Air travel with kids: Surviving security

(CNN) -- We were running late for a flight from London's Heathrow Airport when it happened. The security official held up his hand, and shouted for his colleague. A lengthy line of travelers offered sympathetic glances. They knew what this meant.

It was time for a pat-down.

But it was not for me; it was for my 4-year-old daughter.

It was her first. Though young, she is an experienced air traveler. She took her first transatlantic flight when she was 6 weeks old. And she knows the rules: When she arrives at airport security, she kisses her stuffed bunny goodbye, and tells him she will see him on the other side of the X-ray machine.

Bunny had to wait a bit longer than usual for their reunion on this occasion. My daughter was selected for a pat-down because, according to the security officer, she had touched the side of the metal detector.

Had I watched her go through, I might have warned her to keep her hands at her sides. But I was busy sampling my infant son's jar of pureed spaghetti and tomato sauce, washed back with a sip of baby milk, under orders from a security officer.

"The same rules apply for everybody at the airport," says a spokesperson for BAA Airports, which operates London's Heathrow. "Some people are selected fairly randomly for an extra search."

Search protocols vary between international airports. Certain guidelines, such as restrictions on liquids, tend to be universal, but security rules differ on a country-by-country basis.

For traveling parents, that can mean the difference between having to taste the breast milk they want to bring on a flight vs. merely holding the liquid under a test strip.

But even with a surprise taste test, staying calm is key. Getting anxious will only make the process more stressful, says travel expert Pauline Frommer, series editor for the Frommer's guides.

"Kids are very sensitive and they pick up that vibe," she says. "What parents need to realize is, it's not going to be as bad as they think."

Even with a pat-down, the airport security process will probably only take about 15 minutes out of a trip. And young travelers can be resilient, often more resilient than their parents.

To my surprise, my daughter submitted happily to her pat-down. She saw it as an adventure, especially when she realized that her parents were standing by during the procedure (per airport protocol).

And many of the world's busiest airports are taking steps to make security more family friendly. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration is in the process of making pat-downs less likely for children. Passengers who are younger than 12 will be allowed to pass through the metal detector more than once rather than getting patted down immediately after triggering the alarm.

"These modified procedures offer options to greatly reduce -- but not eliminate -- a pat-down for children 12 and under," says TSA spokesman Greg Soule. Under the new guidelines, the younger travelers also will be able to keep wearing their shoes instead of sending them through the X-ray machine.

Officials at London's Heathrow recently met with a group of mom bloggers, in response to online criticism of the airport's restrictions on traveling with breast milk.

"This prompted us to think about ways we could improve the experience of people traveling with babies ..." a BAA spokesperson wrote in an e-mail, "... and we thought that getting the views of a selection of mummy bloggers would be a good way of doing this."

No matter the airport families are passing through, these expert tips should help streamline the security process:

Review restrictions: If a passenger plans to bring breast milk, formula or other baby-related liquids for the flight, check the online guidelines of the TSA, or the international airport operator. "Be aware of the rules and it will go much more smoothly," says Frommer.

Arrive early: Make sure to leave plenty of time at the airport to allow for security surprises, or other unexpected delays. "There is nothing worse than trying to run to catch an airplane," says Lauren Goldenberg, owner of the Family Traveler agency, especially with toddlers in tow. "You just never know when those lines will get long," she says.

Pick the right lane: Many airports offer security lines earmarked for travelers with young children, who will need extra assistance. "They really help cut down on the time standing in line," says Anne Taylor Hartzell, Editor of HipTravelMama.com, "... and separate you from business travelers who may be less patient with you struggling to close your baby stroller."

Preview the process: "The best thing is to prepare the children for what's going to happen," says Goldenberg. Warning your young traveling companions in advance that their toys will take a trip through an X-ray machine could avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Free your hands: "A baby carrier saves a lot of time," says Hartzell. Traveling families often have strollers, car seats and other bulky items. Trying to get the gear through the X-ray machine while shepherding young children through the metal detector, can be a challenge. Putting a baby in a carrier attached to a parent leaves hands free for luggage -- and for keeping toddlers from running amok.

Share the load: Families with two adults can divide and conquer. One can supervise the children while the other folds the stroller and gets the bags through the X-ray machine. Parents who are flying alone can ask their airline about getting a gate pass for a friend or family member who can help. And children can carry their own weight, if they have a small bag. "I find it's great even at a young age if children have their own," says Goldenberg.

Keep calm: "Don't your let your anxieties translate to your children," advises Frommer. "That's when the meltdowns happen." If you lose your cool, your children probably will, too.

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Nepal on high: Himalayas trekking tips

(CNN) -- Magnificent snow-peaked summits and quaint thousand-year-old villages provide the backdrop for an unforgettable adventure in Nepal. Exploring the dramatic landscape on foot is nothing short of extraordinary, trekkers say.

"[One night] the back doors were open towards the view of Mount Everest and the other peaks of the Himalayas. It was so beautiful with snow-capped mountains and the sky was full of stars. I think that was one of the most magical moments I've ever had," says iReporter Kuna Rajandran, who trekked to Everest base camp in April.

Planning a Nepal expedition may seem daunting at first -- and you will be challenged -- but in the end, it s worth it. You will come away with some of the greatest memories of your life, from savoring locally cooked meals at teahouses to soaking in breathtaking views of the high Himalayas, according to adventurers who've made the trip.

There are endless options when it comes to planning a trek in Nepal. One of the most popular routes is the Annapurna Circuit, which loops around the base of the Annapurna range. And, of course, the more difficult Everest base camp trek is a magnet for many visitors.

Worlds away in Kathmandu

Experts urge travelers to be wary of individual porters and guides who approach you on the streets of Kathmandu. They are most likely uninsured, cautions Mohan Lamsal, general secretary of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN). Have a detailed discussion with your chosen trekking company to assess their professionalism, Lamsal advises.

While booking in advance is a sure thing, some adventurous iReporters say making arrangements in Kathmandu is a convenient way to cut out the middleman.

Be careful not to overestimate your abilities. Even if you feel completely comfortable with the people and the landscape and think you can make the trek on your own -- don't. Trekking with at least one companion is a must, especially if you're a beginner, experienced trekkers say.

Since both the Annapurna base camp and Everest Base camp treks are located in conservation areas, you will need permits, said iReporter Barry Wenlock, a Kathmandu resident and an experienced Himalayan trekker who has been leading tours since 1995. You can get permits before you begin or upon entry into the parks. Additionally, every trekker needs a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) pass. You or your trip organizer can get this card, which is part of a database that stores visitor information for safety reasons.

When deciding on when to make your trek, there is generally one rule of thumb: Avoid the monsoon season (June through August). The most popular times to trek are late spring (March and April) and early to mid-fall (October and November), but keep in mind that is also when the trekking routes are busiest. To beat the rush, try going a week or two earlier or later, suggests Wenlock.

"There are such beautiful forests [at the foothills of the Annapurna], and it's Nepal's primary rhododendron forest, so if you visit there in the last week of March, first week of April, the rhododendrons are full and it's an absolutely staggeringly beautiful place. And the pink and red rhododendrons all up the hillside, a few magnolias mixed in, some jasmine," Wenlock says.

Before heading to Nepal, it's important not only to prepare your itinerary, but also your body. Even the mild or "Nepali Flat" parts of the "easier" Annapurna trek have their fair share of steep inclines.

"Walking around the golf course isn't enough -- you really need to do uphill walking. You can do that for a few weeks before you come, that will make it much easier," Wenlock says.

It's cold in Nepal -- really cold. Weather-appropriate supplies are a must for any trekker, novice or expert. Remember to pack your warmest down jacket and broken-in hiking boots as well as sun and eye protection.

Based on his experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit in 2009, iReporter Dean Gakos, an avid hiker, recommends watching out for knock-off gear, like fake North Face jackets, which he saw in Kathmandu. You don't want to climb up into the mountains only to realize your jacket contains synthetic down.

If you're planning on trekking up to higher altitudes, be cautious of altitude sickness. Warning signs include vomiting and weakness of the body, says Rajandran.

iReporter Udayan Mishra, a Kathmandu resident who has been on several expeditions in Nepal, suggests taking the trek gradually to acclimatize yourself -- overexertion in the beginning may lead to problems later on.

Make sure you have enough Nepalese currency before you get on the path. Gakos recalls that there was "one ATM on the whole trek." And even if there is an ATM, there's no guarantee that it has been recently stocked with money.

There are two typical types of treks: the more popular teahouse trekking and a fully organized camping trip. A teahouse trek gives you the comfort of knowing that lodging and food will be provided. You can carry additional supplies -- clothing, snacks, sleeping bag -- on your own or hire a porter to carry it for you.

Once you finish walking, five to six hours on average per day, you settle down in a village. If you don't have a guide to recommend a teahouse, talk to other travelers and consult guidebooks for suggestions. In teahouses that provide lodging and food, guests are expected to eat at least two meals: dinner at night and breakfast the next morning, Gakos says.

Don't expect a hotel experience -- expect better. Nepali locals are known for being extremely kind and hospitable. Wenlock says you'll be treated like family during your stay. Gakos was looking for that kind of personal exchange.

'"That's why] we picked Annapurna, it was the perfect balance of wilderness and viewing the high Himalayas while also getting the Nepali culture," Gakos says.

Past visitors consistently praise trekking in Nepal as one of the best experiences of their lives. CNN iReporter Ruth Stewart, who trekked to the Everest Base Camp in winter 2010, says Nepal was the most beautiful part of the world she's ever been to.

Take advantage of the majestic mountains and the pristine landscape. Unlike many other mountain ranges, the Himalayan area in Nepal is practically untouched.

"There's no rubbish, there's no gondolas going up to the highest view, there's no cars, there's no traffic -- it's just complete serenity and it's just the most incredible experience," Stewart said.

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Stocks brace for earnings deluge

Click the chart for more stock market data.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- While Europe's debt crisis will remain a focus on Wall Street this week, investors will also have a barrage of corporate financial results to sift through as earnings season kicks into high gear.

The week ahead includes reports from nearly half of the Dow's 30 components, including Intel (INTC, Fortune 500), McDonald's (MCD, Fortune 500) and General Electric (GE, Fortune 500), and 96 members of the S&P 500 including, Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500), Southwest Airlines (LUV, Fortune 500) and Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG).

S&P 500 company earnings are expected to have climbed 23% in the third quarter of 2011, according to earnings tracker Thomson Reuters. Revenues of the companies in the benchmark index are expected to have risen 10%.

Stocks posted stellar gains last week, with the S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq (COMP) delivering their best weekly performances since 2009. They'll start the week at the high end of the range that they have been trading between since early August.

Whether they'll be able to break above those levels will primarily depend on the health of and guidance from corporate America, said Paul Zemsky, chief investment officer of multi-asset strategies at ING Investment Management.

"Earnings will determine the moves in the market," said Zemsky. "If companies aren't positive, we could see stocks continue to drift in the territory they've been in for two months. "

Zemsky said investors will pay especially close attention to companies with global footprints to get their take on the pace of worldwide economic growth, amid rising fears of a slowdown.

Financials will also attention, with results due from giants like Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500), Citigroup (C, Fortune 500), Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), Goldman Sachs (GS, Fortune 500), Morgan Stanley (MS, Fortune 500), US Bancorp (USB, Fortune 500), as well as some regional banks.

Investors will also continue to tune into news out of Europe. At a weekend meeting of G20 finance ministers in Paris, the finance chiefs pledged to "take all necessary actions" to ensure that banks "are adequately capitalized and have sufficient access to funding to deal with the current crisis."

But it will likely be a waiting game until the G20 meeting in Cannes in early November, during which European leaders are expected to unveil a "comprehensive plan" to address Europe's festering debt crisis.

Economic data will be sprinkled throughout the week, but will take a backseat to earnings and Europe news, said Zemsky. Reports on regional manufacturing and inflation are due early in the week, while readings on the housing and job markets are on tap for later.

Today's featured rates:

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Makeup and hair that lasts all day

(Real Simple) -- Foundation

"Oil-free formulas stay put best, since they don't contain the emollient ingredients that can make makeup slide off your face," says Landy Dean, a makeup artist at the Marie Robinson Salon, in New York City. But if your skin is on the dry side, you'll need to use a hydrating formula. To keep it in place, first let your moisturizer sink in completely (for five minutes or more) before spreading on the foundation. Then lock it in with translucent powder, which will help soak up oils that can accelerate fading, says Liliana Grajales, the spa director and a makeup artist at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, in Miami. Try Shiseido Translucent Pressed Powder ($32, shiseido.com) and Nars Ita Kabuki Brush ($39, narscosmetics.com).

Real Simple: A guide to beauty product labels

Eye Shadow

There are a couple of ways to go here. For an enduring daytime look, Dean recommends first applying an eye-shadow base, such as Stila Prime Pot Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer ($20, stilacosmetics.com) or any concealer that doesn't feel too oily, then topping it with powder shadow. Priming your lids will help the powder adhere. (This trick won't work if you use cream shadow, which has more slip to it.) For deeper, evening-appropriate color that lasts, just layer on matching cream and powder shadows, putting the cream on first. Another pro tip, courtesy of Dean: If you prefer to skip layering, any powder shadow can be set sufficiently when applied with a damp makeup brush. Two you might like: Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour in Born Freesia ($19.50, clinique.com) and Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Purple Dawn ($25, shiseido.com).

Eyeliner

The formula is key -- liquid and gel liners last longer than pencil. But if you can't part with your beloved pencil, trace over it with a matching eye shadow (use a slant-tip brush or the pointy tip of a foam applicator). The powder helps to set the pencil. Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink ($21, bobbibrown.com).

Real Simple: How to apply makeup well

Blush

Again, it's all about the formula, says Sarah Lucero, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles. Pick a gel, liquid, or cream cheek stain; they're all highly pigmented, which is why they last longer, but they go on sheer, so you can add color gradually until you get the intensity you're after. If you prefer powder blush, try a slightly brighter shade than what you think you should use; it will fade throughout the day into something more subtle but still noticeable. Easy application trick: Sweep powder on in an X over the apple of each cheek. This will punch up your pigment load (allowing a little extra for fading) and guarantee that the strongest concentration of color is in the perfect place. A few recommendations: Chanel Exclusive Creation Powder Blush in Rouge ($43, chanel.com), YSL Cr me de Blush in Fuchsia Temptation ($38, yslbeautyus.com), and Sonia Kashuk Cr me Blush in Petal ($10, target.com).

Mascara

No surprises here. If you want to avoid runoff, go for a waterproof formula, says Grajales: "Any kind of moisture, whether it's humidity, tears, or sweat, makes non-waterproof mascara come off." Barely touch the wand to your lashes and apply in quick layers before the formula starts to dry. (Applying after the mascara dries can cause clumping and flaking.) Try Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara ($70, nordstrom.com).

Lipstick

Start by outlining and filling in your mouth with a pencil in a tone similar to your lipstick. The pencil helps anchor the color on top. Then apply the lipstick with a brush, which presses the pigment deeper into your lips than the tube or a finger does. A brush will also allow you to apply several thin layers (another key to long wear) without a gloppy result. Consider Laura Mercier Cr me Lip Colour in Seduction ($22, lauramercier.com), Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bolero ($24, narscosmetics.com), and CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Temptress ($7, drugstore.com).

A Blow-Out

Whether it's done by a professional or at home, you can keep a blow-out sleek for up to five days, says Naeemah Carre, a stylist at Blow NY, a salon in New York City. After a home blow-out, make sure that your hair is completely dry. If there's any moisture left, your hair will revert to its naturally flat or frizzy state. Run your fingers through it thoroughly to double-check. To seal your hair off from humidity, the archenemy of a home or salon blow-out, wear a shower cap when bathing on subsequent days. And to manage grease and revive the look of your style after showering, sprinkle a dry shampoo, such as Fekkai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo ($25, fekkai.com), into your roots. If necessary, you can smooth your hair out further with a round brush (one to try: Kevin Murphy round brush, $69, kevinmurphy.com.au for salons) and a dryer. "And sleep with your hair in a high ponytail to maintain volume at the roots," says Carre.

Real Simple: How to correct 8 common beauty mistakes

Hair Color

To make a pricey professional job last, start before you leave the salon, says Stacy Heitman, a hair colorist at the Warren-Tricomi salon in Los Angeles. She suggests asking the colorist to apply a clear gloss after she has colored your hair. (At some salons, this is included in your treatment; at others there's an additional charge.) "The gloss helps lock in the color and adds shine," says Heitman. At home, monitor your shower temperature. "As much as we all love a hot shower, the best way to preserve pigment is to wash your hair in cooler water," says Vicki Casciola, a hairstylist in Las Vegas. It doesn't need to be freezing, but keep in mind that the warmer the water, the more hair strands swell. This eventually causes their outer layers to peel up and allows color molecules to escape. Maintenance products are important, too, says Casciola, who recommends shampooing and conditioning only every two or three days (if your hair doesn't get too greasy) and using color-preserving formulas, such as Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Shampoo and Conditioner (shampoo, $8.50; conditioner, $10.50: paulmitchell.com for salons). As time goes by, upgrade to a shampoo that actually deposits pigment, like Watercolors Color Maintenance Shampoo by Tressa ($15, 704-573-1001).

An Updo

Putting your hair up, while not costly, falls into the "too irritating to do twice" camp. To keep an updo in place, start by saturating freshly washed and dried hair with mousse. Then blow the mousse dry, says Kristan Serafino, a celebrity stylist in New York City. Next, tease the roots before sweeping your hair up. The combination of the tack of the mousse and the texture of the tease will help anchor your style. Try K rastase Paris Mousse Substantive ($39, kerastase-usa.com).

Curls

If you want to maintain curl, your hair has to be pliable, not dry or brittle, says Ouidad, a stylist and salon owner in New York City. So whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, or curly (and you just want more defined coils), here's the lock-tight technique: Start by shampooing and conditioning with moisturizing formulas, then spritz a flexible-hold hair spray onto your damp hair (try Oribe Soft Lacquer Hair Spray; $42, oribe.com). This will create a slightly sticky foundation on which to set the curls. Most stylists recommend setting hair in large Velcro rollers, because they're easy to slip in and out without damaging hair. If your hair is short, pin curls work equally well; create them by twisting small sections of hair and securing them to your scalp with bobby pins. Then air-dry or blow-dry until no moisture remains, unravel the rollers or the pin curls, and retwist the curls around the barrel of a curling iron. Consider it a worthwhile project: Done correctly, this method makes curls that last for days.

A Manicure

For a ding-resistant, DIY polish job, gently buff each nail smooth before you paint it, says Deborah Lippmann, creator of the Deborah Lippmann nail-care line, as it's harder for polish to adhere to a rough surface. "Never skip a base or topcoat, either, no matter how tempted you are to speed up the process," says Lippmann. "The base gives the polish something to stick to, and the topcoat seals in the color." Let one coat dry for a full two minutes before adding the next. "This helps the polish dry properly, which ultimately helps it stay on longer, since you won't get any bubbling or gloppiness that can lead to chips," says Lippmann. To protect the polish further, every other day brush on a clear topcoat, such as Essie No Chips Ahead ($8, essie.com). This strategy will also help extend the life of a salon manicure. Also, at the salon, allow polish to dry about 10 minutes longer than you think necessary to make sure it's bulletproof, or at least keys-in-purse--proof.

Real Simple: Beauty ideas that save time, money and sanity

Perfume

The lasting power of a fragrance depends on three things, says Jean Claude Ellena, a perfumer for Herm s: your skin (larger pores trap scent more easily), your nose (some people are just keener sniffers, so even if you can't smell yourself, other people might), and your perfume. Since that last factor is the only one you can control, choose an eau de parfum (such as Tom Ford Violet Blonde, $100 for 1.7 ounces, saks.com, or Bottega Veneta, $95 for 1.7 ounces, neimanmarcus.com), which is more concentrated and stronger than an eau de toilette or a splash. But keep in mind that no scent will last more than 24 hours. Apply perfume to body parts that aren't exposed to the air -- the nape of your neck (if you have long hair), your covered d colletage -- rather than your exposed wrists. That way, it won't evaporate as quickly.

A Shave

First use a hydrating shave gel, such as Skintimate Skin Therapy for dry skin ($3 at drugstores). This will prop up hairs and ensure that your razor has access to the roots, giving you the closest crop possible, says Doris Day, a dermatologist in New York City. Use a thin layer of gel, since any more will obstruct the razor. And don't start shaving until the end of your shower. When your skin and hairs are saturated, they're more supple, which helps the razor to glide effortlessly. Make a few passes over each area, rinsing the razor in between passes.

Self-Tanner

The name of the game is preparation and aftercare. A few hours before tanning (in a spray booth, at a salon, or at home), use a gentle scrub or a loofah to exfoliate, then moisturize. If you don't, your skin cells -- not to mention your future self-tan -- will flake off more quickly, says Mike Krief of Hollywood Tans, in New Jersey. After self-tanning, although your skin may feel slightly sticky, resist rubbing off the excess with a towel; the color needs time to develop fully. If you must, blot. In the days following, moisturize daily with a product like Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer ($9 at drugstores) to seal in the tint and keep the color from sloughing off.

Real Simple: How to do a natural, no makeup look

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Porn hackers hit 'Sesame Street' YouTube page

(CNN) -- Hackers appeared to have commandeered the YouTube page of the venerable "Sesame Street" children's show Sunday, reprogramming the page with content brought to you by the letter "X."

The show page was taken offline Sunday afternoon, and visitors were greeted with a message from the video website informing them it had been shut down "due to repeated or severe violations of our community guidelines." Users who called up the account earlier had found explicit sex videos instead of Muppets.

There was no immediate response to the hacking from PBS, the show's producers or search giant Google, which owns YouTube. A message posted on the page before its removal claimed responsibility in the names of two other YouTube users, one of whom denied responsibility in a statement on his own page.

"I did not hack Sesame Street. I am an honest YouTuber," the user, identified as "MrEdxwx," posted on his account. "I work hard to make quality gameplay videos, and most important I respect the community guidelines."

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Keep your dog from humping the guests

(MNN.com) -- Lulu and I have fostered our share of dogs over the years. It's always fun to watch her teach shy and withdrawn pooches to cuddle or play keep-away. But I must admit that Lulu also has humped a few foster dogs in her day, even though she was spayed as a puppy.

For advice on how to prevent this unwelcome behavior, I called trainers Andrew Zbeeb of Frogs to Dogs in Atlanta and Kate Jackson of Jabula Dog Academy in Decatur, Ga. Both deal with unruly pets for a living, and both agree that it's important to address "special hugging" early and often.

"It's more of an assertive thing than anything else," says Jackson. "It's a way of belittling another dog. It's not necessarily dominating, but it's very rude."

To correct naughty dogs caught in the act, separate them immediately, Jackson says. Give the offending pooch a 30-second time out to sit and decompress. Then allow the dogs to resume play. "If they step out of line again, offer time out again," she says. "Redirect, redirect, redirect."

MNN: 'Jenga' dog and his owner defy the critics

Changing this behavior can take time, Zbeeb says. So don't get frustrated. It's the natural, normal way that dogs establish pecking order, he says, even if they have been spayed or neutered. That explains why Lulu reserves this unwelcome greeting for fosters rather than play dates. She never dared such rudeness with Daisy, my sister's smaller but more dominant, pint-sized pooch.

"It's a primitive instinct," Zbeeb says, adding that a high-value treat such as cheese or meat can help lure pets to another activity. He stresses that the treat has to be especially good to trump that instinctual behavior to hump. Also, it helps to put a leash on the dogs so you can lead them out of the room for a time out.

No matter how embarrassed you get, it's important to maintain a level head when addressing bad behavior. Cursing or yelling only worsens the problem, warns Jackson. As a lead trainer of pit bull training classes offered by the Humane Society of the United States, she puts that theory to practice every Saturday with mix of altered and unaltered dogs. If they grow agitated, Jackson maintains a calm demeanor in the eye of the storm.

"The minute you raise your voice and start yelling for something that's embarrassing or stupid or bad, you lower your level of control," she says. "When your dog does something that mortifies you, be swift and get in there."

MNN: How to train your dog to behave around guests

That same rule applies if your dog decides to hump humans. Pull them away and schedule an immediate time out that's outside or far away from the situation. You also can step into the dog's space, reasserting your authority.

"Humping a human, that's pretty ballsy," Jackson says, no pun intended. That may be grounds for calling in a trainer for assistance. "If a dog shows confidence enough to belittle a human, they have low regard for people. That's a dog that won't tolerate any correction from a lot of people -- and that can be pretty dangerous."

In a previous column, I offered tips to help dogs behave around guests. Mastering the "place" command helps ensure good behavior. Zbeeb also recommends teaching your dog to properly greet humans. Start by making the dog sit and stay about 8 feet from the front door, but not right in front of the door.

Once your dog masters sitting and staying, it's time for you to approach the door. If the dog moves, offer a correction and make it return to the original spot. Return to the door and open it slightly, rewarding your dog for sitting and staying. Repeat this process daily.

By the end of the week, your dog should be able to sit and stay without approaching the door, even if it's wide open. Of course, it took much longer than a week for Lulu and me. Once you've mastered this step, practice with familiar faces ringing the doorbell, then graduate to having strangers come to the door. With each exercise, the dog should maintain a sit and stay when guests arrive.

"Learning how to do this will also resolve the issue of humping humans," Zbeeb says. "Dogs that hump humans don't have boundaries and are saying, 'I'm the boss.'"

We can't have that, can we?

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Niners hand Lions their first loss

DETROIT (AP) -- Jim Harbaugh charged across the field, lifting his shirt to expose his belly to attempt a chest bump. He extended his right hand to Jim Schwartz for a shake and slapped him on the back with his left hand.

Schwartz didn't like what was done or said - claiming he heard an expletive - and went charging after Harbaugh. What an emotion-filled scene following a meeting of turnaround teams that matched pregame hype in San Francisco's 25-19 victory over Detroit on Sunday.

The NFC might have a nasty new rivalry no one saw coming.

After the 49ers knocked the Lions from the unbeaten ranks on Alex Smith 's touchdown pass with 1:51 left, both coaches added some highlights - or lowlights - of their own.

Harbaugh took the blame in one breath - and a shot in the next.

"That's totally on me," Harbaugh said. "I shook his hand too hard."

Harbaugh, a first-year NFL coach who played at Michigan, had to be separated from Schwartz more than once after Schwartz came running and lunging toward him as both teams were going to the tunnel.

"I went to congratulate coach Harbaugh and got shoved out of the way," Schwartz said. "I didn't expect an obscenity at that point. Obviously, when you win a game like that, you are excited, but there is a protocol that goes with this league."

Players from the 49ers (5-1) and Lions (5-1) gathered and appeared to restore order - probably because they were worn out from a hard-hitting, penalty-filled game with four lead changes after halftime.

"Ironically, I was playing peacemaker," Detroit defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said. "But this is an emotional sport."

Smith's fourth-down, 6-yard pass to Delanie Walker gave San Francisco the go-ahead touchdown with 1:51 left. The play stood after video review didn't show definitely whether Walker's right knee was down before the ball reached the goal line.

David Akers gave San Francisco a six-point lead with 1:02 to go with a 37-yard field goal.

Detroit had a chance to drive for a tying field goal or a go-ahead TD, but couldn't get a first down against a swarming defense that hit and confused quarterback Matthew Stafford from the start.

That last drive started with San Francisco's fifth sack and ended with a catch and lateral - 69 yards short of the end zone - to trigger Harbaugh's exuberant celebration.

"It fires me up a lot," Harbaugh said. "If that offends you or anybody else, then so be it."

San Francisco lost its first five games last season and the five-time championship franchise failed to finish with a winning record for the eighth straight year. Harbaugh has made an instant impact, quickly changing culture with many of the same players. The NFC West-leading 49ers have won five of their first six games for the first time since 1998.

"He loves football," Smith said. "He's an emotional guy, and it's showing up on this team."

Smith lost a fumble on his first snap and threw an interception late in the third quarter, matching his turnover totals from the first five games in both categories.

But the No. 1 pick overall from the 2005 draft made a clutch pass to Walker for the win when Michael Crabtree drew away the defense.

"They kind of jumped Crab and left me open in the middle," Walker said. "Alex made a great read and made a perfect throw."

Smith was 17 of 32 for 125 yards, going early and often to Crabtree, who matched a career high with nine receptions for 77 yards. Frank Gore ran 15 times for 141 yards, including a season-long 55-yard gain, and scored a TD that pulled the 49ers within three after they were outscored 10-0 in the first quarter.

Stafford looked shaky for the first time this season and San Francisco had a lot to do with that.

"It's a good defense," he acknowledged.

Stafford was 28 of 50 for 293 yards with two TDs.

Detroit had won nine straight regular-season games, dating to last season, in what was the league's longest active streak.

"We had trouble getting guys free, and when we did, we didn't always make the throws," Schwartz said. "We need to get the running game going so that we don't look quite so one-dimensional."

The Lions couldn't move the ball on the ground with either Jahvid Best or Maurice Morris against a sturdy front and perhaps the league's best linebacking corps, allowing the 49ers to hit and harass Stafford.

He was sacked once in the end zone, giving the 49ers a safety that cut their deficit to one point midway through the second quarter.

Jason Hanson missed a 52-yard field goal that would've given Detroit a four-point lead late in the first half. Akers made a 55-yard kick to match a season high, putting the 49ers ahead 12-10 as time expired in the half.

Brandon Pettigrew had eight catches for 42 yards and a score. Calvin Johnson added seven receptions for 113 yards, but didn't score after being the NFL's first player with nine TD receptions in the first five games of a season.

Stafford connected with Nate Burleson on a 5-yard pass into the end zone ruled incomplete on the field. It was overturned after video review, giving Detroit a four-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Burleson caught the ball and got both feet down, then lost the ball after tumbling beyond the end zone - a play similar to Johnson's well-documented catch that was ruled incomplete last year at Chicago.

The 49ers overcame 15 penalties, including five false starts at raucous Ford Field, and Detroit drew six flags.

"Once you get a couple false starts, it's like throwing gasoline on a fire," Smith said.

Notes: San Francisco and Chicago combined for 14 false starts at Detroit, matching Houston's record from 2004 for the most false starts by visiting teams in back-to-back games since 1991, according to STATS LLC. ... The teams met with 9-1 records after being 1-9 at same point last season. ... Harbaugh played for Baltimore in 1998, when Schwartz was a Ravens assistant.

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