Chico's Settling In

Chico is a pup from Wasabi and had an accident this past week. It seems he swallowed a knee high nylon and had to have an operation.

Luckily it was in the stomach so he won't have any issues with his bowels but he will have this cone head for bit.

We were hoping that he would be able to sleep with our son Jonathan but he has huge tests in university so it looks like the guest room for one of us. heh

We are going to strive to get Chico to be all he can be till we find him that 'right' forever home. It doesn't look like we have too much of a job and that's nice.

Usually when you get a dawg back, you wonder if there was something else beyond what they tell you so it is hard to understand. You want to understand so you can help the dog be all they can be. For Chico, his family never owned a dog and between this operation and feeling guilty that he was home while they both worked and the kids went to school - well now we are looking for a new home for him. Chico thankfully had the stocking in his stomach vs. the bowels.

But first, we will be allowing him to heal, (no medical issues will remain from this except learn from it all) getting his staples out, taking him to obedience (yes we signed him up to be in Coach's and Fiona's class. ) and we will be sprucing his coat up and enjoying him.

What I can tell you is he is very people, kids and dog friendly. He is adapting to this cone head but our little ones reacted way funny as if he was from outer space. It's good conditioning for them as they learn to accept something they are unfamiliar with. Coco really couldn't figure it out at first but it all worked out, as you can see.

I am waiting till he settles totally in and then will be grooming him up, giving him tons of snuggles and in a few days maybe he will get to meet Coach and Sassy again. We shall see. He already has Sebastian here so it's almost like a reunion.

Yes - it's less than 2 weeks and Nathan has to whip Abs to 'just perfect' state but we will love her even if she can't get over her exuberance on a heel. Handling classes for her tomorrow and training today for her and the rest of the gang. Will I fit in a shower...ROFL Yeah when Nathan gets home. Crazy dawg life but how can you help but love them.

Top Havanese Dawg & Dirty Legs on Walks

Okay, we believe in having fun around here and we mean it. Who's top dawg in this photo? hehehe
Well, we have had a busy day today. It started early and it was too wet on the deck from morning dew for human daddy to hang out on but he gave it a shot this afternoon.

Remember you can always click on a photo to see a larger version.

Talking about hanging out on decks, I take photos of decks but rarely lay my ahem down on one. The floor in the house is a different story.

Well, I managed to take a photo of our Wasabi who hasn't been cleaned now for a week and still, she is the only dog that still feels silky and looks great messy - don't you think? That gal gives stylin' a new name - I tell ya!

I gave Sebastian a bath today (yeah he needed it - as you will see below) and he has the same hair as she does. I hope he keeps it as hers never knots and is so silky.

Well, Nathan did training with the dawgs today. Miss Abs wasn't behaving so he quit on her - hahahaha and then a few hours later went back to it and she started acting up again and he got her on track. His goal is to kick ahem in handling class - well I think it is.

We also went on walks and I am not sure about these people that let us watch their dogs. We surely let them get D-I-R-T-Y. They would be flabbergasted.

Must be some of that desire in us to let them be dawgs despite having to wash them afterwards. Here you can see poor Sebastian's legs. Got to love it! He surely did chasing Katsuro and Shoshi and Risa around the playing field filled with wet and mud and oh my...

But all was not lost as some of the crew went to the forest and stayed dry and didn't have to get washed. I can't imagine washing all 10 in one day. Thanks to the little silver linings in life.

Well, Coco is surely getting along with the crew today. Here she is off with a walk with her sister Fiona. As I type, she's laying under my desk snuggling with Fiona. Life is good.

More tomorrow. We may be losing Coco to Yvonne's house tomorrow. We shall see.

Chillin' Havanese Sunday

The pups are at it bright and early today. Coco slept in the bed and slept all night. Her last feeding was at 530pm and she barked for her breakfast. That's a sibling trait - I want it now.

Fiona's been sleeping all night for quite awhile with these arrangements so we figured we would do the same with Coco. It's working and her comfortability has increased. She's doing stairs, jumping on top of the crew to play and learning that endearing pounce and then move fast so they can't get me back. Yeah - it's a game they play. It's fun to watch.

It's rather cold outside. I was hoping for warm. It looks like no more rain till I don't know when so after our walks, it may finally be time to get the crew washed up one at a time.

Coco will be heading out to Yvonne's come - tomorrow and Sebastian is here till the 21st. Sebastian tends to mix it up on a level that Abigail really enjoys. He's such a lovey even when I brush him daily and doesn't forget there is a treat at the end.

Poor Coco was not pleased with the grooming but with lots of kisses, hugs and snuggles she survived and got excited with the treat. I suspect today's grooming will be much easier. Shoshi had mega grooming as she managed to drag in sticks, leaves and anything else that would stick to her hair but after daily grooming, they just lay there and wait for their treat.

Yesterday Nathan did training with Abigail, Sebastian and Fiona for the ring but let's say - training again today as they have that jumping in excitement thing down too well at times. We are making progress but maybe with less than 2 weeks away for Abs - her training has to increase to 2 times a day. Will Nathan have the energy? Time will tell. hahahahaha

Well, I may crawl back on the couch and snuggle with some dogs. I promise you training photos later. We may even have a walk or two mixed in. slideshow coming. :-)

Oh - and Sebatian has found his way to Katsuro's heart. He was seen letting him snuggle and even playing their hearts out bigtime. Imagine that.

Rockin' & Rollin' Havanese Wet Style

We are rather tired today as Coco (name spelling correction as I found on her collar) couldn't decide - bed - crate - bed - can I go out now? But that happens at times when it's a new place and she will get tuckered out and have her bearings today. She's already playing with the crew as you can see in our bathroom. She even growled boisterous Sebastian away who tends to love the physical full on play that Abs adores.

This is great for the pack as they learn to interact with each dog and read signals. It's a bonus - even with a lack of sleep to have the visitors. Our goal is to help the pack help others and therefore help themselves. it does work.


It's really raining and we are constantly cleaning floors. It's way funny though as I take my foot and shove a towel around the floor and the dogs chase it, lay on top of it and play as if we are in midst of a game.

Here I am snuggling with a few, hair not brushed - soaking wet just enjoying.

I can't imagine what life would be without the dogs. We adore then so and we rather miss puppies. It's an amazing amount of work the way we do it but wow what you get back!

More later...

Fiona's Sister is Here!

This is Fiona's sister, Coco. You can click on the photo to see a larger version of this photo. She's a cutie.

She's settling in and starting to hang out with the crew. She had an overwhelming welcome as the dogs were upstairs and rushed the door. There goes my plan to introduce one on one but she's eaten, (no issue), is starting to get to know the crew and is really doing well. I figure by tomorrow or even tonight she will be doing run-like-hell.

More later as the dawg life unfolds.

Junk Yard Havanese Style

These are our darling junk yard dawgs - well one is ours and one was from our Wasabi's litter and is visiting - Sebastian. It's rain - rain and more rain the next few days and little Fiona said - I don't do rain so she went running back in and started circling behind our table and I grabbed her, took her back out and she actually sighed as if to say - okay - I will take a shower and do my business - if I MUST!

Now the duo here - Miss Abs and Sebastian didn't have an issue in the least with the rain and neither did Katsuro. Our issue with them was getting them to come back in before this human was soaked to the skin. They don't get that I didn't enjoy having water drip off of me. ROFL.

Now that Fiona is getting conditioned to this rain, she's a wet rag and I am trying to get her in too. Can't have it both ways, I suppose!

Later today, Fiona's sister and family is coming to visit and Cocoa will be staying here for a few days till Yvonne comes to get her on Monday - me thinks. She may have to wrestle us for her but hey we are in for some fun this weekend - wet, dirty fun but that's what baths are for and warm fires in the fireplace etc.

Oh - and what is sleep? Sebastian and Abs has decided at every bedtime, it's time to start playing - ON THE BED and full steam, stumbling, tumbling all over me. I have to try Risa's way of dealing with it - a sharp grr and they move away ROFL but she has to keep doing it - kids...what can I say!

More later>>

The Jazziest Havanese

Just wanted to share this photo we received from our friends that own a really 'must see' store called 'Eye on Fashion' in Richmond Hill for any gal that loves clothes. The best part about visiting this store is you get to see Jazzy as he is often in the store greeting everyone. No, I don't make a habit of giving anyone plugs but the clothes...and Jazzy - and the owners - well it makes you wish everyone ran their business like that.

Jazzy every now and then comes to play with our gang but we will wait until its not muddy as he always looks so clean and handsome unlike a few of our dogs at the moment as every time I clean them - well they find the mud and my white tiled floors reflect that...sigh. Wasabi is the worse as she loves tunneling under the deck and teaching the pups all sorts of things.

We may be - well Nathan may be - bringing either Abigail (she needs to do her socialization stuff for the ring in 2 weeks) or Sebastian up to see the Jazz.

Cocoa comes to visit tomorrow and we hear - rain, rain, rain all weekend. We are wishing Yvonne well in the ring this weekend as she is in Harrisburg, Pa.

More later as the day unfolds.

Stoned Havanese Vegging With Fave Human

It's not a great photo as I was taking shots into the sun but dear Miss Abs came back from the vets after getting 2 of her canines pulled and she is stoned on morphine - chillin' out in the backyard on the deck with her fave human. That's okay as tomorrow she has to get show training busy. Today she has the day off. :-)

If you are getting your dog neutered or spayed, this is the time to deal with any teeth that just don't want to come out like Abs. Hers had roots that were larger than the actual tooth.

We have a great vet who let us bring in our crate so she can feel comfie.

Nathan also dropped over to Yvonnes to hang out and wait for the Abs with a few of the other dogs. He also managed to get a few photos.

Here you can see Rita's Minnie chasing Wasabi's Sebastian, Rita's Opal behind them and Downsey and Fiona behind Opal and good old Terra laying on the deck.

If I have any mistakes in this, forgive me. I will fix it tomorrow. I have a very conked out Abs laying in one arm while I try to type with the others. She never lays here for this amount of time as she is always too busy playing so I am treasuring the moment and dealing with the difficulty of typing.

Remember you can always click on the photos to see a larger version.

I asked Nathan to take photos so I could see Downsey's colour and to see if she is the same size. She looks like the same size but wow that colour. We are really getting excited to see what Cocoa looks like - their other sibling who comes on Friday. I will have to remember to charge the video camera.

Well more tomorrow. It's way too hard to snuggle and type.

Havanese Deep Dark Secret

Fiona: I have a huge secret to tell you. Human daddy signed me up for a show this month. That means I have to hold my tail up, get manhandled and move when I am supposed to.

Do you think I am going to have fun? Daddy promised me a huge steak if I do well. The bribes have already began. Do you think he'll go for .....?

Should I ask?

Havanese Deck Vegging

Okay, we let the dogs kiss us after they have been known to - fill in the blank and then we lay outside on the deck, reading a book and chillin' with them. Life couldn't get any better.

Nathan is on the deck surrounded by two of Wasabi's 6 month pups lovin' it!

Take a look at their latest video so you can catch them in action.

Nathan always shakes his head at all these moments I capture but they are moments to be remembered and saved always. Ah...nothing like the Havanese!

Video: 2 of Wasabi Pups, Let's Go Crazy

My does time fly when you are having so much fun. Two of Wasabi's pups have been visiting our resident crew of 6 havanese and 2 retrievers. Check them out in action on this video and see how much they have grown.

They are now 6 months old. It's hard for even us to believe. Gad - we just adore the pups. We must have done something right to have them in our life! Take a look....

You should see how Wasabi lights up when they come. Hey - they all do!

Muddy Paws, Sticks & More

Coach went home last night and we got to see Sassy when they came to pick her up. She had a really small incision - much better than when Shoshi had hers.

We woke up to quiet with Coach gone.

I took them out back and even Kat was mixing it up - chasing Sebastian and Abigail. It was great and I only got 3 of them on camera where all of Kat was just a part of him as he tends to run way too fast.

We are in for a meltdown and had much junk strewn all over our floors - leaves, sticks - all in their hair and BLACK feet but I am not washing them as they will be back out getting black again. I will do a waterless bath tonight and wait till then to groom them. There's never a quiet moment with these guys.

Fiona's sister comes this Friday and we are excited. Abs gets a couple of teeth pulled this Wednesday and gets to do handling class. We are into teaching heel and stand and undoing the sits and downs - fun and we are exposing her to all sorts of strange dogs in Petsmart. She seems to do great with the dogs but hesitates with some people that really were afraid of dogs - strange in Petsmart and yes, they said that. Halfway through our Petsmart visit, she was saying hello to everyone. Progress - we think. We just have to keep at it as she is destined to walk the runway. hehe

More later...

Havanese Testing the Space

Well, we are still jockeying for who gets what. The usual spot for Abigail and Fiona is on the back of the couch. After some serious playtime, they need a good brush out and Coach decided the top of the couch was not only for Fiona or Abigail much to the 'Hey it is NOT' that Fiona vocalized.

I have to say, every now and then Fiona needs someone to say - no - I am not following YOUR rules. heh

Then while I was watching 'The Wire' with Dennis, Wasabi decided she was also going to tell Fiona that the top of the couch was hers too. Not a good day for Fiona but she's dealing. Like I said, the pack is still testing the waters - which is quite normal.

Nathan is off walking 2 dogs at once. He walked the Coach first as he always loudly vocalizes that he thinks not being first really isn't fair. Usually that's not the way we handle it but the youngest son needed to sleep so we made the decision to do what we thought would work. It didn't. He decided he wanted every walk. :-) So, off outside we went with the rest of the crew playing yard games and now we are back in.

Usually we find Coach playing with Sebastian and Abs playing with Fiona but every now and then, the whole crew mixes it up bigtime. It's great to see.

Both Coach and Sebastian are incredible snugglers. It's great to have them in bed with us.

But - exercise is a chore for me as every sit-up is seen as an invitation to play. But, I am laughing and I keep trying. Now to figure out how to get them exercising beside me instead of on top of me.

We are going to do training this afternoon, grooming and vegging. Besides - Nathan will have to rest those legs after these marathons. Still, we are lovin this havenese lovefest!

Havanese Sebastian: Destruction City

Darlah says: Sebastian is looking around saying to himself - wow mud, muck and all that fun stuff. Glad these people haven't a clue on how to garden. They ought to send all these plants to Yvonne's house and let us have more freedom to get into trouble.

Nathan says: We had a beautiful garden, full of flowers and green growing things. And then Sebastian came to visit. Devestation followed in his wake. Wait unti I speak to his human mommy. LOL

Darlah says: Yes, the snow is going and the mud is disgusting and yes we even have plants poking their green little whatevers out of the ground but even if you click on this picture to see a larger version, you aren't going to see a glorious garden here.

The boys are really settling in and we have caught Katsuro playing with Sebastian when he thinks we are not looking.

The crew is ravenous. We swear it has to be from all the activity. Both Coach and Fiona were saying - FEED ME and they meant it. I think they are burning it off from all the non-stop fun. Video we have - just have to edit it down to something you may want to watch vs. hours. heh

Nathan: By the way, that shiny silver can contains their dog food and they know it. :-)

Havanese Relationships

As you can see, Coach and Sebastian were mixing it up but what you can barely see was Fiona also in the midst of it.

The gang has been going since 5:30 this morning. I think they are laying down for the first time now at almost 2.

Nathan managed to get some video. I have to see what it looks and get that up. I also got a ton of photos but this crew is so fast that I got the back end, the side - the what have you. Those go in the delete bucket.

Nathan was complaining profusely how slow our digital is and thought it was the battery but shhh it really is slow. ROFL. You have to anticipate the move and take it the moment you anticipate. Don't we all know what's going to happen next?

Nathan did walks with all - much to the amazement of his legs. He doesn't do short walks and the dawgies appreciate that. I practiced some 'stand'. I also line combed all the dogs with the exception of Shoshi who gets it tonight when I watch TV.

As the snow dissipates, all sorts of yuck is cropping up and the dogs love it.

Me - I am going to take a nap and will fill you in later - maybe look at the video - something or totally veg but we shall see. I promised the dogs a solid game of retrieve today and I keep my promises.

We are thinking of Sassy and hoping her recovery is fast. She got spayed and had 2 baby teeth yanked out and we hear she hates that plastic conehead. They have to think of a better system. We used onesies - yeah for babies, for Shoshi and she liked it much better. Of course you have to cut out a hole in the flap or take it and pin it up each time they go but much better than that plastic thing around your neck.

Well, the couch and rest is calling me so I can be all I can be, later.

Training: The Stubborn Havanese Stand

Well, lots of posts today so scroll on down.

Let's see how this human's life went today and I will be filling you in on the DAWGS!

First thing just before breakfast I clean their eyes. They all get a treat and all it takes is a squirt of cleaner on a face comb and comb the sleep goobers out and that's it and they get rewarded for allowing it. The first time you do it though, they think the comb is going to go into their eyes so they move in a strange fashion but they soon get that it's harmless and they get rewarded at the end. We also do this just before supper too. Yes - everyday!

We also had our brushing in but its wet out so it wasn't a line combing but just a quick brush.

As you will see below, we also played games today. I didn't take as many photos but hey - we were busy.

Then we did training. I took each dog into our kitchen and worked on heeling and standing. What - standing is so natural. Well it is but not after you learn to 'sit'. Sitting is simply more comfie. So, as you can see here, Miss Abs was standing but her tail was half down and everytime I used the clicker, she sat. So did Sebastian. So did Katsuro. argh. But we made progress with each and either I will be doing this daily or Nathan. They actually ADORE the training - seriously! Risa and Coach were so excited about it that it was almost difficult to get them to calm down.

With Coach, he has classes with Fiona on the 24th - we think. We just got our confirmation. He will be learning to 'sit' at first so that is what we worked on. He kept jumping on me. I kept moving back and each time he sat that clicker went off and I treated him. He LOVED the training.

By the way, no issue getting Sebastian's attention. He just didn't get that I only wanted him to stand and heel. Click - down - oh you don't want down - okay sit - what not that either?

You have to have a positive attitude and know that you are helping your dog, stimulating their minds and helping that dog be a dog that everyone adores.

We are going to bypass the 'sit' command with Fiona till after she is finished showing. To undo a 'sit' is time consuming and can be difficult but like I said, we are making progress. We will be doing all commands in stand position.

Tomorrow we will line comb all the dogs - start bathing if it is actually warm - a couple of dogs here and there but if I hear rain is coming, well - I will wait and just brush. It makes NO SENSE to wash to only have them a mess the day after.

Tomorrow I may play 'hide the treat'. We shall see how that goes. It depends on sleep tonight - mine of course. hahahaha dawgs recover faster than us humans and manage to get dog naps whenever they feel the need. We need to learn from that.

Read more of today below in the next 2 posts.

Stimulated Minds

When the weather is muddy, wet and mucky, it's important to stimulate your Havanese's mind. There are all sorts of games you can play, from retrieve to hide the treat to hide and seek & much more.

Here's two of Wasabi's pups - our visitors checking out this ball. This is the weasel ball minus the tail. You push a button and it moves all over the place by itself.

The crew was rather brave considering that I don't think the visitors ever saw one. I remember a few jumping back, looking confused but eventually having fun with it.

These two approached it as if they were going to slay it, pouncing, trying to grab and getting frustrated when it went under the couch and they couldn't fit but Fiona could.

They really enjoyed the game. Try to think of fun games to stimulate your dog's minds when the weather is not good.

More later.>>

Bloody Gad! Havanese, Snow in April

It's April, folks - can you say that and understand that we had wet, damp, snow coming down on the Havanese crew. Here they are saying LET ME IN!

The photo quality is poor. I was too tired to have the right setting and although it was dark - it appears light but also grainy. So, sorry.

I think Miss Abs is jealous of Sebastian but also smitten with him. What a ball of fur and confusion.

Coach came by today. His pack mate Sassy is off to get the fix at the vet. We send her much love. He'll be staying here for a couple of days so she gets a chance to heal without his help.

The crew has been playing non-stop for hours. It almost boggles my mind how energized they can be but I am waiting for the dry weather and will start filming their craziness and I do mean their craziness.

You can often see them practicing their version of 'Dancing With the Stars'. I do believe they have the moves down. Care to name the dance?

Well - will fill you in later. I may take a nap with the crew but I think if I did, I may feel the pitter, patter of little feet all over my body. Want to put the $$ down on that?

Home Week at Talemaker Havanese

It's been a fun day, today. Here's Abs, Fiona, Sassy and Coach hanging out at the pool waiting for Sebastian to show up.

Sassy is off to the vets tomorrow so she was hanging out, playing and having fun before she needs to rest for a few days. We also managed to give Coach and her a bath and wow do they look good.

We started the bath late but Sassy went out and headed for the mud so I got to do her under carriage, feet and neck again. Now we have them going out on leads to do their business so they don't get dirty just so they can look all so cute for their human packmates.

Check out the Sass after her bath - all spiffy for the vets tomorrow. I fed her treats, gave her kisses and made her feel great about the experience. That is what it is all about. If they relate the experience to a good one, then the next time it will get easier and easier.

Gad, she has such soft and white, white hair. I just adore putting my fingers through it and I hope her human packmates love it too.

The Coach got a bath next and he's a dog that looks great scruffy.

There are some dogs that do and this crew - Wasabi's pups - well that 'just let the hair fall where it goes' looks so great but groom them up and wow!

But Coach decided he was getting off the table. He kept shaking his head for the camera so what you see is what you get. Here he is looking at the camera as if he was saying - are you done YET?

I gave him hugs, kisses and much love but when it came to doing his stomach on his back - watch out but we managed to do it and he looks so boo-ti-full! Yes, I mean beautiful - handsome.

Still, well worth it and each time it gets easier when you groom them - wow, a handsome guy all brushed up but as you can tell, he is not smiling.

You take him off the table and the smile creeps in and he's ready for play.

It's as if he said, okay, I am done and ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

The crew loved the get together and so did Momma Wasabi. She gets right back into that mode of playing, protecting and teaching. She gets way excited to see them too.

As you can see, the crew was ready to go out in the back but Sassy and Coach had their bath so we had to put leads on them and lead them to the snow to do their business.

That worked great. You can tell that they are walked as they did really great on a lead.

Well, we are back again. Coach and Sassy was just picked up. I was in the middle of brushing Sebastian.

It's rather mucky out there so he was rolling around with the best of them but we hear there is rain for tomorrow so his bath will have to wait till sun and dryness arrives.

Sebastian is staying with us for a bit and he is mixing it up big-time with Fiona and Abigail. They are going to sleep tonight. He's so excited, it's as if someone put a battery in him and wound him up and the gals LOVE it!

Coach comes back for a couple of days starting tomorrow morning and Chico may be visiting on Saturday.

I will fill you in more on the antics of the crew but they are having such a roaring grand time that I want to watch so maybe tomorrow the video camera will have to come out. I am charging the camera.

Catch you all tomorrow!

Abigail Attends Handling Class

Abigail and I attended our first Handling class together last night. She becomes eligible to be shown in the middle of April. I was hoping to get her ready for her first show in about a month. That remains to be seen but we did not get off to a great start and of course I blame myself. Abigail is magnificent in every way.

We pulled into the parking lot at handling class and exited the car. I had her in my arms as the parking lot was quite muddy. We walked around the car we had parked beside and came face to face with a beautiful Great Dane. That was a little much for her.

Keep in mind she's in my arms and this Dane, standing on all fours, is looking her in the eye. Oh oh, I thought to myself but it was ok.

We continued on into the community center and she slowly relaxed. She is not generally intimidated by anyone and she proved it not much later when a Beardie pup came over to play.

At over 8 months the Beardie pup was easily 4 or 5 times the size of Abigail and playful as all pups. This particular Beardie was raised with a litter of Havanese. So naturally she came over to play.

Abigail put up with it for a minute, being quite familiar with Yvonne's Beardie, then snapped at the Beardie puppy and growled in her face. The Beardie hit the floor, backing off completely. She tried again a few minutes later and a low growl backed her off again. Abigail really was not intimidated by any of the other dogs although she was leery of the Dane.

There was another Havanese in the class, Apple, one of Yvonne's that we'd not seen since she was a small pup. Abigail greeted her properly but in Handling Class we are supposed to focus on our dog and ignore everyone else's.

I also knew the instructor, Julie, a Beardie Breeder (we were surrounded by Beardies) and a few of the dogs there. Should be fine, I hoped. Nope, Abigail decided she didn't feel like walking around and refused to heel, period. They asked me if she'd ever been on a leash before. I sighed, quietly, inside.

As many of you know that follow the Talemaker Havanese Adventures, I tend to walk them daily. Abigail has been on 50 walks, always on leash AND she's a graduate of Obedience class where she learned to sit, stay, come, down, HEEL etc.

Her and I walk daily. She just decided that she wasn't interested in walking down this path this evening and refused to move unless I was heading for my coat hanging on the back of a chair near the door, or the exit. She didn't want to sit, she wanted to lie down.

Keep in mind in Handling Class the dogs must stand throughout. No sitting in Conformation.

Darlah wasn't there to film it or you'd be laughing at my antics, down on my hands and knees, one hand under her bum, the other under her neck trying to get her to stand, tail in the air, head up, encouraging her for all I'm worth, rewarding her at the littlest hint of forward progress. Same with heeling.

Keep in mind this same little girl knows how to heel perfectly, has done it every day for months. Not yesterday. I couldn't coax her, I couldn't make silly sounds and movements to encourage her, I couldn't outright bribe her with treats. Nothing worked. As soon as I let her go, she went into the down position. An hour later it was time to go.

Stay tuned for the further adventures of Abigail the Magnificent One and her idiot Handler.
Nathan

Training, Handling & Stubborness

First of all, when the pups include Shoshi in play, she just adores it. They were having a mad time running, hiding, pouncing and all the things pups should do.

Tomorrow we have Coach, Sassy and Sebastian coming. The Sass is going to get all spiffied up as she gets spayed Friday and we will do the same with Coach just so his sister doesn't look better than him. You know the male ego and all. ROFL!

Oh puppy heaven tomorrow - it can't get any better than that - can it?

Handling Class, Wind & Havanese Play

We captured a windy moment out back filled with much ice and mud and muck, sticks and leaves. These are all things the dogs love. heh

The puppies adore the wind and so does Risa. The pups would stay out for hours if allowed. I want warmer and dryer before I move the portable out there.

Miss Abigail is off to her first handling class tonight to see if we can get her ready for the Lindsay show this month. Human mommy is not going in case I am a factor in her motivation and she's going hungry. That's right - we are starving her. ROFL Well - for an hour later than her usual dinnertime so she eats there with treats - chicken, liver, all good things - yum. We will report tomorrow how it all turned out but no photos as the camera person - the human mommy won't be there.

Today the puppies were really full of it as you can see Miss Abs flying through the air getting ready to pounce on Fiona but don't you worry - Fiona gives it back.

Miss Fiona gave me trouble with grooming again. She's not all that crazy about it but when I really get mad but she does stop. :-) It's that look - you know.

Oh - more later....and videos when we have Sebastian, Coach, Sassy and Cocoa. I promise!

Teeth, Eyes & More

If you have an extra toothbrush around for your Havanese, well put some dawg toothpaste on it and let them chew it especially if they are teething. It doesn't protect you from cleaning the teeth yourself but if you can combine teething with toothpaste - hmm better than chewing some other things. Just a thought.

Also, if you clean the eyes with a face comb, it makes a huge difference but you need to do it daily, imho.

We talked to Remy's parent today and he was going to get a haircut. I can't wait to see how he turns out. Photos - please.

Also, Coach will be joining Fiona in obedience at the end of this month and Miss Abigail is starting handling tomorrow night. Exciting times.

Sassy is getting spayed this Friday so she will be coming over for a spiff and clean along with Coach to play with Sebastian.

Sebastian is coming this Thursday while his human parents go on their honeymoon. Cool!

Cocoa, Fiona's sister is coming next week too - can't wait!!

Human mommy was way too busy today and so was daddy so no walks - that means no energy expelled (sigh) but no cleaning feet and tummies. Can't wait till better weather. We did manage to run out back - rare we don't get a walk in but it does happen especially that daddy who makes sure of it!

Oh..and this human mommy is back exercising at 5am. Try exercising with the Fiona - yeouch - pounce, jump - argh...almost impossible. daddy says put her in her crate. I said sure - and I can hear her barking at 5am. Not her...she wouldn't do THAT - would she? Tomorrow will be telling.

Will report tomorrow. heh

Grandpa Mojo Agility in Action

We have some climbers here and some jumpers. You can see Fiona climbing up Whitney without a care in the world but we don't think Whitney thought it was all that fun. Still - she adores the little ones.

But the king is Risa's dad, Katsuro's grandpa and Fiona's great grandpa - the Mojo. Check out Mojo practicing his agility with Willard.

More later as the crew does their thang today!

Vets, Weight and Much More

We went to the Big Apple today to see the vet. We also got to see Yvonne, Rita and her crew and picked up our Wasabi woo from Lex's place - the vets. We are excited to have her home with us. Though, I am not sure she is overly thrilled with me as she got a bath today. ROFL!

Me thinks she will survive - don't you? I also have to clean up her feet as she is getting that flipper look on them.

We weighed the duo today.

Miss Abigail is now 9lb and Fiona is 5lb 8 oz. Here you can see them after the vets watching that weasel ball and trying to figure out why its moving on its own.

The whole gang got into playing weasel and it distracted them for hours while Nathan was doing plumbing and tile work and all those fun things that come with a house.

Miss Fiona is really sore after her 3rd shot. Abs just went along to get weighed and Wasabi is now home with us.

Miss Abs starts handling class this Tuesday. We will fill you in on where it goes and soon her first show. Exciting times for her and the handler - Nathan. :-) I get to groom - groom and groom.

More later...

Self Stacking Trouble

Abs Says: Sebastian, you best practice your stacking. Miss Abs seems to self stack. Okay, she has a stick in her mouth but we COULD airbrush that out.

Gad - it's starting to become spring and the pups are - well getting into T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Sticks, leaves, mud. I gave them a bath yesterday and today they are a sticky mess and we haven't figured out how. So, I figured I would have to wash them up before tomorrow's vet visit - maybe just a waterless bath so I gave Nathan the 'go' to walk Miss Abs. She adorse the walks. Miss Fiona is just starting to get that enthusiasm. It's not there yet but neither was Miss Abs at her age. It's going to be a very fun season or lots of work or both.

Weights tomorrow to see how much the crew gained.

Monster Havanese Shoe

Well, little Miss Fiona is chewing - teething and I caught her eating daddy's shoes. We won't tell if you won't. ROFL!

Now I could spray them with Bitter Apple or Fooey! with the latter being the most disgusting taste of the two for the hard to 'get' it crew. But watch out - if they give you kisses, they transfer that wonderful taste to you.

This morning, Risa was becoming her not usual frisky self. It must be the walks that her human daddy is taking her on. Abigail took the tug toy away from Risa - oooh a no no and Risa took it back but it was all in fun.

Tomorrow we take Fiona in for her 3rd shot and we pick up Wasabi. We are not sure if Wasabi is finished but we will gladly go crazy for a day or two to see her again. We miss the dawgs madly even though we are sure she's getting pampered. Can't have her thinking she's queen - oh but she is. hahahahaha

Coach & Sassy Visit

Coach and Sassy came for a visit with their human dad, John. We were sorely missing the Wasabi and the crew was not as lively as usual as the pups had baths today. It seems to tucker them out.

Soon Sebastian is coming for a sleepover and Coach is visiting for a few days and we are going to have Fiona's sister for a visit. Exciting and FUN times in my book!

We can't wait!

We - well I am trying and I mean trying to catch the crew in motion. Do you think this 'Dancing' duo could give the 'Dancing With the Stars' a run for their money? - hmm Havanese Dancing competition - nah

I now have Fiona standing on her back legs hopping for a treat. What can I call THAT command?

You can always click on any of the photos here to see a larger version.

The duo, as usual has started to get back into playing heartily since the visitors went home. Here you can see Fiona almost laughing and I swear she does with her body - enjoying and living in the moment.

More later as the day goes on.

Springtime Havanese Moments

You know how they say 'blame Canada' - well this is blame Pat. hahahahaha

Okay - so we stuck some real lilies out in the snow as Nathan is allergic (one son bought them for me as a b-day present) and then took this photo.

What you didn't see is that they then proceeded to attack it and had stamen and leaf colour, a bright green, all over their face. They were quickly placed in the trash (the flowers - not the dawgs) but with Pat telling us her hubby had to mow their lawn - and us with this snow - well I couldn't help myself.

Ah - Havanese love among the flowers!

Mushy Havanese Day

What a difference a day makes.

All our paths this fine 5am morning hour were starting to get mushy.

Poor Abs and Miss Fiona climbed the piles to do their business out of the way and sunk into the wet snow. You could almost see their face saying - what was THAT! But they persisted, trudged on through and one wonders how they will react when all the snow disappears as this will be their first experience with grass.

The duo was at it again in the birdbath. They seem to really like this spot. It lends them that bit of height on more solid ground than melting snow.

Last month, Miss Abs had the start of little mats and I had to use a brush with long tines and follow up with a cat comb (movable teeth) as her hair had some undercoat growth. This month I can brush her once a day and hardly anything where Fiona is 7 weeks behind and I am now dealing what I went through with Abs and she's not crazy about it.

Now, Miss Abs has always been easy to wash and to brush. Even when she's not so crazy about it all she will do is try to wriggle away. But Miss Fiona will try to bite the comb, the brush, you - whatever to get you not to do it. It's easy when dealing with a pup that is dominant to allow them to get their way but mats are a serious thing. They downright hurt the dog. Pull your hair tight close to the skin and leave it that way and see how it feels. So, I hold her firmly. I growl -yes, I growl like her canine mom would do. I even stare at her pretending to be all upset and she stops. When she behaves calmly and you will hear that release of breath as if to say - okay - 'I get it' then this is when you say "good girl - way to go" and give a massage or snuggle and continue on.

If she was my first dominant want-to-be-alpha dog, I would probably not persist but I know I must, knowing what I do about mats. I do know that after you do it daily for a certain period of time, even the dog that hates the brush will eventually just allow it. They may not run to you saying 'my turn' but they will put up with it and with some snuggles - not all growls in between and a treat at the end and perhaps a massage where those mats were - well they will finally get the idea that you are the alpha and good alphas take care of the pack by keeping them healthy - body and mind, groomed and fed. You will have achieved their adoration not by brute force but by a positive but firm correction. Would you allow your human child to go to school with unbrushed, matted hair?

Okay - enough about mats. It's a new day - and have you played retrieve today? What are you waiting for? :-)