HFC Rescue is a Lovie

The HFC rescue that we are fostering is a small Havanese but not thin - not under weight - has great muscle tone and although she will be 7 years old next month, she plays literally like a puppy non stop with the duo here and takes on Kat and Shoshi as well.

She goes for her health checkup at the end of the month.

If we didn't already have so many dogs, she would be staying here in a heart beat. She is an entirely different dog from arrival to now.

Let's see who she is today. She now sleeps on our bed. She cuddles while watching TV. Comes to you when she wants you to pick her up and give her hugs. She has learned to be patient. When treats are doled out, she waits her turn and now does a sit when requested. She 'comes' when called and without hesitation. She is a fast learner.

We are exposing her to people and outside dogs. Although hesitant for a few minutes and I mean just a few minutes - her curiousity gets the best of her and she checks people out - gives them kisses and plays with visiting dogs. We are saturating her with all different types of people and dogs. Yesterday she gave kisses to our groomer not once but a number of times and played her heart out with a visiting Wasabi pup. Today we are hoping she does the same with Gidget (formally Paris) who we believe is about the same size.

When we find her a home, we hope it is with another dog as she adores the play and company or someone that has frequent visits with other dogs. She adores walks and I mean adores them. Only barks when introducing play and the other dog isn't getting her desire. Is easily corrected even in this mode. She's bloody intelligent - fast learner - and loves learning.

She is now ringing the bell to go out or goes and gets you so she can do her business outside. She nests in a crate and seems to have comfort with the door open. We have not closed it yet.

She now plays with toys but has not learned retrieve yet though intently watches Abs play it. We shall see if she joins in. If you play with toys with her in a tug fashion, she has a ball.

She has managed to slow down her eating and drinking. She was choking quite a bit from eating/drinking too fast but she now trusts that her food is her food. She has no food aggression. We have taken necks - which she loves out of her mouth and given them back. She trusts she gets them back. She has slowed herself down in drinking. We believe this was a trust issue at first where she was afraid it was not going to be there. She also shares the water bowl with the others now. Before she waited till they were done.

Check out the gorgeous colours this gal has coming in and I do mean gorgeous. When a longer coat comes in - this gal will be stunning - but I like longer hair - others like them like this. Shaved down like this, she has a really pretty face.

Well, I could go on and on and we travel this dangerous game as we do with our pups - falling madly in love but this one has made it so easy. She is not at the bottom of the pack but each day she gains more and more of who she is and will be. She's becoming quite confident and an addition that not only fits in but as I said would remain if we didn't already have a pack.

So, the hunt is on to find her that perfect home where she counts - has playmates and someone that walks her as she adores those walks. If interested, let us know. We will direct you to the HFC rescue coordinator where you will have to fill out forms. If you are in the Toronto area and are interested - well let us know and you can come over and see what we see with your own eyes.

More of her adventures and the Talemaker crew as we live it...

Remembering Havanese Names

Risa Says:
I am so confused. I think those humans told me that one of my son's (Kat's) kids flew the coop today. Okay - not the coop per se but went to his forever home. That's way exciting.

Yvonne is down 1 pup and another goes tomorrow and yet another Sunday. Oh my - exciting times. Still a couple of pups left for those that want absolutely gorgeous pups with A+ personalities.

Either pups from Maggie or from Lola and a Kat coupling is related as Maggie is one of mine and so is Kat. Those kids are way busy. Me - I have closed shop and retired. You can only have so many kids you know then you have to remember their names. Don't test me. :-)

Havanaese Showing Signs of Concern

Our Havanese rescue that we are fostering is coming around just fine.

When Kooba 1st got here, she was overwhelmed. There were many changes that were about to unfold and your dog doesn't understand what is going on.

But if you keep at it, even the most sensitive dog can open up and gain balance.

Kooba continues to make huge leaps in becoming assertive and balanced. She's even going in the crate now and moving the furniture around, so to speak. She's also cuddling while watching TV.

As you can see, Kat is enjoying her company. One more girl - well that is okay with him.

Soon we will be looking for a new home for her and hoping we will stay in touch. We rather like this one - bigtime.

Havanese Upset Tummies - Allergies?

This is going to sound like a totally gross subject but it should be discussed. The quickest way to tell how your Havanese is doing is its stomach but why do the havanese have loose stools at times? It could be illness or allergies but it could be something else.

It can also simply be that it is an irritant not an allergy. For instance, when I had acid reflux (had it when I was very overweight - went away completely when I lost), certain foods would increase the acid content not due to allergies but they were irritants. If I avoided them, I would eliminate or reduce. With reduced weight, I can eat those irritants and although I get slightly gassy - I don't have a bad case.

I brought this up to Guelph when I was dealing with a dog's sensitive tummy and found that stress also plays a part in the shape of your stomach. Therefore weight, sensitivity, allergies or stress or any combo can throw everything off kilter. For each dog it would be different but watch a dog that gets stressed and then listen to their tummies. Their stress level shows up in their tummies very fast usually - in grumbling to soft stools to diarrhea to even vomiting or any combo.

When we go into a vet, we often do not talk about stress but stress is very real in dogs and those dogs need their self esteem built up - their confidence. Or they need slow conditioning to whatever is stressing them out. That's not to say that is the case in any dog but it *CAN* be a factor that is over looked. It is something I overlooked and usually I just assume it is the food or some parasite -they are sick etc but if it is longterm no matter what food - one has to consider stress. That doesn't mean there is anything WRONG with your dog. It just means he/she is a sensitive soul and when you boost their confidence, it usually all comes together.
All dogs have fears just like us but some have better coping skills and some need to learn coping skills with our help.

It is also why it is VERY important not to get a puppy too early as the last few weeks they learn critical coping skills from their canine mom. Shoshi took a long time to become assertive and this year I can tell you she has found her voice and backbone completely but even with my help - well the pack helped her the most. I mean she is even lifting her leg to do her business like the other females. Time -it is a good thing.

Visiting Havanese & Humans

Exciting times at the Talemaker Home. We have our son Joe that came home for leave from the navy and his wife. Kooba took a HUGE liking to Joe and Juliana and was playing with a toy with them.

We were told she doesn't play with toys but here she is doing just that. It's quite nice.

Well, we are practicing 'no bark' and not from Kooba who seems to be silent even though we have heard her bark when she wants to initate play and the other dog is not listening.

We have people working on the house outside and the noises is driving them crazy but finally - they have stopped reacting to every single sound. It's rather hard when they see people at your windows. hehehehe

If you are getting your house painted too - it's time to teach 'no bark' as it's a useful command. The painters said they were amazed that they all listened to me. Me too with all that distraction. HA!

Kooba Making Strides

We introduced Kooba to the craziness of Kat diving in the swimming pool. It scared her at first and she ran up on the deck but shortly after that she came halfway down to watch. Then the 3rd time she sat there and watched.

The dogs do this run after Nathan thing that is a bit noisy. It can be a tad overwhelming to those not used to it.

Kooba is making great strides and is trying to figure out where she fits in. She tries to play with all and that's a great thing. She's even correcting when she is not in the mood to play. This shows she is gaining her grounding. As long as she adheres to the rules and boundaries - and it's our job to have them - well life will be good.

This week we will have one of Wasabi's pups visiting and we will see how that goes. One dog at a time that she doesn't know - slow conditioning.

As you can see - she is smiling tons!

Remember slow conditioning is a good thing with non-rescues too as there is always something new that can startle but once aware - well it's no longer an issue. Take your time - expose in small doses - applaud when they find their coping skills and you will make great progress.

Catching the Havanese in Action

Risa says: Sometimes life is too boring around this place so we play these crazy games of run after an object that we assume 'could' be out in back.

It makes for interesting scenes of togetherness and if you can figure out what was really going on with the Abs here - well clue me in. Was it collide city or she just had to be ever close to Katsuro or WHAT! But hey - it was downright fun.

We are getting ready for the rain that is coming and they say it's going to be a truly heavy one.

So those humans have been taking us out frequently just in case we decide we don't like that wet stuff.

If those humans open the door and sit at the end of the deck - well one has to open - one has to sit at the end of the deck, we just explode out the door as if we are flying.

We can't help it. It's a dawg thing you know. No matter how many photos that human Mommy takes, they would all end up different too but Katsuro is 'always' first out of the door. What is that about?
You must know some humans that say 'me first' well Katsuro is a little like that but we love him anyways. hahahaha

You can click on the photos to see a larger view.

Just when you think it is all run and play, Abigail kicks it up a notch and takes a love bite at one of her other pack mates. You may so - oh oh - what is that about but it is strictly play and she has now managed to even get the adults in the act but not me - the Risa. I make sure when they ratchet it up too much, I go in and stop them and they listen. Oh - to have that magic touch. They don't call me the 'Queen Biach' for nothing but that human daddy reminds me that it's all in fun.

Someone has to control the crew. ha!

Havanese Fanciers Rescue

Here's the dog Rescue (Havanese Fanciers) is sponsoring. We just picked her up a couple of days ago. Just thought you may want to see a picture of her.

An elderly lady purchased her a year ago and is in no condition to care for her. Her name is Kooba.

Although we were told she didn't do well with a number of things such as other dogs and in our home - well that doesn't work, we are finding she is making very positive strides. Much to be proud over the strides with Kooba.

Dear old Abs works her magic again. That girl - well Beth (the breeder who kindly gave us Abs) - you have much to be proud of over her. I know I have posted her touch but she reels them in persistently getting them to relax enough to play. Check it out.

If interested, Havanese Rescue Chairperson, Paula Martel. She's staying with us for a bit.

Havanese Chillin' on a Cool Day

Oh my, those humans love the heat as they love that big wet thing they call a pool but I like the cool breeze blowing through my hair and chillin' on the deck. Life is good.

Do you want to do training with a dog? Take them for a walk. When a dog goes for a brisk walk, it creates bonding time, and when you return home to teach that new trick or command, they are more amenable to it.

There's nothing like a walk for you, and for them.

But Risa - well, she loves chillin' but we still get her walking and when she does - well she loves it. Try it!

Puppies - oh so Many Havanese Pups

Yvonne's puppies came to visit after their Baer test - all passed. They were amazing on the stairs. Abs and Kat just adored them and so did the Wasabi Woo. Nathan...well he is already lost when it comes to the little ones.

And to top things off - we have a skunk in our yard so our yard is unusuable - joy - not!

Yvonne's Pups Came For a Visit

Tomorrow look for photos from Yvonne's visit. Kat was actually happy - even smiling seeing the pups and Nathan - well we won't talk about him as he was over the moon seeing the little ones. (Nathan here - I was actually on the floor covered in puppies. Life is hard.)

We even had 2 take a swim. I guess they are Kat's kids after all. ROFL

More tomorrow...

Abs Says Fiona Pushes the Envelope

Well, Daddy is out of town on busy-ness and we are dealing with moms, walks and her food. Oh joy...but we got necks for one meals so yum.

Mommy thinks Daddy must be doing something she's not doing as they weren't crazy about eating today - including Fiona who needs to eat.

I am having a grand time playing with Fiona and Shoshi. Mom kept trying to get extra special photos but we were not cooperating. All she kept getting is hair and more hair but boy we were having fun.

Fiona: Tonight, a dog was barking in the distance and I started barking back and that got everyone barking. I thought that was rather fun but somehow that Mommy didn't think so. To make it worse, I wouldn't stop and Mommy was on the phone so I thought I was 'getting away with it' but she had something else in mind. She got off the phone. Oh Oh

I decided to be cheeky and growled under my breath. Oh, I did the semi-submissive stance just to placate her but she was none too happy. She brought me inside, talked in that funny voice that tells me she is serious and told me that she was not going to allow such cheeky behaviour. Oh well, it was worth a try. I have tried it on Risa and she shut me down after putting up with it for awhile. You see, I am cute so I use it. But - maaaah

Mommy says - rules, boundaries and limitations...and boy that Fiona is a step over the line dawg with that paw. You just adore her but she loves to see what she can get away with.

That Queasy Change of Food Havanese Feeling

I am not sure what Mommy did but I had a perfectly fine photo of me and she stretched it out - on purpose she says. I am Katsuro and I am the only male at the Talemaker crew.

About a week or so ago, that human mommy got a bee in her patootie that we needed to lose weight so she changed food. She was getting the idea that everyone was overweight - especially Risa with the exception of Fiona - who needs to gain weight and Miss Abs who doesn't really have abs at all but appears to be just right.

Well, we don't like it. We try to placate her and I get a downright upset tummy. Yes, we went slow but although we can eat every table scrap under the sun without this reaction, well mommy is doing too many wet bum thingies to me and I DO NOT LIKE IT!

So, she weighed the guys and yep Risa needs to lose weight so mommy thought - hmm let's start her exercise yet again with walking. We walked with daddy but he sort of does a saunter around the neighbourhood that burns about 2 calories. heh

Mommy decided to take Kat (who is 11.5 lbs and a good weight for his body) and Risa who needs tough love marathon business plan for a walk today and we walked at a fast clip. There was a lady jogging behingd us and we were doing a fast walk and we were keeping ahead of her. Risa said, "what's that about?"

About 15 minutes in, Risa had her tongue out doing this heavy breathing thing and Kat was still bouncing around as if nothing was bothering him. Mommy was dying like Risa. That's a good thing as this was her CRAZY idea and if she didn't feel what she was doing, well she may continue this craziness but no, she whispered - tomorrow - watch out - a tad further and see if you can keep up.

Risa slumped on to a pillow all wet - yeah it was raining, giving mommy the evil eye but that human knows she feels better and Risa feels better when she's not packing on those extra pounds. Still - it's not fun but when that crazy human thinks we are on a mission.

Risa:

Follow us on this goal to get fit before the white stuff flies too much. I will share if you share this craziness of getting healthy. Are you up for the challenge? What did you do today to work it? Me - I am hugging the couch and pillow for dear life.

Children & Havanese

Are Havanese good with children? We are often asked that question. Havanese can be amazing with children as long as they treat them 'right'. Just as they shouldn't tease other children, they shouldn't tease a Havanese either. Yes, they are playful but they can get hurt.

Havanese will bond to whomever treats them right and 'special' just as we tend to.

An addition of a Havanese with children in the house should take some thought. Do you have time? Will it be a welcomed addition? Will you find time to walk, train and invest cuddle time? If you do, that lifetime bond with your child(ren) can be unlike anything else.

Havanese can teach your children critical development understanding if approached the right way.

On the emotional level, pets can teach children many things:

Communication: Children learn the subtle cues their Havanese give them to indicate their feelings. They can later apply this lesson to human interaction because they are more attuned to watching for body posture.

Empathy: Children often become curious about the emotions their Havanese feel. This curiosity will extend itself to others. Animals offer an avenue for children to explore their curiosity. For a child, curiosity can lead to hope and to greater engagement with the world around them.

Nurturing skills: If properly supervised by adults, a child learns how to take care of another living being, and takes pleasure in keeping the Havanese healthy and happy.

Confidence: Children go through life under constant evaluation. They are rated by their behavior, grades and athletic performance. This is especially true of middle school children. A Havanese has no such expectations; they're delighted that the child is with them. Pets give children the sense of unconditional acceptance. No judging or rating is involved.

Resilience to change: Children who undergo traumatic experiences often cope better when they have a pet to confide in. Loneliness is very dangerous to children. Having an animal companion can make them feel a part of something. By adding a sport that they can share with their dog, junior handling etc - they immediately become part of a whole. Even without, they are now a dog owner and people love to stop and talk to those walking dogs.

A study published in 2000 explored the relationship between pets and children. Specifically, the study, conducted by a child psychologist in New Mexico, looked at the effect dog ownership had on 10- to 12-year-old children. The researcher, Robert E. Bierer, Ph.D., was surprised at the difference in empathy and self-esteem between pre-adolescences who owned a dog and those who did not.

Bierer's conclusions support the growing body of evidence that shows dog ownership has "statistically significant" impact on self-esteem and sensitivity toward others. He noted that teachers, parents and other children have expectations for a child to fulfill. A pet has no such measures of success or failure; acceptance is total, which provides a sense of self worth.

This doesn't necessarily mean that all children are ready for a Havanese. Parents should first make sure their child desires a pet before rushing out to get one. Make sure health testing is done. Don't buy from a pet store. Find a breeder who cares enough to do health testing.

Together, (you, your child and all family members) should decide what type of pet is best. Don't select one for colour. Colours can change in the Havanese and - well personalities - that fit should be right.

Moreover, don't assume your child will take care of the dog. The ultimate responsibility usually falls on the parent, not the kid, to make sure the pet is happy, healthy and trained.

Back to lovin' and playing with our gang on this rainy Saturday.

Havanese Fiona: Placates That Human

Fiona says: My sister Downsey tells me that at their house they are in puppy heaven and 3 puppies are still available to the 'right' home.

I am not sure about all those little things but Abs just adored them. Me, I want Abs to myself. Would you? Ha Ha!

Well, a storm is coming in. There goes those lovely walks or that human mom will have to put us in rain jackets or brush us when we come back.

The daddy has come back from that thing called busy-ness meeting. He made up for it by running around like a banshee pretending he could run faster than us. Think about it and it may conjure up an amusing visualization. We just placate him and pretend he can run fast too.

If it pours all weekend, mommy is going to snuggle with us on the couch and watch TV and relax for the first time in a long time. Hope you get some havanese lovin' in too. Those humans - at least here think there's nothing better.

More later.>>

Give Me That Colour Havanese

A number of people select their dogs with the colour being on the top of their list as a deciding factor. We all like various colours for a variety of reasons but the #1 reason you should select a particular dog is that dog works with YOUR family's lifestyle. That dog matches your family life.

No one knows that dog better than the breeder.

Still, we get the call or email saying do you have an x colour dog for sale?

Many dogs change colours. Kat, who I am snuggling with here was black and white for months and months. Then a tad of brown came in and then went to grey and white and now brown is starting to seep in. But that colour - although I like it doesn't tell me what personality is within.

Some Havanese are snugglers, some quite opinionated, some fun loving, some low energy, some even high energy and I see the disappointment - although they love them when they say I picked a x colour dog and they won't snuggle with me.

It's what is inside - not the aesthetic appeal but that charming personality that matches you or compliments you or even can add to your household but those are the things you should be looking for. Can that dog run with you and will he enjoy it (is he athletic). Does he like laying around or is he always in the thick of it? Is she a snuggler or Ms. Independent?

Each has its fit for the right family. Selecting a 2nd dog is even more important as it is critical to find a compliment to the mix. We have dogs all over the place in personality but due to that, each has their place without squabbles. Having 2 very strong and opinionated personalities in humans and dogs - well it can be interesting but explosive.

So next time you are looking for a dog, make sure health testing is done and personality is at the top of your list. After all, these dogs are truly amazing but each is unique and quite different even in the same litter.

Enjoy them. They are truly amazing beings!

Havanese: I am Unsure Daddy

Abs went to handling class last night and had a grand time seeing everyone. She seems to get along with everyone.

But then we went to go pick up some things from another dog person for the big Havanese HFC specialty that is happening near Halloween near the airport in Toronto and she saw a 3 legged dog and the tail went down, the hiding started and she just didn't know how to handle it.

The person we went to see, Paula told Nathan to pay attention to the 3 legged dog to get Abs 'getting' that the dog was okay. Then she started telling me and I knew but was rather surprised that she was reacting that way. I was lost in the 'surprise.'

Paula mentioned she had a 3 legged dog and her pack reacted the same at first. She mentioned it was the hopping and that made sense. Paula does rescue and therefore has a great deal of experience with it.

I find this to be interesting. No matter how grounded a dog can be, how socialized - it can still have something that seems to be so unusual to them that they don't know how to react.

I rather wish we had a 3 legged dog that she could get to know but we don't. This was a fair distance from our house but it tells me no matter how much you socialize them - there is always something they can be conditioned to and therefore learn - gain grounding and be a better dog for it.

The point is - keep socializing and pet that dog that your little one is afraid of and ignore your own so they 'get' the idea that this dog is fun and okay. It may not work the first time but keep at it and each time, well that unsure behaviour will dissipate.

Handling Class

Can I get away with mucking up in the dirt and then having Mommy say - well you are going anyways even if I need a bath - yep Abigail. A dawg has to do what a dawg has to do.

More later on how to handle - I don't want to do anything but play.

Havanese Say: Happy Labour Day

Abs says - no more visitors today. They all went home. sigh What do I have to do now? I guess tag your 'it' Fiona.

You don't know what you are in for!

From the Talemaker crew to yours - may you have a splendoured Havanese day.

We will fill you in on our fun after we experience it.

What we find out is as the pack changes - visitors come and go - the pack changes too. Abigail is playing up a storm with Shoshi and we couldn't be happier.

What a gal she is making everyone count. We could all learn a thing or two from that.

Well we did the fair, went in the pool and now are about to chill out, lay on the couch, eat popcorn and watch 'Prison Break'. The dogs LOVE chillin' out and watching TV and they do watch. It's also a perfect time to groom your dog. It's when you are most relaxed and that will mean your dog shoudl be too especially after an active day.

Hope you had a good one!

Tomorrow - the saga of - can I get away with...

Havanese Flying & Pups

If you check out Yvonne's site - Chicadoro Havanese you will see our visit this weekend. There's lots of puppy pics from running, to playing to even sticking out their tongue at another. The pups are a riot. Check them out.

Well, the weather is good seeing it's almost the end of the season. Not a raindrop in the sky. Nathan hit the pool with the pups and I went out there with camera in hand and caught Kat jumping in the pool.

Check it out and be sure to click on the pics to see a larger view.

I also managed to get out in the pool after I caught the action.

Can you believe the rain this year? Well, they say NO RAIN this week and that makes Havanese - well our Havanese happy campers.

Have you ever seen a Havanese look at the rain and say - hmm not me - no, I am not going out!

Then there are the kind that adore it. We have both. We force the ones that don't to grin and bear it so to speak. We place them smack, dab in the middle of the grass and tell them to do their duty but it's a riot watching the feet getting lifted as if to say, Daddy - that's wet grass - oooh.

Kat doesn't mind the wet grass. He doesn't mind the rain and he can't get enough of the pool. I guess he's a water dog.

It's as if it's his job. Every dog needs a job.

Well, we got to hang out with visitors, had walks, went swimming - life is good this Labour Day weekend - I tell ya. It's what the entire summer should have been like.

All our visitors have gone home, sniff, sniff.

Still, it's time to regroup - concentrate on us and then get ready for whomever is coming next.

Splash - ready for a cool down? We are...Havanese hitting the water and it's almost the end of summer.

Catch you tomorrow and here at Talemaker, we are hoping you end your long weekend in the company of a Havanese. It couldn't get any better than THAT!

Another Havanese Puppy Fix

Just got back from seeing Lola and Kat's pups and Maggie and Oscars pups. How cool is that?

We had great food, great company and lots of puppies. Abigail thought the pups were great. Kat only wanted Flora and Fiona was miffed the focus wasn't just on her. Dear old Wasabi was fascinated too. Risa - she just chilled out and this particular pup of Wasabi's that has been with us was checking this wee one out.

Fun was had by all. We will be posting lots of puppy pix tomorrow. There's only a couple of pups available from this crew. I am going to miss them.

It was priceless to see one of them toting away a slipper larger than its body. Got to love it!

More tomorrow!

Stop the Presses: Havanese in Action

We open the back door, I sit at the end of the deck and they come running at me so I can point and click.

I look at Risa and wonder if she ever was brushed in her lifetime.

I just adore that natural look.

Oh, she is brushed daily - actually just finished doing the crew, cleaning eyes, checking ears etc but those messy moments - well I treasure them as that is when a dog is being a dog.

There's nothing wrong with those dogs that just hang out but be still my heart when you see one leap or get creative or use their brains to get what they want. That brain, if cultivated is a wonderful thing.

Kat always seems to manage to get out the door first. What is that about? Is he quicker?

Well, perhaps but he is also an alpha who thinks it's all about him. Oh yeah - we have a few of those. He is also the most athletic of the crew so far but the puppies haven't matured yet and I have a feeling he best watch out in that department.

Here's Abs in the middle of the crew looking quite like a bear these days. She's happiest just playing. She doesn't care where she fits in she just has to fit in and they all love her for that.

Funny, even she is showing assertive moments lately. She tends to do tag team stuff with Fiona if it suits her cause - meaning what she is going to get out of it.

Our crew all eats together but we are on diets - most of us except puppies as we had pups then roads we couldn't hike in the winter. Yeah excuses but we are at it again. The humans around here have that attitude so remember they are a reflection of you so they too adopt that - oh we will get to it. We are actually very active even when we can't hike with retrieve and silly games but nothing like a huge romp with some new pals or a long hike to get you downright sleepy and tired and burn those calories.

Well, Fiona was eating extra food as she needs to gain a tad bit of weight. the crew had eaten theirs and was waiting to see if she would leave it. One came up close and she gave him a warning. Abs decided she would also give a warning as that was hers if Fiona was going to walk away. See what I mean...if it suits her.

Don't ever think the Havanese aren't smart. Their little brains are churning thinking up new things. It's better than TV.

Talking about TV, I can't wait till the new shows come on so we can do body hugs together and watch TV. It's those moments I treasure!

Till later!

Havanese Attitude

Havanese can have attitude. Each have their very own unique personality but some are born with that 'look at me' desire that I adore. Not everyone appreciates or even likes this attitude. Fiona has it going over the top.

What do you do when they buck the system - so to speak? You ask what do you mean by that?

Well, Fiona was laying on the bed with her Daddy and I came strolling upstairs. She didn't know who I was so she did a low-based grrr. Daddy - I am protecting you but also - this bed is mine.
Fiona has an attitude that makes you laugh at things like that but that's when you can get in trouble. If allowed, a dog like her will escalate and suddenly what you think is cute is no longer. It's best to nip it in the bud. They need boundaries just like that creative, challenging human kind.

I corrected her. She did the submissive roll to me. It wasn't me that was the target but rather what she can and can't control. She's a puppy and she is learning that life is about others - not just her. Some humans have an issue with that so why not dogs?

She will take a tad more work than say an Abigail who tends to comply and not step over the line but if you keep at it, she will be the dog you can't forget.

It's all in the way you handle it.

Interesting enough, I have found that a dog in my home may act different in another home and act even different in yet another home. How can that be? Are they wishy, washy or are they people pleasers? It's the latter and they will, even the most strongest personalities learn from you.

Remember, your dogs are what you put into it and what emotion you send down the lead. It's difficult to get into that mindset but that strong-willed dog needs you to be a calm assertive but so does that dog that is timid.

If your spouse or someone important to you is in a &^%$ mood, doesn't it affect you? Most will say yes. It's the same for the dog but you can't talk it out with the dog like you should with the human.

Fiona may always be a challenge all her life but not in a negative way but one who will try new things. Her brain is always ticking but she's also an emotional one and needs to understand that the world is not just about her. She's getting there but nothing is born perfect.

Again, they are what we put into them and if you are consistent and keep at it, you will have a truly amazing companion and wonder how you ever did without them.

I know I wouldn't trade any of my dogs for anything. They each bring something different to my life and I treasure that!

--Darlah at Talemaker

More Havanese Picnic Photos: Thanks, Jean!

Thanks to Jean, we have a number of new photos added to the slideshow. Her photos are noted with her name next to the filename.

Check them out.

Here's a photo Jean captured of Nathan getting his doggie lovin' in.

Would you expect anything else? Enjoy!

Be Still My Heart: Havanese Living & Enjoying Life

Hey guys, I am Risa - the black dog with white feet. That's why my champion name is Whitesox. I tend to manage the crew here but the humans here just won't stop till we are all having fun.

That human daddy was getting me going and at first the rest of the crew went - dare we play with the 'boss'? But play they did.

We just uploaded a video from the picnic hoping you will enjoy. What has become abundantly clear is we like to play no matter where we are. Maybe it's that Abs that won't stop or those humans or...but forgive us as we tend to be all over that video as we were the ones moving our ahems off and crashing on the way home.

Oh, there are plenty of the others human and canine alike but like we said - we are used to having CRAZY fun. Enjoy!

PS: Disregard the jerky nature. That human daddy is still learning. We all have to do that for the rest of our lives. HA!

What a Havanese Day

Have you ever seen a growl and a grrr and a roll and a totally wrestlemania rough-house experience with your dogs?

We had guests over that assumed they were going to kill each other but they were having fun.

It's important to distinguish between play and aggression. There is a huge difference but perhaps not to a person that hasn't seen both in action.

Puppies play as if they are going to gnaw each others tail, hair, ears or what have you off but they know how hard to bite down and if one was to go yelp, the other would stop and then continue and lessen the impact. They don't want to end the play and if they don't 'get' it, well they won't have anyone to play with.

If you ever saw your dog growling or barking at others when they are a puppy, often its due to their inexperience in reading another dog's language and them being not sure if the other is receptive to play. They will 'get' that. Some get it earlier than others but if you socialize - and do it often, they will get it earlier.

Just like us, they learn from their experiences - good and bad. We have to guide them down that right path of being totally amazing!

Rita & Yvonne's Havanese Picnic '08

Havanese Fiona's Shag Look

Fiona Says:

Daddy thinks I am a sheep dog. They say I am supposed to show natural but I can't see a thing. Oh the hair stays back and then I give it a shake and watch out!

The judge on Thursday didn't like Fiona's 'cheeky' attitude but today's did. She just has to gain a tad bit of weight and get fat - ROFL. So, the Fiona is on a high protein diet starting tomorrow and eating frozen raw chicken necks. We will see what that does. We may have to hold her in place to get her to stop expelling so much energy. Oh that human wishes she had that metabolism.

Well, we are still working on picnic photos. Some were corrupted due to a virus but we are recovering what we can. Look for them soon.

Katsuro & All Those Gals

Hi:

If you don't know me - bear with me and I will tell you a story...I am a boy dog and I was invited to Rita & Yvonne's picnic and there were so many gal dogs that my tongue was hanging out of my mouth.

My name is Kat and I wouldn't leave Abigail alone or anyone else that gave me a wink. My human says I need to get a life but Rita just had girls in heat in that yard and then if that wasn't bad enough, I went to Yvonne's to see my kids - yeah I get to have all the fun and Lola gets all the work. I know - you will say typical guy but give me a break. Did she ask me to help? ha!

I get to Yvonne's and I am banished from the house as Flora is flirting with me. See - it's not ALL MY FAULT!

Well, the humans met a lot of great people but the human mom was behind the camera too much. Next year when she has her own, she is going to do it with a photographer like she did last year. We wanted to do our own puppy picnic again this year but exhibiting at dog shows and watching dogs stopped life but we adore the dogs so...it is WORTH IT!

The human mom wishes she had more time with everyone and there are so many new dogs and many missing dogs from years past. Precious little ones.

We saw amazing dogs that were worth watching like the Moj - my grandpa, soaking in a pail of ice meant to cool the drinks (it was bloody hot). Such a smart dog. Many were trying out the agility stuff. Plus the run-like-hell game was a tradition that was practiced over and over.

Fiona thought she could protect the water bowls even trying to keep the Moj away from them but that human said - uh uh. Abs was leading the pack at times saying 'catch me.' No wonder she doesn't have her top hair - silly gal but fun she was having and to those humans - well that's how they like it.

On the way home the crew slept like they hadn't slept for a week. Nothing like expeling energy.

To all the people we met and all the ones we didn't have enough time to chat with - deepest apologies but we are hoping we managed to catch some of your dogs. Do try to connect with us sometime and visit us when you are around our neck of the woods.

Watch for the slideshow tomorrow after our show. Yep - we have a show in the morning.

Picnic = Bath or Does it?

They say there's a Havanese picnic tomorrow and I am going with 8 of my favourite friends or so those humans tell me.

If I don't play too hard - maybe I will get away without a bath. I will let you know when I know.

Photos to come after the picnic. Mommy promised LOTS!

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!