Sebastian's New Family

It was 8 degrees (Celsius) today. It rained off an on for most of it. The snow has been melting so much that steam was rising from the ground. The dogs came in from playing in the backyard soaked to the skin. Kat couldn’t care less. He’d have happily stayed out all day.

Now the temperature has dropped dramatically and the wind is howling outside. The temperature tonight is supposed to reach -6 not counting the wind chill factor. In other words, it’s going to be freezing and the roads are going to be totally iced over and treacherous and so are our backyards. If you don’t have to go out, stay home! And please don’t spend too much time outside with your dogs or puppies tonight, just enough to do their business and get back inside. Dogs can get frost bite too!

Sebastian left us today. He is the sweetest little boy. He’s going to a home where they know dogs! I’m told he’s already met his two new four legged companions, both Labrador retrievers that only outweigh him by 90 lbs. Knowing Sebastian he’ll have no problem establishing dominance, licking his way to the top of the pack. I’ll post a picture of Sebastian and his entire new family as soon as I can get it. In the meantime those wee Labs better leave room on the bed for the new king. I taught him martial arts for nights like this.

Nathan

A New Havanese Journey

It's wonderful to hear how it all unfolds. It helps this crew here immensely. What can we say - we love the little ones...

Chico's new family (2 of the members of his new household are in the photo here) said...My eldest is still saying "pinch me. I must be dreaming"

It's so hard to say goodbye to the little ones you nurture, comfort and fall madly in love with but nice when it all comes together. We look forward to visits from Chico's family and Chico, of course.

Precious that they found time to share and we appreciate that!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

For those that celebrate the holiday - Merry Christmas from the Talemaker Crew, Nathan, myself and all the canine crew and for those that don't, and those that do - may next year bring you and your Havanese an amazing year filled with special memories. Be good to each other and great things will come from that.

For those that have our Havanese, give them extra hugs from us. Send photos that we can share and post.

The 3 remaining were quiet for a bit and so was mommy Wasabi but that Sassy gal got them all playing again and all was well. They all have to take a bit to adjust to this change but they will and then when they come to visit, they will have a roaring grand time then be ready to go home again. It all works...and we get to see them. Stay in touch...

Sebastian goes home tomorrow - Remy Monday and then I start doing serious training with the Sassy gal that I will share - the good, the bad, the funny - all of it so you can get inspired too.

Coach Goes to His New Home

Coach left today for his new home and family. They are wonderful people and clearly dog lovers. I understand in a few weeks Coach will be going skiing and snowboarding. I look forward to seeing him on his very own snowboard doing nose and tail rolls, a natural for a pup!

Did I mention the very best part of Coach's new family is that they live 5 minutes from here? :-)

I know you will all join Darlah, Wasabi and I in wishing them congratulations and best wishes.

By the way, please feel free to comment on this or any other post we place on the blog. I notice that Darlah posts every day but rarely does anyone comment. Please don't hesitate to do so.
-----Nathan

Two Goes to Their Forever Homes

Well, the Coach has had his bath along with Chico. They have been fluffed and dried and loved and played with and soon they will be on their new adventure.

Here's human breeder daddy giving snuggles to Coach and canine Mommy Wasabi is looking on.

She's done well getting them ready for their new adventure and we can't wait to hear all about it.

We will be filling you in on Chico this afternoon.

New roads to travel, many new experiences and lots to love them...nice!

Last Week Toronto Havanese Pups

The pups start going home tomorrow and this is our last video of them being together. One Sassy Girl Available to the Right Home. She's an amazing dog. Watch as we train her after the boys leave the nest.

I hope you enjoy it as we have enjoyed them!

Havanese Big Dog Socializing

Here the pups are hanging out from just coming in. What you can't see is the other retriever is on the other side hanging out with the rest.

Two of the pups are going home tomorrow - 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon. Another is going home Sunday and another Monday and then Sassy Lass or Sassy Fraz or whatever her name will be will get dragged to our bed begrudgingly - yeah right. You think she'll go kicking and screaming?

As you can see, the dogs have no fear around the big dogs and good old Tux that is at Rita's now was the one that used to ride on Katsuro's back like a horse and he would allow it. They have really had great socializing experiences - great memories imprinted and soon they will be on a journey to make even more solid memories to imprint and remember - new relationships to build.

We are attempting to find the time to do one more video before the crew goes with Tux and then the rest. We are hoping it will get done today. In our packet we want to include all the photos - good the bad - the what was that - ones along with the videos to CD so the new owners can treasure their start and watch the changes. This crew - and I know you think we say that about all - but really we do not - is the quickest crew - ahead of the usual development - fast to learn - an amazingly easy crew that we will miss - so you all best come and visit and let us watch them when you go away - or even visit while you go shopping. Yes, we want to see you but most of all - well we want to see Sebastian, Coach, Chico, Remy, Tux and Sassy Lass (when she goes) and we mean that. We want you to come to our yearly picnic and lean on us if you need anything.

We are going to miss these guys. After they go to their new home, we will continue to add things to this place to help you with your dog and hope you send us photos and tidbits so we can post and share so the siblings can see what you are up to.

Well - back to puppies and getting ready for tomorrow. It all comes way too soon but I imagine not soon enough for you. That, I truly understand. You are going to love these guys. I know, we do.

Havanese Tunnel Stylin'

Today we are hanging out in the tunnel and had 5 dogs - count them 5 in this tunnel. We just adore the flurry of activity that goes on with this thing. Here Sebastian is just sitting - posing right on top of Coach and Coach doesn't seem to mind a bit.

On the other side you have Chico and Remy and Sassy gal ran into the cube - the tunnel plowing right under them all. What fun they have with this fabric toy that can go into the wash and look fresh and new.

The crew was playing with Momma Wasabi and Katsuro and in a flash - after much back and forth wondering if he could do it, Coach was up on the couch after Katsuro. Oh my, two dogs that acquired that skill and that tells me how Chico got up on the couch the other day. I thought hmm climbed - had to be but no, jumped. Wow, what athletic abilities this crew has. I guess when you are motivated.

We didn't manage to catch him jumping but here Coach is on the couch playing without and appearing fearless.

We also heard from Rita that Tux is doing wonderfully and snuggled right up to her in bed the first night. Nice and no accidents. He's a smart one and glad he is adapting so well. We figure in a month or so, he may be giving Minnie a run for her money and having a grand time as the best of pals. It's hard for the pups to go for the humans here but great when you hear how they are adapting. We can't wait till our picnic when we gather them all together. Counting the days...

Well, we have visitors. This is Gidget watching the pups. She has cleaned them all, played and snuggled with them - nice to have her drop by.

Well human daddy will be adding more later.

Comfort Seeking Havanese

Well, another day gone by and already they are playing their little hearts out and Coach decided it was time for a nap. They do like the comfort of softness - I tell you.

The dogs will be getting fluffed and dried and smelling wonderful before they go home but in the meanwhile, with all this melting going on, well they are 'mucking it up' and getting that lived in look but despite the whiteness of their coat, they don't get dingy - just look at Coach in this photo and see what I mean - nice and their mom is like that too. She's got that lovely silky hair that seems to let it all glide off and that's a good thing seeing Wasabi likes to play 'catch me if you can' under the deck. heh

Yesterday we had them out of their xpen most of the day between play sessions and company coming (Linda with all her help - thnx) and Alex - well another guy that just adores the pups - nice - well they were busy.

This morning they were back out doing their duty and coming into play. Chico stood at the door to go out so he could do his duty. He's a good candidate for bell training as he sits and looks at the door and you have to see him but if you have a bell, he will tell you vocally.

They are really a smart crew and I do not say that lightly. They are fast sponges wanting, willing and fast on the uptake - ready to learn.

Our friend Yvonne just had a litter and they are right on schedule with Wasabi's - faster than usual to walk, climb etc. What's in that water lately?

Just Another Havanese Night

I was sharing this comment and a few other things with our new puppy owners but then realized it might be of interest to everyone following Darlah and Wasabi's blog that they write together each day. So here it is...

I went into the pups this morning at approximately 6:15 a.m. They had gone to sleep last night around 10:30 p.m. Although we do leave out water we have now stopped feeding them during the night so their last meal was around 7:30 last night. This morning they ate everything. We fed them the dried kibble from Fromm’s (Chicken a la Veg), sprinkles of grated cheese and sprinkles of chicken that we had baked and then put through the Cuisinart so that it was chopped up into little pieces. We didn’t even add wet food. And they ate it all up which is great. About four hours later we did it again and they ate half of it. In between they have played outside off and on for hours, played in the kitchen on the tile floor and in the rest of the main floor on either tile or hardwood .They are quite frisky. I love the classic Havanese "pounce" that some of them have taken to using. It gives them more of a chance to stop on a dime and take off at a dead run in a different direction, say like when Darlah is trying to get them to come into the house. And now they are all sound asleep in the x-pen beside Darlah's desk. Soon I'll come sneaking in and liberate them again.

We are all going to really miss these wonderful puppies but especially Wasabi, Darlah and I.

Nathan

Deep In Thought or Wait

The dogs really had a great time outside today as it's a tad warmer but wetter. Here's Sassy looking a tad wet but sitting and waiting for the others to come on in too.

When the boys came in, Sassy led them in the game of tunnel jumping where they all jump in the holes and chase her. She's our highly creative one thinking up new games to make you smile. Now where is the video camera when that happens....

Now the pups are napping. They do a fair amount of that too but they are also getting to know that we get up, go outside, do our business and eat and go outside and do our business - well there's no slouches here!

Havanese First in Our House

Here's Chico Chillin' this morning and when we woke up this morning, human Nathan found him where? Chico was sitting on the couch in the whelping room - no this is not a short couch and he was looking down at his siblings that were trying to get to him and he couldn't figure out how to get down. This is the very first time we have had a pup climb up on the couch this early. Oh my - such amazing athletic abilities.

Our couch is attached on one side as the wall on one of our x-pens. We had it set up that way to enable Wasabi to jump in and jump out early on to feed her pups in the middle of the night. Not to worry, Chico's new owners - he will be fine in an x-pen with all walls vs one wall being a couch but now know he is capable of getting up on the couch but hasn't figured out how to get down yet.

All our Havanese sit on our couch with us so maybe he just figured - hmm I can do this. It's really unbelievable what this crew is capable of. They are amazingly agile but so is their Havanese mom who flows with grace and is faster than ever.

The crew also likes to pose whenever you get the camera out. Something about - hey - they are doing that thing again so let's strike a pose. This morning, Coach was a riot as he jumped straight up to the camera and I was laughing so hard, I couldn't catch him in mid-air. I swear, he knew and was having fun with it. I can't believe how high he can jump. I am amazed at their abilities - nice to see they have mommas genes in that regard. We will have to find out if the sire also is like that. Some are better than others but this crew is amazing.

What has become abundantly obvious is this crew LOVES - no adores the tunnels. Keep that in mind. More later....

Havanese Off Day

We had an off day last night. Not sure it it was going to bed too early, the youngest human son entertaining friends at 2 or was that 3am that woke up the house or the lack of Tux so just an adjustment but at 5am, the pups needed to get up, go out, do their business and come back in for a nap and now they are back again. Do realize that changes often create an interruption in their normal schedule but they will adjust and get back to it. Just play with them before bed and their usual is to sleep through the night.

With so little sleep, human mom took photos of them going outside and there was no memory stick in it. We had a dear friend that was supposed to come today and we put that off till tomorrow.

By the time I got a stick in, only the gal we call Sassy was outside running her fool head off and enjoying life. She's really a nice dog filled with enthusiasm - that extra something that reels you in and dangerous for us as we have a full house.

The crew just ran and ran in the backyard seeing it's not as cold as it has been. Watch out though, they love the sticks and plants these days as they are going through the - if it can fit in my mouth, it must be good stage. It means the teeth are still coming in and they are soothing their mouth. Teeth soothers, bones etc will help.

Here's a photo of Chico who is sitting in the tunnel after eating. As you can tell, he is in need of a bath as he rather enjoyed his food tremendously today. He's not getting a bath till he goes to his new home as you do not want to dry their skin out with too many baths so just to note on that in-between time, buy some Waterless Bath for that in-between time and it's as easy as spraying on and wiping off. I spray it on, comb it through and use a baby wipe to remove the excess. It's not their direction but it works for me and I found out how well it did when traveling and having a bum to clean up. It gets any odors off and keeps them looking fresh in-between. I believe Petsmart, Global etc. sells it.

Also, if you buy bathing tethers, its useful as it loosely goes around their neck, sticks to the base of your washing basin and frees up your arm when you are bathing. I know Petsmart sells them. It helps when giving a bath.

The crew is quite lively now and will eat chicken in dried kibble too and do so with love so that's good too if you want to just add some cooked chicken to their dry vs. the cans here and there.

By the way, I can't emphasize enough how much they adore tunnels, caves, anything to hide and play in. The cat department usually has such things but they literally will play for hours with our tunnels and now that they are out and about at times, they also hide under our Ottoman and jump out and play. It tells me how much they like the small spaces to hide and jump out of and even sleep in. We do have a crate that is wired and they like to sleep in it when they can see out. Keep that in mind when buying your crate.

More later...

Down To Five

Well, today we are down to five. Our show potential Tux is off to Rita's house to his new home to play with new pack mates. The house is a bit emptier.

Rita came by today, Kat's brother and human dad and the dad's mom with 'Little Dickens' came by. It was a full and busy house and human mom here had to build a page on Pamela Anderson getting yet another divorce - geez.

Not much to report other than we had a ton of fun today. More tomorrow...

Havanese: You're Accusing Us of WHAT?

We really like hanging out outside of the xpen. We have had a lot of freedom today and made a couple of mistakes but all and all, we were rather good at hitting the mark.

Remember that car bed that the humans got?

Well, we rather enjoyed it but we love jumping on it, hiding in it, laying in it and smooshing it and pulling on it - oh my. Who us....you don't believe it - do you? Still, it's a mighty comfie item to enjoy and we were just having fun...really....

Remember you can always click on the photos to see a better view and this is another photo of the crew enjoying this bed. They couldn't get enough of it. It proves that the pups rather enjoy cave type beds, tunnels - things they can hide in and have fun in. Keep it in mind when your buying that holiday present or that new puppy present - think cave, tunnels - something to hide in and sometimes it can be found in the cat department of your favourite store.

Then when the crew had enough, Tux climbed on, claimed it as his own but refuses to take any responsibility. heh

The pups had their chances to go outside but found it a bit too blustery and came in quickly spending most of their time playing inside the house. That's okay as the humans were running out of steam from all this shoveling.

As you can see, they were still having a roaring good time. Here the sassy gal we have was having at it with Katsuro. She's not afraid of anything and tends to have a roaring good time with playing games - hiding, pouncing, batting the Katsuro around and he is such a good dog as he almost smiles when they do that.

These days, mommy Wasabi is playing an awful lot with the pups. She is such a great mom and just adores the little ones. It is nice to watch her show them how to play, when enough is enough.

The pups are really enjoying her and they absolutely love being with the larger dogs. Tux even kissed Whitney on the nose today and then laid right down next to her. Ah...puppies...last week for some...and they have so much to look forward to.

Havanese Say 'Let it Snow'

We are all settling in for a huge storm. The pups have been really active, playing their little hearts out - inside/outside. We hear tell the humans around here shovel paths so we can have a grand time. So, bring on that snow!

We have had a busy day today. We had a ton of play time and we are enjoying having more places to investigate.

Yikes - daddy is calling the gal Pistol Pete - one wonders why...

Oh My Havanese Trouble Or What?

Here I am with the crew but I selected one where my face wasn't scrunched up as they were crawling all over my face and I was trying not to laugh too hard. Here is Tux giving me kisses. I am afraid we are in big trouble with him.

There's only been one dog that has been able to stick up to our Queen Biach, Risa - our Havanese who rules the house of the dogs with much love but doesn't let anyone mess with her with the exception of Katsuro and now dear old Tux sauntered up to her dish while she was eating and anyone knows the Risa is a major food hound - you do not touch her food - well she growled at Tux - he backed off - thought about it and decided it was worth the challenge and ended up eating out of her dish with her eating too. Now, the dogs are not food aggressive but Risa will let out a growl to say - ah - wait - I get it first. She looked at Tux, let out a sigh and continued eating. It was priceless. I guess she rather likes him. She tends to get really attached to dogs that stick up to her. ROFL!

Our dear old gal decided she was going to bark and I looked at her, put my finger up and didn't say a word and she stopped. It tells me that body language must speak volumes. This is the formative years and it is important to get them to follow the rules by correcting in a positive way. Now if we could just get her not to run under the deck like Mommy Wasabi taught them.

Wasabi tends to be a troublemaker - not in a bad way but she LOVES to tease. Here she is with a chicken strip and she's saying look what I have and you don't. She even saves it after the others have had theirs long gone just so she can covet it in front of the others.

We are allowing the crew to have their play sessions in a larger area of the house. We now allow them in the kitchen and in the hallway with the other doors shut. We place a pad down in various rooms so they can hit the mark. As you can see, they are still hitting the mark. We just have to remember - outside after eating and make sure the pads are in all the rooms they are in.

The crew is really enjoying their freedom and even some go and investigate even further than the others, as you can see here. Tux tends to check out everywhere. He's highly curious and too smart for his own good.

Well, the crew is sleeping again and soon we will be back to having another play session and one on one training. They adore the one on one time and that's nice.

Wasabi was outside earlier chasing them all over the place and they were chasing her. It's amazing that even with the ice, how good they are at maneuvering. I just wish my body was able to be as easily as theirs. I can't wait for the ice to go. Oh well, I best get the Yaktrax out. It's time.

Havanese Resting Style

We have now started taking the dogs out immediately when they wake up before breakfast and just after they eat - this way they get used to going outside to eliminate. Then we have a play session in the kitchen and back for a rest. As you can see, Coach is out like a light resting after a great play session. We will soon be off to do another one shortly.

The pups are destined for a bath sometime over the weekend and then before they go home - well 4 of them. We will be showing new owners how to snip nails, brush/hair - whatever you need to do and arming you with food/fave blanket/toy and all sorts of reading material along with your shots, contract & much more. It's going on the last week for some of this crew...sniff sniff but rest assured, they will bond with their new owners and remember love is rules, boundaries and limitations. What that means is they are in essence babies and need to know your rules. Do not get caught up in the - oh they are so small and cute (I know they truly are but shhhh don't let them in on that secret) when they do that rule breaking thang unless you are ready to have it become a usual. They are people pleasers but need your guidance. This crew is so incredibly smart too and I don't say that lightly. They are fast in climbing, quick on corrections - nice.

More later....

Winter Fun Photos

New Toy For the Crew

We got a new toy today - a bed in the shape of a car. They got so excited with new things. We find that new toys create new interests and new fun. That is why it is so important to rotate toys. An hour later, they are still playing in it. It's a win/win when they spend this much time with anything. Not everything excites them so but the tunnels - another win/win.

We are always scoping out new, interesting toys and will continue to do so even after the pups are gone. It's important to stimulate their minds and by doing so, they make you laugh, become solidly balanced dogs and they get to be all they are destined to be.

Here's a different view of this new toy to give you the idea of what it is about. It comes with a pad that is cushy and can be used as a carrier though supposedly but not sure if I would rely on it for that.

Over the last few days a couple of dogs found their bark - first one then another and we are correcting that and its as easy as saying shhh and putting my finger up. It's only once in a blue moon that they are doing it but by correcting it right from the beginning, you avoid correcting an out of control habit. Some people allow things early on as they think it's cute from a small dog and then it gets to the next level and you have your work cut out for you to retrain. Training from the start is easier than retraining.

Some dogs love to hear their own voice and if allowed to get out of control, then you can end up with a barker. There are times that you may want your dog to bark but that's up to you to praise when they are doing it at the right time and correct when they are doing it at the wrong time. They are smart enough to get that.

Most Havanese are not barkers but there are the few that as we say love their voice and love to control their universe with it - if allowed. This crew is so smart that positive correction works fast and easily. That is why you should always let your little one know the rules you expect them to follow and correct in a positive way. The end result will be a fabulous dog that everyone wants to be around.

Havanese: Where's the Treats?

The pups are one day short of 9 weeks and are now starting to get too smart for their own good. heh

We started teaching them sit and with some 'beg' -meaning standing on their back legs but yesterday one stood up and overshot his stand and went tumbling back. He perfected it though the next time as soon as the treats came out.

Nathan takes chicken breasts, cooks them then cuts them in thin strips and bakes them for a long time to come up with a treat that they adore and we leave it in the fridge.

This morning, after a really restless sleep due to a leg cramp that kept coming back, I placed the container in the other room with the other treats where they do not belong. I then remembered and headed back in to put them in the fridge.

Well, here is two waiting for the treats that they know are there and as soon as I picked up the container, the others came running and one sat waiting while the others were beside themselves in excitement. Now who was the smart one. Well, the one that sat got his treat. Later on today we will continue to reinforce sit and 'beg' and take it from there.

Time is running out and the 2 that will remain till they have homes will go into our beds - I know crazy us but all our dogs sleep with us so with those 2 we are already getting them familiar with the bedroom. Six pups and adult dogs is so much work if you really put your all into it and we do but that also means we get so attached. We are going to miss this crew as each one has been truly unique and wonderful and easy. But we feel good that the homes they are going to are exceptional and that's what it is all about.

Puppy love ...nothing like it. So far we did one training session, 3 outside romps, 1 long kitchen play session and now they are out like a light snoozing. Life is good and we must have done something right in this world to have this puppy experience - nothing like it!

Talemaker's Pups Lovin' & Playin'

The Havanese pups soon will be 9 weeks and off they will go to their new home by months ends. Two will remain until we find forever homes for them and while they do, they will be enjoying, loving and playing and keeping their minds busy helping them to be all they can be. Watch how Havanese mom Wasabi now plays with them and so does human daddy.

Today we reinforced sit and had Tux learn 'beg' heh - well standing on one's back legs and trying to be cute. He got it way too fast as we had Nathan's dried chicken that he makes and they adore it.

It's getting too icy out back so we won't be doing another run out back unless it improves. We don't want hurt legs from slips and falls. Poor human daddy took a spill already. Here's to warmer weather or more snow.

End of a Havanese Night

I just love the Havanese. They are so quick at finding solutions. So, the water dish is too high - no problemo!

Well, another day is coming to a close. The pups have had a ton of play inside/outside. One found its bark and human daddy corrected him and he listened.

The crew is starting to react to their names and they get terribly excited over the silliness of human daddy. It's easy to get them in the mood to make you laugh.

Ah...Havanese...nothing like them.

Havanese Outside Fun With Human Dad

You can't see the whole crew in this photo but they were out there for hours today. Look at the big dog just lazing out on her back. Does that tell you she is comfie around all the little ones or what.

The gang couldn't get enough of being outside as its a tad warmer and they were inside and outside really enjoying themselves. Human daddy had them out for a long time and now they are fast asleep. One even did this low grunt when I went to cuddle as he wanted to sleep. Oh my....

Today, human daddy went and got Merrick's Winglings and they can't eat it fast enough. They LOVE it more than anything else they have had. Plus Wasabi tries to steal it every chance she gets. She was miffed at human mommy as we said NO - its for the puppies.

Last night Coach had visitors - his new owners came to snuggle and tonight Chico will have his owners visiting and we will have to show them how the pups are really getting this 'sit' business down. We are hoping we get it so solid that we can introduce another command.

Well, more later...maybe daddy will add what he experienced outside.

Holiday Times

For those that celebrate Christmas, we placed up an article on keeping your Havanese safe during this time.

This is a photo of one of the little ones after tuckering his little body out playing outside. One has to laugh as they didn't like outside at first but for short periods of time to do their business and run around and play - well they come in quite tuckered and need their rest for more exciting times as the day transpires.

For those of you that celebrate, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi, Eid and any I forget - my apologies from the Talemaker furry crew - may everyone's celebrations bring you amazing fur bearing celebrations that memories are created from and tales are told throughout the years to come.

More One on One Time With Pups

Teaching the puppies to sit seemed to come very easy to these little darlings. Tomorrow we are working on Puppies and Advanced Human Psychology or how to make your new owners sit up and beg!

As most of you know, we had five boys and a single girl in this litter. Naturally the girl is the feistiest of the lot and I love her personality. So, shhh, don't tell Darlah, I made a point of being so busy talking to all our possible new puppy owners about the boys that somehow the girl isn't going anywhere. I'm shocked. Somehow they all assumed the girl was taken. Go figure. Anyway, suddenly my wife noticed. I have orders to find our beautiful, intelligent sassy lassy a home. And I don't want to. So when I say pass the word, "serious enquiries from serious people only," I really mean it. :-) If you know someone interested in our beautiful little girl, please contact us directly.
Thank you.
Nathan (the little known other half of www.talemakerhavanese.com)

One on One Time With Pups

We took the pups - one at a time out to the kitchen to test them on how fast they could learn the command 'sit'. We need to do this daily to reinforce it but the gal and Tux wasn't doing so hot (then it dawned on me I can't teach Tux sit - duh as you do not teach a show dog 'sit' at this stage). We used small pieces of Baby Bell Cheese for treats (rewards).

We then changed to chicken pieces (tiny ones) and started taking the other dogs out and either we were getting better at the technique or they simply liked the chicken better. They got the treat/reward for doing something quickly. Nice! Then I went back to the gal and to Tux and tried it with the chicken teaching Tux 'come' between Nathan and I and the gal 'sit' and suddenly they were doing really well. Hmmm must be the treat that counts. We plan to do this daily so you can have a dog that sits on command. Maybe we will teach another command next week to at least get a couple of commands down. This way you will have a start in training.

It shows you that at 8 weeks they are quite receptive to learning. You just have to take the time and if you do - wow - it all comes together and it is so worth it.

Well, no photo tonight. We took a video of the dogs playing with their canine mom but I haven't converted it yet and after a busy weekend, I want to have some downtime so more tomorrow. The pups - they are amazing and quite the fun lot.

You Can Teach Your Havanese to Dive

Many Havanese really like to swim but it matters how you introduce them to the sport. If you create a high level of enthusiasm and a great deal of praise, you can end up with a dog like Katsuro that has a passion for jumping in the pool. In this video, you will see how Nathan started him out by getting them all excited at the diving board then coaxing him to jump in. Then he praised him greatly in a really upbeat manner and it created a swimming monster - hahahaha - well not quite that but he adores the pool and can jump a far distance now. We believe it's important to find that passion for us - for our canines and when you do, you have a truly happy dog that makes you laugh and smile and they look forward to what the next day will bring.

Our Wasabi was just finding her passion for the pool but ended up pregnant and on another life journey so the practice jumps didn't last long. There's always next summer for her and for you.

Be sure to continue our Talemaker Havanese adventures at http://www.talemakerhavanese.com/ where there's always something new going on for our crew. It's pups right now and then we will move on to other things.

Havanese Hanging Out Tunnel Style

There is nothing better than this tunnel for the little ones. Even Wasabi manages to crawl in but these little guys - well they just play, sleep and hang out in it. This morning we put it back in their x-pen for further enjoyment.

We have already been outside, had a run out back, kitchen play session and hallway run and the day is just beginning.

Mommy is no longer feeding us at all and she is doing fine making the transition. We still think about it but she manages to correct us and we 'get' it.

more later...

Havanese Life Lessons

Today the crew was full of it when they got up. Oh, they quietly waited till the downstairs pen was ready but they really wanted to run so human mommy took them out back where they perfected their leaps off the stairs, ran their heads off and enjoyed the outside.

Then human daddy took them out back, In-between they had dry Fromms food with a tad bit of cooked chicken mixed in and they loved it. No need to soften the food any longer. It's interesting what happens in a matter of days.

The guys are doing a lot of troubleshooting from jumping onto mounds of snow to cushion the jump to finding creative ways to get what they want. The manner they run through the tunnels now and play games is amazing. Each week brings new ways of doing things and perfecting what works.

What was funny was although we had a low water dish, a few tried to drink from the high one as you can see in the photo. Chico just saunters over and drinks - forget about climbing.

Here's another day of the pups wanting to feed from mom but mom and us not allowing it and they are getting it. I figure by mid-week next week, it will be a fond memory. Chico is trying his darnedest to get under her but what you won't see, as I didn't manage to capture it was her low growl telling him - the milk shop is closed. She plays with them - but as a first time mom, she is also learning how to get it across to them that I just want to play but your food is over there. It's all coming together. They are 'getting' it - some faster than others.

We have a full day today and human mommy and daddy's oldest son is watching the guys tonight while they go visit the grand kids. We are all sleeping and now its time to fit a shower in - human mommy says - so more later...

Long Havanese Day

Lots of visitors today. We did the outside thing and are doing rather well bouncing and running around outside these days. We keep perfecting our skills of stairs with icy snow, and paths and snowbanks etc. We are doing great! It's a far cry from when we first went outside.

Most of us have names now, Chico, Remy, Coach and Sebastian. The show potential Tux - well we need to name him - ideas? Then we still have that spitfire gal and need to name her something that speaks volumes about her personality and if we don't watch out, human daddy would keep her but daddy we have enough doggies - hehehehe still she's a absolute keeper.

Tomorrow Katsuro's brother and mom is coming to visit. Then we have Louis parents stopping by. We rather miss having Louis around for his visits so this will be a good thing.

The crew really enjoyed the visitors and the exposure is getting them used to people - all a good thing but oh so tiring.

Human mommy is already saying best crew we ever did have...sigh..going to miss them - for sure!

It's all Mine

To end the night on a fun note, human mom thought you may laugh at this incident of one of the pups saying - even in my sleep, I am watching you - now leave my food alone. It's all mine - you hear - all mine!

Wasabi's 8 Week Old Pups Life Lessons

It's so important that pups do not go to their new homes too soon. They learn valuable lessons the last few weeks that will help them throughout their adult hood.

Wasabi's pups are 8 weeks old now and full of vim and vinegar. The games they play are delightful and they really enjoy being outside.

Now that Wasabi has all but stopped feeding (they still are trying but we are not letting them), she can now play and teach them and that has already begun. Each day they perfect a skill or learn something new. It's nice watching them run through the snow and investigate all the world has to offer. There's nothing like the Havanese...nothing.

Havanese Raring to Go

Now that the milk bar is almost closed (mommy Wasabi is weaning the pups off) she is now getting to play with them. It's nice as she loves playing with the pups.

Well, daddy took us outside today and we had a roaring good time perfecting our run then came back in and then wanted out again. We ran all over the security cover then wasn't sure how to get back off of it considering we would have to plow through snow to do it but we all found our chutzpah and found a way off while Tux and Remy stayed on the deck. We are starting to run faster each day. Now we are worn out and sleeping.

Daddy got mommy a new dryer so we are going to get a bath today. Gee, human daddy - thanks a lot - heh. Well, human mommy says if daddy didn't give us lamb - we could have gone a few days but lamb did not agree with our tummies - first thing that has given us upset tummies.

Well, more later....

Eight weeks old today - oh my...

This is How Havanese Play

Today Mommy Wasabi and Katsuro was playing inside and outside today while us youngsters watch them. This was mommy's 101 lesson on how your flirt with the boys and it was Katsuro's lesson on patience brings great things as he's been waiting a long time for Wasabi to get back into play mode.

She's also been having a roaring good time with the puppies. It's nice to watch. The pups tried the Merrick's lamb mixed in with the Fromm's kibble and only half is gone. It's not that they hated it but not so in love with it either.

More later. We have company and human mommy is not feeling all that well so nap time sometime before then.

Baer Test Passed & Much More

Well, the pups came home and Wasabi didn't go with us so she would start her conditioning of the pups leaving the nest, so to speak. They came home and she climbed up on the table to watch them and shook her hair tie out. Havanese love high spots.

All the pups passed their Baer. They have had a pretty busy 2 days and we are looking forward to getting them outside and unwinding.

Their respective weights:
1. The mostly white one is now 3lbs 13 oz
2. The gal is 2lbs 13.5 oz
3. Remy (black left ear 2 spots) 3lb even
4. Double black mask 2lbs 12.5 oz
5. Mostly black (tux) 2lb 11oz
6. Half mustache like his mom 3lbs 9 oz.

At birth they were:
1. 5 ounces
2. 5 ounces
3. 4 ounces
4. 4 ounces
5. 4 ounces
6. 4 ounces

They all grow differently and its not necessarily an indicator of their adult weights. Katsuro was the runt of the litter and is now a solid 12 lbs. He did most of his growing from 4 months on.

Our vet was impressed at how early they climbed and walked. I am finding the entire litter quick to catch on and patient as well. It's a winning combination, in my book. I have had wild thoughts of giving back deposits and keeping them all to myself. No worries - I wouldn't do such a thing but I just adore this crew and there's not a single one that doesn't amaze me in one way or another or make me laugh.

Well - more later....

Next Day After Vet & Before Baer Testing

The crew already ate and won't be eating till they get back from their hearing test. The lone gal is sore today and expressed it vocally this morning. No one else has. She is staying away from the others and this is highly unusual for her but we figure the soreness will go. No fever, no signs of anything else but soreness where the microchip is.

Mommy Wasabi is almost done weaning the pups (it means they are allowing her to play with them now - hooray) and she likes their food (Merrick's Wingaling) mixed in with softened Fromm's kibble that she ate it all so fast that we had to take her out of the room. This is the 2nd time she devoured this particular meal and the pups love it too. Wasabi - no fair - you are stopping feeding them so leave their food alone. :-)

Today, one by one I am going to work with each dog and see what they can do and how fast they comprehend. I tried tiny pieces of chicken as treats from my hand and they went CRAZY for it. So, now I know I can use chicken as a treat when training. Over the last few weeks, I will try other things.

We have found the dogs DO NOT like Fromm's salmon or duck but adore Fromm's chicken thigh, the Merrick's Wingaling, Puppy Plate, Grandma's Pot Pie, Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Cowboy Cookout and we will try them on others. We do know they like the Fromm's dry food softened with our own chicken and steak cut up or shredded in the food processor and mixed in and these two things also do well as training treats as noted above. We will try a few others but really like the quality of the Merrick and Fromm's foods plus adding our own rice, veggies, chicken, steak depending on what you have on hand. We are also giving them goats milk by itself and they rather enjoy that. Do not worry but we put together a package with things they do well on to hold you over for a bit with all the instructions on how much.

We are not finding they have any issues with bowels that some dogs experience with a variety of foods. Even the duck, and salmon that they did not like didn't create a problem but they simply smelled and ate very little.

After the Baer, I will post all weights and results. If anyone else is looking for a puppy, please let us know. We *may* have one available and our good friends had puppies from our Risa's daughter. We saw them yesterday - well I saw them and dogs stayed in the heated car and Nathan snoozed and then Nathan saw them. I am hoping Yvonne posts some photos. In all my excitement, I got some great photos and some not so great - figures. Well, we were tired after the vets. This vet takes a long time checking, ears, eyes, lungs, knees, weight, doing nails, teeth, bone structure, shots and microchips etc. that a couple of hours later we were out the door after 6 pups. We are hoping the hearing test goes much quicker. Pups were amazingly good and the vet staff loved their crate and toys and bumper pads I created just from blankets etc. Toys R Us has some great baby toys that hang on crates or go on mobiles etc. and we are finding they rather enjoy the comfie environment. They initially fussed when they got into the car (they are not used to being in such close quarters with all 6 together) but they soon played and travelled well. I even brought an extra crate pad just in case we had an accident but it wasn't needed. Still, I will bring one today as it's that Murphy's law - if you do not bring it, you will need it.

More later....