Havanese Messy Stylin!

It's one of those days that daddy got mommy a polarized lens cover and a hood for her camera and what does she do - take a photo of my disheveled face.

I think I smash my face up against the ground just to give her texturized hair. ha! Well - it's a good line where that human is concerned.

I have 3 kids here visiting and I am having a great time - that is until Coachie thinks he thinks he is. A mom's work is never done.

Saturday is picnic time at Rita's house. Are you coming? I know I am just to see who I can play with. Hope to see you there.

PS: If that Fiona, Biona or whatever that human mommy calls her dares to scat and get in my way...well the hair will fly! ROFL! I am still quicker than that little thing.

Havanese: Leave It - Drop It!

I compare a dogs mouth to a toddler's hands and mouth. You can't keep a thing out of it. You have to take it out, teach leave it and still - the lure of that stick seems so great that they will try to step over the line if allowed.

As humans - sometimes we can't help just allowing as its so cute but watch out - when you do, they may take a mile. Be sure you can live with it. A stick my dissolve in most cases but not necessarily and the damage it can do to bowels - well we won't go there so practice - 'leave it' or 'drop it' and see how many times you have to practice to get there.

Achieving Happiness With Your Havanese

One would think this was about YOU achieving happiness but its about your Havanese achieving happiness.

We went into this venture with our original dog, Shoshi. She had the coat from hell (doesn't any longer). I learned a great deal from her. I learned if Nathan got up every 2 hours, the dog would be totally house trained or is that Nathan that would be?

I learned what unconditional love was really about and how a little dog can figure out what you need and fill that spot. Shoshi's person is Nathan but make no mistake, she appeases me to no end and when I fell last winter, she was the first to lick my face and she is the first to see what's wrong if I bang myself and scream an ear curdling sound - that is next to Katsuro.

I also learned to take a photo of a dark haired dog and see their face. I also figured out that messy has more character than just combed but that doesn't mean you should neglect combing but rather that you enjoy that they smoosh their face 2 minutes after you brush them.

As we added dogs, I also understood that each has their very own personality and job within the pack - that is if the pack is a balanced - functioning one. I also figured out if it is not, the visitors overnight would not work. I am thankful that although they have their quirks, they are indeed that.

I also learned that it took a puppy - Abigail to get Shoshi playing fully with back feet planted on the ground and paws up as if she is dancing. Shoshi has learned a great deal from the pack and they have helped her find her spot, her balance and her play. Yes, even a puppy can do that.

If you pay attention to your dogs - you can learn a great deal.

Paradise Havanese Style

It can't get better than this. The humans brought us in the pool, laid out towels on the chairs for us and we don't even have hair enough to warrant a brush other than our ears and tail.

If you simply have an active lifestyle - well cut them down. They will always grow back. This is Sassy and Coach enjoying the backyard and Sebastians over too.

We hear Louis may be coming to play too. Oh my - lots of fun dawgies to play with.

That's dawgie paradise!

Havanese Puppies Photos Are Here

Today, Risa and grandson got to check each other out.

We just got back from seeing Lola and Katsuro's puppies and Maggie and Oscar's pups. Check out some of the photos we took. If interested, do send mail. A few of the pups look like Katsuro did when he was a puppy and Kat was cute - still is. hahahaha

Well, at least HE thinks so! Enjoy!

Havanese Puppy Fix Coming Soon

I have a secret - I have Sassy and Coach over for a visit this week and I hear tell that Sebastian is coming back for a bit this Monday.

Tomorrow we are heading out to Yvonne's so mommy can enjoy good company - oh yeah daddy too - besides he better as he is my person these days.

We are going to take a ton of puppy photos to share.

The pups are mobile and we imagine quite cute. We will find out and you will too if the camera works.

When we go swimming these days, the Abs takes haven under a chair.

It's her fave spot to fade into oblivion hoping daddy doesn't notice.

Oh, she loves it once she gets in but I swear she's thinking about the brushing/shampoo that came today after she was done.

Abs swam bigtime with the daddy today and then had a shampoo and blow dry. That's the part she's not all that crazy about but isn't it worth it, Abs?

Sassy for once is on top of the situation tonight and Fiona looks as if she is trying to figure this one out and Coch - well he was standing waiting to see if he was needed but they ended up doing full body play and having a grand time of it. They are going to love it at Yvonne and Alex's and so are we.

Puppy photos coming...just watch here Sunday night or Monday...

Identify That Dog!

Every now and then we are lucky enough to receive email attachments containing photos of one of our puppies. I think I'll post this one up and see how many of you can recognize him. There is no prize at the end. There will be no test. Just for fun, guess who this is.

Nathan

Havanese Dog Play or Aggressiveness?

This is Abigail and Zack. Zack and Coco was visiting tonight and Zack decided to swim.

Anyone who has had a Havanese wet knows that they get really excited and full of it when wet. One wonders why.

Do you think Abigail is getting ready to chomp down on Zack or tell him off or is this play?

It's hard to figure out when you don't know the players but it's indeed fun play. It's also why Abigail's hair won't grow as she believes in full body contact play - all in the name of fun and the boys - well they love it!

Time for a Bath?

How can I tell it's time for a bath?

When your dog has that greasy look and they are knotting on touch - or so it seems - it's time to bath. It's time for the Fiona today.

First you must always get all the knots out first then bathe. It will make your life easier and theirs.

Be sure to use a detangler to help you take out the knots and a soft slicker if your dog is a pet - not a show.

She has started to blow her coat and they seem to only do that once so knots - knots and more knots - sigh. But if you brush daily - well less. :-)

Here's Fiona's after bath look. Even with a fast camera, it's tough keeping her in one position to get anything but a blur.

A little birdie told me that her sister may be visiting with her humans. Hmm anytime now - just in time to get that mussed in - just played my heart out look.

With the Havanese, you have to get used to that look.

Starving Havanese Doing What's Needed?

Okay - I must admit I am intoxicated with the antics of the Havanese.

I grabbed my camera before correcting this one as I couldn't help myself. I made a stir fry and Abigail was licking the juices from a plate in the dishwasher.

This either tells me she THINKS she's not getting enough food or she likes what we are having better. HA!

This is the problem with the Havanese. They do these things that make you laugh. You delay correcting and voila - it gets out of control.

Moral of this story: I should know better but really - I couldn't help myself - honest!

Was that MY line or the dawgs? You tell me!

Havanese Puppy Play: A Taste of Heaven

Every one of us needs the play that a puppy possesses. Here Miss Abs is saying to Fiona - come get me. They played back and forth like this for over 30 minutes then drank a ton and came inside and dropped.

I need that enthusiasm and play and most of all that energy. Know where I can get it? Is it contagious? I surely wish it was.

When everything is too much to handle and I feel like overload city, I sit down for a moment and watch these two and for that moment in time - all is right in the world. If they did nothing else with anything else in their life - they have filled a need - at least mine of laughter and we all need that.

Today I took a fab photo of our son and grand kids. None that I am overly pleased with the dogs but I am learning the camera. I am so jazzed with it.

No matter how much work the dogs can be when you have many dogs like we do, well they are work if you do it right and we muster up sick or well for them - well they are a bit of heaven on earth. Everyone should have some of that.

Out of Focus Havanese Fun

I am learning a new camera and taking a class this Saturday so bear with me. I will get better. But I wanted to share this photo anyway as you can see Abigail, Remi and Katsuro in play and that's what its like at our house more times than not. Even the Shoshi - who didn't play is full on playing with the Abs. She has a touch that reels them all in.

Remy went home today. Coach and Sassy are coming this Sunday and we have the grandkids here and it's a dawg crazy house and this week I am getting back to grooming and bathing the crew. Risa, Kat and Remy today. Shoshi, Wasabi and maybe Abs tomorrow then Fiona the next? We shall see...

Warning: If you leave knots in your dogs hair you can create a hotspot. It's not pretty and its pretty painful for the dog. Groom diligently please and always get those knots and mats out of their hair.

Mom & Son: Havanese

Today is a rather gloomy day but we are playing recovery from extra grooming done on a visiting dog. So - we are hanging out, getting caught up on things and soon the grand kids will be here.

Havanese come in all sorts of colours and this is our Risa and her son Katsura who just sired pups with Lola to have absolutely gorgeous pups. He's biased but how could they not be cute. Kat is athletic but he also has that cute face and we can't wait to see these pups develop.

If interested in pups, send mail to Yvonne Poole - our dear friends. The pups are up and about now doing all the fun stuff they do when they are mobile and very fast in doing things.

She also has pups from Kat's relative Maggie who also has Risa as her mom.

There's nothing like a Havanese or two...nothing!

Fiona Rain Style Havanese

Here's a dawg - a Havanese that doesn't seen to mind all this rain we are getting.

Well, Cleo and Apple go home tinight. The human's grandkids come tomorrow till Friday and then a few of Wasabi's dogs are coming for a visit.

If it is sunny tomorrow, we may see Otis. Now how cool is that?

We promise photos and fun times.

Good Times Come to End

This is Cleo. She's been staying with us with her packmate and goes home tomorrow. She has a super thick coat like our Shoshi.

She got a bath today as she has been mucking it up with the gang.

Can you say they will be missed - YEP!

More later when we are down dogs. ;-) The dogs get us FIRST!

Long Havanese Day

Mommy is spending WAY too much time with that new dog we are watching - air drying her, snuggling and taking mats out.

What about me? Oh - I get daddy.

Hey but I slept with the mom last night as we have a dog in what they call heat visiting so we are sleeping in different rooms. Something about that boy dog....geez...

More tomorrow!

Watching Puppy Videos

Every now and then I need a puppy fix. Since our dear friend Yvonne refuses to bring me her puppies (how selfish is that?) (smile) I have to make do with watching our own videos from earlier this year. I just watched one of Sebastian, Coach and Sassy playing together that was delightful. Give it a look and tell me if I am wrong. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJZh5qf3ASg

We had Sassy, Coach and Remy here today. I realize how much they have changed in the past 6 months but they still remain totally delicious. If you want to lighten up your day just scroll down the right hand side until you get to the list of the older videos. I promise you they will bring a smile to your face. They do mine.
Nathan

Visitors & Sadness

Jazzy has been visiting us for a few days and is awaiting his owner's pickup. Jazzy has glorious hair and had a grand time mucking it up with the rest of the guys.

He's just had a bath and blow dry so he can go home smelling and feeling great. Yes, he got rather dirty but we allow that as they have great fun.

Whenever a visitor comes, the pack changes and whenever someone leaves, it changes again but it seems when they do go home, the pack tends to have a period of non play missing the one that left.

It's nice to see that they welcome another in. Even the meekest dog has been roped in by Miss Abs and made to feel welcomed. All it takes is one dog in the pack and the rest follow suit. It's why we introduce one at a time and then allow for pack play and human play.

Jazzy is a regular here though and he's adored instantly. He will also be missed too.

But Jazzy has the high life with his owners and you can but all hear him say - well it's fun here but it's excitement time to return home.

But there is nothing like the dawg fun here so if he gets excited to see us when we visit - well realize he's just yearning for a holiday.

All the dogs that visit get excited to see their owners but also get excited to come here too after they get to know what is in store for them. That's what it should be about.

More later and back to work and dematting. It may be a pool day if the weather cooperates.

Havanese and Knots in Hair

Talking about wet - what do you do when you have mats? Brush every day or cut short.

I am dematting 2 dogs and my arm is going to fall off - no lie. It's a tough job when you let it go.

To make it worse, if you wash or they get wet, it tightens the knots. Many people do not realize this.

The Abs says - well mommy brushes me daily so I hardly ever get those things.

Back to watching TV and dematting...

How? Spray, separate and brush. It sounds easy but there is a method to it - believe me and I have got really good at it due to having dogs visit us with them. :-)

Havanese: Stress & Fun

How can you tell your Havanese is under stress?

There are many signals through which you may spot this condition before it becomes out of hand or critical to performance.

Common things that can indicate stress are:
-Yawning
-Sleeping Too Long
-Arching the Back
-Stretching
-Drooling
-Tense body
-Barking
-Whining
-Runny bowels

Why am I mentioning this? It is normal for humans and dogs when exposed to unknown events or things to feel some stress. It's our job as a human to enable them to find their coping skills.

How can you do this? By slow conditioning NOT avoidance.

Slow conditioning is exposing your little one to things that they feel uncomfie with consistently till it is not an issue.

Recently, we had our roof done and one of our pups started growling at the men on the roof. This was foreign to them and anything lauding over them so high up is perceived as something in charge but also not touchable or attainable. Instead of keeping this particular dog in, I kept taking her out over and over in small doses and correcting and saying a keyword which is 'silly girl or silly boy' and I say it in a really silly voice as if to say - gee there really isn't something to be afraid of. If your dog trusts you, the key words will help. How do you gain trust? You have to be consistent, give rules and boundaries and you must not give them the idea that their behavior is valid. Never hug when reacting this way no matter how much you want to feel you need to. Hug when they sit, calm down - whatever positive coping skill they use - reward BIG time and eventually that is what they will rely on when faced with an unknown.

You are their teacher - their pal, their leader of the pack and the reason they attain a balanced state of mind. Don't get frustrated. Stop and get your emotions in check if you do.

Here's a photo of Fiona who did her first show. She showed minor stress by yawning and sleeping. But as she keeps getting exposed to so many people and dogs and people prodding her - that will disapate. Between shows we will take her to handling class and get her 'slow conditioned'.

Fiona got 2nd place in her first show. She did well. She is an alpha dog through and through but even alpha dogs can feel stress.

Pay attention to your dog and act accordingly. You will reach an amazing relationship with your dog when you do always!

Hairy Havanese Times

So - I am off to a show - yeah on Sunday and you think I can get away with wearing my hair like this?

Coco and Zack went home. Apple, Cleo and Jazzy are here. Daddy has half the dogs...me I have the mom so I can miss the dad when I wake up and then show really well for him.

Fiona is doing her first show TODAY with her sister Downsey.

WE are off. Tips to come tonight on dematting.

More Sunday night...

Dog Shows and Locked Down Blogger Style

Just had a bath and I couldn't help but squish my face. So - I am a DAWG!

Day Two and our blogger lockout is FIXED. It was sitemeter. I deleted that block and voila - we are back rockin'

It tells me I need to do a blog or my own site elsewhere. Rather like it here but this is crazy. It will make the hubby happy - if I have to. hahahah

Well, we have 2 more dogs that came this afternoon - Chloe and Apple to play. Coco and Zack just went home. Jazzy is also here.

What are YOU up to? If you are in Orillia Sunday - come up and watch us at a dog show. It will be fun to meet you.

Sibling Lovin, Good Friends & Havanese

According to Google (Blogger) this site is blocked by mistake and they are working on correcting this one as well as MANY others. I hope it will happen soon as you all know - I never miss a day of letting you know about our home and giving you tips on how to get through life with this loves.

Here's a photo to share: It's a sibling tango. Oh, what a riot it is to watch the entire crew.

We had Linda and John and their dogs over. Remy dropped in for a week. Zack and Coco go home tomorrow and Mary brings her two. Wow - crazy dog house and we love it.

It's late. The dogs need loving and I still have some work to do.

How to Get Your Havanese to Swim

Coco is up on the deck in a 'safe' zone wondering what all the noise is about?

She's been in the pool once and decided although she can swim wonderfully - well its not the things she adores.

Zack...well he's another story. I have this feeling it's a 'boy' thing of competition. Zack sees the attention that Kat gets by jumping in so he tries it but only when he is lost in the emotion.

How do you get your dog interested in swimming?

Well it certainly helps if you are excited about it and you make it a game and it also helps if they shot the moon when they do, so to speak. Suddenly, your Havanese will be strutting and doing it again and again if he is into being all that!

Well, Zack just jumped in with his excitement at first but when he calmed down, he decided the stairs was an easier adventure. What is it about jumping in that is so overwhelming to most dogs? I guess the same thing that is scary for humans.

It's simply easier, I imagine.

But does it matter if they jump or walk in? Not to me. The best part is they are enjoying something you are.

Zack goes home on Saturday evening but he's found a new passion. Now let's hope his family likes to swim too or they will have to go on holidays again and drop Coco and him off for yet another adventure!

Controlling the Food Dishes

Food time is an exciting time around here. After the group goes outside to do their duty, they come back in and wait for the human daddy to feed them.

One would think with so many dogs that a lot of invading other dog bowls would exist but it doesn't.

The crew really tells any new comer that we simply don't try to steal the food from others - of course when they walk away - they all think it's open season.

It wasn't always so easy. We used to feed in different parts of the room or even put others in different rooms or stand between those that don't know how to tell another please don't touch my food from the one that thinks they can eat and eat and eat and that means everyone elses.

You can teach them to respect the space by standing between the bowl and the offending 'I want that food - dog' but you also have to tell them it's not agreeable. After awhile of that, I won't say they will never attempt to eat someone else's food but I will say they will keep a healthy distance till the other is done.

It is up to you - the human to set the rules and follow through on making them follow them in positive ways. Even if you think they are cute about it - you have to say - these are the rules and just because you look at me all adoring like - well you can't have 'x'.

The crew is out swimming and I am inside working. Who's having fun? Not I but the doggies are and Nathan is the 'excitement coordinator'. They can't get enough of the games he plays with them and the pool. It's nice!

One day I am going to film them all bombing out the door in excitement. It's so nice to see.

More later!

Pure Play: Socialization & Doggy Camp

We are blessed with the pleasure of watching other people's Havanese when their owners go away on holidays. We offer a fun filled crazy dawg house for the visitors.

We only take in small breeds as its a way for us to socialize our crew, enjoy others of like mind and besides - we prefer it like that.

Most of the dogs are our pups that were born with us and some are from referrals. All are indulged. We even moved in an extra bed next to our king sized one so all the dogs could fit.

We placate the owners and take crates and we even leave them open but we find they enjoy the bed and when they return home, they know the rules. But if you INSIST - we will leave them sleeping in a crate. We do care what your needs are. The Havanese are really intelligent dogs. So - it's vacation for them too!

Well, this week we have Coco and Zack. Soon we will have Mary's crew and Jazzy and we think Remy. Then Coach and Sassy. What an exiting summer this is going to be.

Now where am I going with this? Whenever you leave your dog anywhere, there is always a transition the first time. The next visit the transition is fast and they know what they are in for.

What are the transitions? Where do I fit in the pack? Where do I sleep - top of the bed, bottom, next to that human or that one? Who will play with me?

But we are blessed. We have a really great crew. The Abs is who I call my fishing rod. The dog that sits on the outside looking in - well she just reels them in. Here she is with all that funny stuff in her hair.

She's now finished being a show dog and we will be breeding her soon. Here we are trying to protect her head from chewing by other puppies by wrapping it with paper and conditioner but does it help? Nah - just makes you laugh at how she looks. The things we do for the show ring. Abigail is glad her show career is over. She has too much playing spirit to be held back and we like it that way!

But the emotional aspect of the dogs are the most important to us above and beyond anything else. She has a 'calming' spirit. Some say she doesn't act like a puppy in the ring as she is more laid back but if you ran in front of her and you were another dog - well then her love of life spills out and you - the human that watches will laugh and laugh. She knows how to play.

Zack and Coco are fitting in real well. They are even enjoying the massages I give to all the dogs when they get brushed daily. I wait for their baths even if they get dirty till just before they go home and spruce them up in between with waterless bath unless they are here extra long and they will get the baths like our resident crew does.

I call it 'grooming conditioning.' Each morning their ears are checked, eyes cleaned and they soon get it that I sit here and let this crazy human do this and I get a treat for it. Then depending on how the day goes, at various times throughout the day, they either find themselves up on the grooming table or on my lap getting brushed. Nathan does the after pool brushes most times. I get kisses - sometimes complaints but always patience and consistency wins out and that massage and treat business tends to get them excited too.

We are lucky as we have a son here that walk dogs as does Nathan and I. The dogs adore their walks. We only take 2 at a time and we usually split pairs up rotating who they go with. If a dog is timid, they get the alpha more assertive type on the walks. There is truth to the fact that the emotion of the companion (dog and human) on the walk gives you a positive or negative experience. I have seen a dog that is jumping all over the place, pulling its heart out with one dog and calmly walking next to another. It's also the humans attitude and the bottom line is - who is in charge? It's not a 'grrr' I am in charge but an attitude that I expect you to walk and no - I won't allow this or we will go home. Even the most 'step over the line' dogs soon learn. This is the time frame that most learning occurs and we take advantage of it for our visitors and for our resident crew where the learning never stops - even for us, heh!

This human here is an avid picture taker. My camera may be lousy (update - I have a better camera but still not the one I truly want) but I love taking the photos. I am bucking for a better camera as I want to capture the action photos so my memories will always be with me. I want a wide angle lens too - hahaha. Such wants...

You can catch us in the pool or Nathan running with the dogs or any of us playing retrieve or the many other fun things we think up to keep them entertained and us too.

If we see happy faces like we did today in these photos - well success and we haven't had a day where it hasn't been like that. The dogs - well I wish I was one of them at times and as I said - our lives - well they have certainly gone to the dogs and what memories we will have and treasure.

Obviously, we can only take care of small dogs in the Toronto area but I post what we do so when you are leaving your little one while you go on holidays - well now you know what to ask and what they should do while you are away. Your dogs deserve the best holiday too.

Teaching Retrieve: Get it if You Can!

Who says an old dog can't be taught tricks? heh

Actually - no one is old here except the Whitney so she just watched and who can blame her.

You can teach your Havanese to retrieve and its a great game if you only have one. It allows you to do something fun together and get some exercise on your dog in mind and in body.

As you can see, all I did was throw a toy and the first one to bring it back gets a treat. You may think that we would have fights over that toy but no. They just try harder the next time plus I play it in such a way to give an advantage to one that isn't as quick - otherwise what fun would it be?

You say yours won't bring it back? Well no treat. Just be sure when you start that you throw it close extending the distance as their consistency with bringing it back sets in. They should know if they don't bring it back the game ends and you also don't cuddle, play or give them the idea they don't have to play by the rules.

If they still do not get it, find a hallway with just one exit and you sit blocking that exit. Start throwing it down the hallway. In smaller quarters, it's easier for them to 'get' it. Reward by click, treat or voice but be consistent. They should think this is the best game since EVER.

Nothing like plying with your Havanese.

Turning an Ooops Into Training

Well, Zack fell into the pool not once but twice in excitement so we taught him how to jump in and how to find his way out.

The point is, we turned it into a positive training process and he LOVES the pool. He is an excellent swimmer too. Though Kat went - hmm I WAS the center of attention - as Kat had been in and now I have competition. heh

Any ooops that you have, if you think about it can lead to a training session that ends positive.

How did we do it? We stayed upbeat - positive and then showed him how to get out over and over and then when he wanted to jump in, we showed him how.

We never just let the dogs out so we are not afraid of them falling in accidentally but we will spend the rest of the week showing him that he doesn't go in unless invited.

We will fill you in as that occurs.

Right now Abs and Zack are playing up a storm and after a good brush out - well he is air drying. More tomorrow....

The Antics of Havanese

This fine - should be sunny Monday - bright and early - Fiona thinks she is holding court. It's not like the rest can't get up but she thinks she can hold them all at bay as if to say - hahaha - this is my top of the mountain.

Havanese play funny games.

Well the crew all needs to be washed but our visitors will get a waterless bath and come the day they are going home, they will get a bath.

We hear that Miss Mags pups are doing so well 1 gal - 2 boys. Well boys are such huge lovees anyways so if its the lovin' you want - well the boys are amazing!

More of their antics later...

Long But Fun Filled Day: With No Bark

We came back from Queens Quay, at the new Paws Way building. We were - well the dogs were ambassadors for the breed. Yesterday Nathan, Alex (thanks, Alex!), Kat and Abigail did the socializing stint and today Nathan, Fiona, Kat and I did. Although they liked seeing the dogs and people - there is nothing like home and the fun things they do around here.

Here's Kat after his return with Coco saying, "Is it time to swim, daddy?"

Here he is brushed for the show and he wants to swim? Okay - mommy will spray and brush and laugh at you jumping in the pool. Who owns us? The dawgs!! Oh, but the love and snuggles they give you in return - well they can own me any old time.

So - daddy is it time yet?

Let me tell you how crazy it was. We - okay Nathan - if we are going to get the story right taught the 'no bark; and that's a tough one when the dogs are all worked up as a gang excited about going swimming. Even if they are not interested in actually swimming.

Terra barked - Nathan said 'no bark' and she didn't listen so in the house she went. Then Shoshi barked and into the house she went. Poor Zack was watching this all in amazement without a peep. He does like to join in but is easily corrected. This time not a peep. The rest of the gang got it and no sound but the game wasn't the same. Still Nathan kept at it putting his finger up as a signal not to bark and they tried to contain themselves almost appearing as if that emotion was going to burst right out of them. Then he let the barkers out and they also learned. Hmmm this works.

What did we learn? You 'can' control the bark. You must be serious about it showing you are not going to put up with it but we also found out that we sort of like the excitement of the bark but one can't have it both ways so 'no bark' it is. There are times for barks and times that you simply can't. Not all barking is bad but you have to get control over it so they learn when it is acceptable and when it is not.

Then after the swimming and running around time was done, the crew all found their spots on the lounge chairs (See Zack on Nathan) and settled in for a long day's nap.

The crew was all smooshed on top of us and next to our bodies. I think we must have slept for an hour all wet and then I woke up and said - oh no I didn't brush Kat and he's almost dry.

A dab of spray on the brush - spray all over him and brush and I let him air dry - no knots.

Then it was time to brush the rest. I think Coco looked at me cross-eyed then put her little head down and went back to sleep.

Who me..you want to brush little old me...well I suppose it's okay but wake me up when you are done, will ya?

I decided to do her last so she could catch some more zzzzzs. it's been a simply exhausting day but now you know you can teach 'no bark' even if YOU like the barking. ROFL!

Havanese Play With Interesting Toys

If a toy holds the Havanese interests long as this one does - well it has to be cheap. I tell you - they love empty bottles. Throw in some water into a bottle half way, throw it in the freezer then when it is good and cold and has ice in it, throw it on the floor and watch the fun. Just be sure to take it away if they happen to puncture it. It's a cheap fascination.

Here you can see Zack and Coco (Zack is one of Wasabi's that we used to call El Blanca Grande and (Coco who is Fiona's sister) and looks like her mom Maggie who is about to give birth to more little ones in a matter of days.

Well, here they are trying to bat this ball around. What is this toy? Well it's a cat toy and can be found at any Petsmart or any other pet store that carries cat toys. It usually has a wad of paper in the middle so the cats can scratch it. Your Havanese will bite it into a million pieces so if you don't want to sweep a million pieces of paper up - well throw that section out. The real fascination is the ball and why they can't get it out. Zack and Coco spent an entire 98 minutes playing with this thing. I timed it so I knew how long they kept at it. I think they hold the record of being fascinated the longest.

Today Kat and Abs is down on Queens Quay meeting and greeting people that want to know about Havanese and they will be there tomorrow. The rest of the Talemaker crew waves paws at those that are there!

There's NOTHING like the Havanese - I tell you - except 2 is better than one. ROFL!

Havanese Tips on Wet Feet

We have Coco and Zack over and as you can see in this photo, Coco is smiling about the play.

We have had a busy day today. We went on walks. Everyone was groomed and we had some crazy play sessions.

ALERT: Check out the latest puppy photos on Yvonne and Alex's site at Chicadoro. All the pups are getting colour other than the colours black and white with the exception of one. Oh - and Mags - well she's still eating so no pups yet!

Then tonight Nathan played the guitar and Tal sang under the gazebo while the dogs hung out - Coco kissed my ear and Fiona couldn't figure out why Tal was singing or Nathan was playing a guitar. It's been too long.

Tomorrow Kat, Abs, Nathan and Alex are hanging out somewhere downtown to talk about Havanese. Me - I am going to catch up on work seeing I couldn't after grooming and getting stuff ready for this thing they are doing tomorrow.

Maybe I will get a quick dip in and it won't rain like they say it is supposed to or maybe I will be doing extra grooming with the rain.

If yours hate wet feet like some of ours, pick them up, put them smack dab in the middle of the grass and tell them to go. More times than not - they will. Years later Shoshi still hates her feet wet - funny for a dog that loves to roll in the snow but she deals.

More tomorrow...

Say Cheese Havanese

Trying to get the Havanese cooperating - even saying cheese is I-M-P-O-S-S-I-B-L-E.

We have Coco and Zack for sleepovers and are having an amazing amount of fun.

Fiona, Coco and Abs is out walking with our son Jonathan and his girlfriend and Zack just came back with Nathan and Kat.

Ramona: Zack did great on the walk. He barked at one dog that barked at him once. He was corrected and didn't bark again.

Abs is really making Coco feel welcomed and it's all working ever so well.

Ah - Havanese heaven. Couldn't be better than this!

Are Two Better than One Havanese?

What you see here looks like a mass of hair and it is. In this photo is Shoshi, Abigail and Fiona.

We started this Havanese journey as our daughter has a Coton du Tulear and we loved to watch her Coton play with our Golden Retriever.

We are truly glad we made the plunge but there are days we check our sanity at the door.

When Shoshi came to us, she was too young, in my opinion and missing what the dam usually teaches those last critical weeks. Shoshi has been playing catch-up on how to be a Havanese since day one. She seems to have finally fully arrived.

Our Golden played with Shoshi wonderfully that first year placing her snout in the snow and throwing a spray of snow at Shoshi and soon Shoshi was doing the same in return. I have pictures of that memory that are truly precious. Terra and Shoshi fast became best pals.

Then we saw Shoshi playing with her sister with that run-like hell game and said - oh we need another. So our journey began to find a playmate that didn't fall on their face when Shoshi stopped on a dime - which often happened with Terra. Terra had longer legs but Shoshi could just outrun her by cutting corners and it was endearing.

Then Risa came into our lives and she just wouldn't play with Shoshi but she took a liking to me and would follow me around like we were connected at the hip. So, although she didn't play with Shoshi, well, she was ours. She is now Nathan's dog through and through since he sat and helped her through her last whelping.

After that, Paris and Wasabi came to visit and Wasabi alone played with Shoshi but with Paris - well Paris was her focus. I loved the antics of both Paris and Wasabi and when it came to picking between both to add another to our home, Wasabi won out due to her play with Shoshi. Paris only wanted Wasabi. But Paris was amazing - so difficult to choose. Paris could jump straight up on my hat box to an amazing height and curl up like a ball to sleep. But after we chose, Wasabi got in a funk without Paris and stopped playing with Shoshi.

Now if you are following this story - we got 2 dogs to play with Shoshi and neither would play with her. Now how did that happen? Then Kat was born in our home and well, he was Risa's and he was the one dog that climbed over everyone saying PICK ME - PICK ME and he took no backseat to his mom or to his grandsire, Mojo. He was one of the very select few that got away with challenging the Moj. Now Fiona also gets that designation, Risa's grand daughter, Mojo's great grand daughter. Something about that line and their personality. In their minds they definitely think they count the most.

Then we were lucky enough to get Abigail, to show and to bring some puppy life around this place. After 2 litters - we were really missing puppy-hood. Abs is an old soul before her time. She has this magic where she calms those around her and unites the pack. She has a delicious unbridled way about her in her play that all the dogs tend to gravitate to. They all want to play with the Abs - perhaps due to her being so accommodating.

Then we added Fiona, who has that 'pick me' attitude that makes you laugh. She also has that pouting thing going on much like Kat - no patience for taking too long and sees nothing wrong with walking up your body to get you to pay attention to her vs. anyone else.

The pups adore each other. To answer the question - are two better than one - absolutely. More work in training but once you get past that - and even while you are in the midst of it - the memories they create are priceless. But you have to invest time in spending one on one time with each so they bond to you not just the other puppy and that has happened here.

As you can see in the photo, due to Abs, Shoshi finally has a play partner that we were looking for when we started this journey. The introduction of the pups has helped Shoshi become the dog she was meant to be.

Shoshi and Abs are now playing wonderfully together. We started this journey for her to get her a playmate. She came to us at 7 weeks – way too early and it has taken her years to learn how to act like a Havanese from the pack. It’s hard to explain but she mounted Abs and I celebrated – not for Abs but that Shoshi finally has some perceived backbone in her mind. It’s a wonderful relationship Abs and Shoshi are developing and I have Abs to thank for that. Shoshi has made the entire circle to acceptance and becoming a critical part of the pack that has a job. No one should let dogs go at 7 weeks – as they miss so much learning from the dam.

That Abs…she is a heart dog – a calming force that reels them in and gets others to feel relaxed, loved and wanted. That’s a special quality she has.

So, are two dogs better than one... heh - do you now have the answer?

Wild Child Fiona's Play Method

Every Havanese has similar and unique styles of play. I call Fiona's method 'wild' and thus our nickname calling her the 'wild child.'

I can comb Fiona's hair and 2 seconds later, it looks like it was never combed at all. part of that is it has a wild abandonment thing going on with her waves. Yes, there goes that wild word again. Another issue is she sticks her head and scrunches it up immediately and another is she just has this real joy about playing with her packmate Anigail - her most fave Havanese.

Fiona pounces and hops and scats and has this way funny way of showing excitement and 'attitude' that we adore.

each Havanese has their very own personality. Abigail is an old soul in a young body. Oh, she plays her heart out but she has this real calming thing going on where Fiona's personality is a bit more frenetic. if she doesn't get her treat after performing fast enough, she scats her back legs as if she is kicking dirt to tell you that you are too slow or you are not paying attention or she is excited. It's funny as some dogs do this after doing their business but she has incorporated it into her communications to you. You can't help but laugh.

Fiona and Abigail balance each other out and although having 2 pups is walking two, taking two out to train etc - well what you get in return is non stop craziness. I am not sure how we ever did it without 2 pups at once in our lives.

Fiona is now off by herself with her human daddy doing handling class so she can do her first show. Abs is home with me taking a break but getting almost daily training.

but the human around here has been working too hard and the human dad is taking up the slack. With no air - crankiness was setting in. I think we went 5 days without air - yeouch. Don't believe air guys when they say they will come. they may not.

The dogs are happy with the coolness. They may get back into bed with us instead of laying on the bathroom tile. Will we be able to swim this week? Time will tell.

Visiting Dogs in Heat

What do you mean? What's this heat business about? What you don't see is the gang is all at Rita's house and the girls - not mine - hers are all inside just coming out of heat. Our intact male is at the door peering in and Mojo - who thinks he still has it - well he's doing the same.

You never know what you are going to get when you have 2 males and girls in heat. It could be an explosive situation but it wasn't here.

Kat and Moj seemed to have an okay relationship of mutual respect and as long as Kat didn't go inside and sniff up the girls - well life was good. Perhaps a week earlier it may have been an entirely different story.

Well, it has cooled down a tad. We still don't have air and we are making the best of it.

Fiona is off to handling class tomorrow and daddy is going to work on her scat? What's a scat? Well, the funniest thing you ever did see but we won't tell till it's perfected and we can get it on video.

More tomorrow...