Items such as coffee cups, cereal bowls, and lids from coffee cans or oatmeal containers work well as circle patterns. If you can't find anything the right size, cut out your own paper circles using a compass and scissors. If you're using thick paint and want to go for a textured effect, dip the circular object directly in the paint and place it against the canvas. Using a glass rim allows you to paint a thin circular line, instead of a solid circle. Place the object on a blank sheet of heavy-duty paper and trace around it. Cut this circle out carefully with a sharp pair of scissors, and you'll be left with a stencil. Alternatively, use a drawing compass to create a circle of any size. This may sound strange, but a fresh piece of tape can damage your paper or canvas. First, stick a couple pieces of tape to a pair of jeans, then peel them off. Repeat several times until the tape is only barely sticky. Other fabric works as well, but jeans are best. Place the paper stencil over your artwork, so the circular hole is exactly where you want to paint. Fasten the stencil using the special pieces of tape. Apply the paint with a large brush, using thin, even strokes and avoiding drips or spills. You may want to use a thinner brush for the outer rim of the circle. Before you move on, step back a few steps to get a better view. Touch up the circle if you want more even coverage or a different brush stroke pattern. Slowly lift the tape to reduce the chance of tearing the tape or picking up paint. You can reuse this stencil, but you may need to prepare more "special tape."

Summary: Find a circular object the right size for your project. Dab the paint directly with the object. Create a stencil instead. Make a piece of tape less sticky. Fasten the stencil to your artwork. Paint inside the circle. Carefully remove the stencil.

All pets are different and have unique personalities. Some do well when left alone for longer periods of time and others do not. Pets that are more social, have medical conditions, or that are used to having lots of interaction with others may not do as well on their own for long periods of time. Also consider your pet's feeding schedule or if your pet likes to get into things and make a mess when you are not around. Younger pets may not be able to handle being left alone as well as more mature pets. If your animal has separation anxiety, a pet-sitter or a boarding house may be a good option. Two weeks before your vacation, start leaving your pet home alone for longer periods of time. If you usually leave your pet at home while you are away at work, leave your house for a couple of hours after work each day. If you usually see your pet during the day, leave your pet at home while you are at work. This will prepare your pet to spend more time alone. If you are leaving your pet in someone else's care, it is important that you give him or her enough information to care for your pet. Leave your contact information, the phone number of your veterinarian in case of an emergency. If your pet has any special dietary needs or likes specific treats or toys, write this information down. Include information about your pet's routine, bathroom habits, schedule, and any medications. Also include any information about your pet's personality that someone may need to know. Does your pet get excited when someone is at the door? Does your pet have a favorite hiding place? Be as detailed as possible when writing down the instructions. It is better to give someone too much information than not enough. It is important that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and is healthy before you leave for vacation. This is also the time to ask about the best options for leaving your pet when you are gone. Your veterinarian may have recommendations for pet sitters and boarding options. Leaving your pet in a safe and trusted place will keep you from worrying while you are gone.

Summary: Assess your pet's needs. Adjust your pet's schedule. Write detailed instructions. Talk to your veterinarian.

Once your cat has linked the clicker and a treat, pick a time when it is attentive but relaxed. Just before you would normally feed your cat is a particularly good time, because the promise of treats to a hungry cat will sharpen its responses. Work in a peaceful place with few distractions so that the cat concentrates solely on you. Press your clicker and give the cat a treat to remind it of the connection between the clicker and the food. Gently lift one of your cat's front paws. It's a good idea to lift the same paw every time. The cat will learn the trick more easily if you are consistent. While holding the paw in your hand, press your clicker with the other hand, and then give your chosen command-word for the trick, such as "shake." Then give the cat a treat. Release the cat's paw and give it a couple of nice pets. This further reinforces that you are pleased with the cat's behavior, and makes the training experience more pleasurable for the cat. Repeat this cycle as many times as the cat is willing during a period of about five minutes. If the cat spontaneously lifts the correct paw at any time during the training, immediately click, say the command and reward. This sends a strong message that the behavior you require is to lift the paw. You want your cat to enjoy these sessions. If the cat seems uncooperative or disinterested, don't force this issue. Let it wander off and try again another other time. Later in the day, or the next day, repeat the entire process. Lift the cat's paw if it fails to do so on its own, and also immediately click and offer a treat when the cat does it spontaneously. It may take several sessions before your cat starts to raise its paw without you taking it first, and several more before it will do it on command. When the cat starts to frequently lift its paw on its own, try giving the command "shake" without the click. When it places the paw in your hand, then click and reward. The click promises a reward, and the command tells the cat the required action to get it. Your goal is to get the cat to respond to "shake" without the click because it associates the command with a treat. Eventually, it will become unnecessary to give a reward each time the trick is performed. However, do reward the cat at least every three to four times so it doesn't get disheartened. Always conclude each session with a treat. Ending the session with a treat gives the cat consistent, positive reinforcement of the desired behavior.
Summary: Choose a time and place to train your cat. Click and reward. Take your cat's paw. Click, command, and treat. Release the paw and pet the cat. Repeat the process. Wait, then repeat. Command before the click. Reduce the treats over time.