other stressful or frightening conditions like noise anxieties brought about by fireworks or thunder storms. Give this drug to your dog before travelling and/or before introducing your dog to a potentially frightening situation. An example of a product containing Melatonin is K9 Choice ™ Melatonin 3 mg tablets. The dose is 3 mg for every 35–100 pounds (16–45 kg) body weight, twice a day. For smaller dogs below 35 pounds (16 kg), the dose is 1.5 mg of melatonin, and for larger dogs greater than 100 pounds (45 kg), the dose is 6 mg twice times a day. Herbal pills and oils prepared specifically for dogs are commercially available. Examples include Dorwest Herbs™ Scullcap and Valerian tablets. This herbal medicine preparation can be used for the relief of anxiety, restlessness, excitability, and travel behavioral problems, and can even be used as a supporting supplement for epilepsy. It has been proven effective in dogs with noise phobias, travel anxiety, and hyperactivity.  Skullcap and Valerian Tablets are safe for long term and short term use and can be given from 2 months of age onwards. The dose for Dorwest Herbs™ Scullcap and Valerian tablets is 1 to 2 tablets per 5 kilograms (11 lb) of body weight daily. For one off occasions, use 2 tablets per 5 kilograms (11 lb) of body weight 12 hours before and again 2 hours before the desired effect is required. Skullcap and valerian are not recommended for pregnant or lactating females. Vetzyme Stay Calm Liquid®: this herbal oil is composed of a unique blend of chamomile and ginger oils. Research has shown that these 2 herbs posses calming, soothing, and relaxing properties. The dose is 2.5 millilitres (0.51  tsp) of the oil mixed into the dog’s food daily. Do this by mixing 1 teaspoon each of German chamomile, skullcap and catnip. Place these in a cup and set aside.  Heat .5 cups (120 mL) of water to boiling and pour this over the cup of herbs. Leave and let it steep for 6 minutes, then strain the liquid and pour 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of honey into the concoction. Store the mixture at room temperature for 24 hours before giving it to the dog.
Summary:
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Bring your dog’s favorite toys, blanket or rug when travelling. Offer your dog a casein supplement. Use products that contain appeasing pheromones. Use melatonin supplements. Try calming herbal agents. Prepare your own herbal concoction.