Bath & Handling Class Tonight

Well, I haven't had a bath since the 27th of last month when I did a show and due to 3 baths in one weekend, Mommy believes in giving her and me a break. I am not all that dirty. Mommy is just a tad ridiculous about the coat. Today she is going to try a new shampoo on Fiona and if it works good, she will give it a try on me.

Last night Mommy did training with Zack. Mommy thinks Daddy did it with the rest of the crew minus heeling. He also took Zack over to Home depot. Hrmmmf I didn't go but I do get to go to handling class tonight. I can't wait. One more week and we will be doing the classes outside.

When you have multiple dogs, its good to have one on one time too with each.

Well both Fiona and Abs had a bath today. We were trying new stuff on them to see what works with their hair the best.

Abs is going to handling soon. Let's hope she really does well this week. Here you can see her tail at half mast after her bath. One would think that she didn't just adore the bath. ROFL - Okay - they don't but she's rather used to it and lets me blow dry her face thoroughly. Fiona is still at the point of - anywhere but the face mom so we still do it - just don't completely dry it.

The point is - keep at this washing/grooming business and it DOES get easier.

Changing Havanese Habits

If you live in a cold climate and are rather allergic to the cold or shovelling yourself, you may have found your dogs going on your deck vs. the place you want them to. We dig paths etc but still if it is raining too hard or its bitter cold, like humans, they don't want to go out. They go to the first place and try to get back in.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, its time to correct them to go to the area you want. Carry them at first especially if their bladders are about to burst after a long night and tell then to 'get busy' and praise. Keep doing it and then try to just let them get there on their own even with you going out. If they do make it to that area - wow praise and keep at it to make sure it wasn't a one day thing. If they fail to get it, start again and keep at it. They will.

This is the Fiona running down the stairs for her morning - I got to get outside, mommy.

We have a busy week. Today - if weather allows, mommy is going to wash Abs with a new product to see how it feels on her. Zach gets washed on Friday when he goes to his new home. The rest will come here and there.

We have handling Tuesday and Wednesday night. We have obedience on Thursday and a long weekend that I don't get as I work for an American company. Then we have shows coming up soon. Stack, stack, stack and heel.

Looks like rain today..sigh...and Alex is coming to visit. How cool is that and Katsuro is waiting at the door - since last night, I might add.

More later.>>

Havanese Mother's Day

Well, it's Mother's day and here I am - the Risa hanging out. I am the oldest Havanese here so it's MY CELEBRATION too!

Let's see what has happened so far. We went back to bed with mommy as she thinks this is HER day after her human son Tal greeted her and the dad made pancakes and remembered coffee.

While we were taking a shower, we heard - 'quack quack' on the deck and daddy tried to get dressed fast so they could chase the ducks out of the pool.

It's a fun thing that Shoshi likes to lead the pack on. By the time they got downstairs - well no ducks so they are waiting for their return.

No harm ever happens - just a fun game of chase them out of the pool and sometimes even with Shoshi standing on her back legs - well they go to the middle of the pool and ignore her. If it was warmer, Kat would simply jump in and surprise them.

Ducks leave a tremendous amount of cleanup just from a 15 minute stay and the same pair always come back to swim, leave their deposits and just enjoy their holiday. ha!

Kids are out cleaning (well some) the garden and dogs are inside with mommy. We are waiting for Yvonne so she can clean up my mess on her blog. I posted there by accident - yikes

Off to Rens today after Yvonne comes and then hanging out in our new quality sunshade (a joke between friends)

Zack and Katsuro went for a walk. Zack will be going to Rens with us for socialization and the rest - throughout the day. Let's hope the rain stays AWAY!

Well from the Talemaker crew to yours - may you have an amazing Mother's Day!

Busy Warm Havanese Day

We started the day going to Home Depot to buy some salt for our pool.

Check out Zack (mostly white dog in the photo - and Coach - his sibling next to him).

Zack came along for the ride and got to socialize with lots of people today. He wasn't quite sure where he was going but he is comfie in the car.

Then our good friends Yvonne and Alex came down with Downsey and Lola and Kat really liked that. The Lola was his gal today and he was smitten.

We then had more friends over to check out the dogs and then yet some more that came over with Coachie and the Sass.

See how much the Sass has changed in this photo.

The crew is dead tired and hanging out and so are we and it's only 6pm. hahahaha

The pool is open. We have an amazing gazebo to sit under and the sun is out.

Tomorrow is Mother's day - and I am hoping all mom's around the world have a Havanese special day...

Kids are coming home tomorrow to help clean up the garden and Yvonne is coming down and Ren's may be in the cards with the Zack for more dog socializing time and well maybe some relax time and then that Monday starts again.

The dogs are really enjoying the warm weather. I wonder if I will get lots of doggie kisses for mom's day. I am hoping!

More tomorrow!

Training You or Your Havanese?

We had someone ask on another list I participate on why their 15 week old pup insists on having accidents. Well, it's not that they insist. They need to be taught and we need to be on top of them till they 'get' it.

Recently, Little Miss Fiona decided it was raining and its early mom and the deck will do. Well, for me the deck won't do. Now her bladder may have been bursting at the seams as it was first thing in the morning and I am expecting her to go to the opposite side of the yard or she was just ceasing the opportunity not to have to hold it any longer.

So, next morning, I didn't give her the opportunity to go on the deck. I carried her out back, said 'get busy' and then acted like a fool with excitement when she did praising and petting her. Now, I know its a 'no no' in some people's books to carry the dog to the spot but you must start somewhere and once you start being consistent, it will be an old habit and they will go out to the right spot themselves. I know as I have done it. But consistency is a must.

You can't sit and watch that TV show or play on the computer and the dog is circling or scratching at the door or staring at it - yes some just stare (buy a bell if you have one of those). You must consistently take them out, act crazy in excitement for such a grand deed and forget what the neighbours think. Don't chastise them if they gave you the sign and you chose to ignore it when they are young. They may be bursting and well - have to go.

Nathan at 7 weeks took our Shoshi out on an average of every 2 to 3 hours (24 hours a day) - what a guy and no he is not for rent and she never had an accident and slept in our bed since day one. But as the story goes - who is trained - you or them or both.

They do get there - honest but won't without you. I haven't met a dog that has trained themselves to our liking by themselves or know automatically the rules of the house. But Havanese are smart and as you can see - Miss Fiona is out back, on the grass where I want her to go - 'getting busy'

More tomorrow...

Classroom Havanese Antics

Well here I am - the Fiona going to obedience class last night and my hair right now is all over the place so the human mommy put baby barrettes in my hair. Now she doesn't leave these in the hair when I hang out with the other dogs - only when I am going places as another dog could say - yum what is that and swallow them. So, I get this look if I am off to somewhere alone or I am being watched. I get to be stylin' sometimes. Otherwise it's a small soft band to hold it out of the hair, some invisible gel or whatever strikes that crazy human.

I didn't get to go to class with Coach and Zack last night but I did see Coach at class with his humans John and Cheryl (spelling?) and Zack's new owner Ramona. She's going to be taking Zack through his moves next week in class.

Well, last night was fun. I believe in a little attitude or otherwise I wouldn't be the Fiona. Daddy took me through the moves while mommy distracted me over and over again with talking - hrmmm mommy - you are soooo bad. I know you were doing it cause - well we won't go there but you gave that excuse that it was good slow conditioning getting used to distractions. But I heard that human Mommy say - oh, oh that I may be a disaster in the ring.

I do not know what she is talking about. I am P-E-R-F-E-C-T but it was something about kicking my feet in the same way when I get busy and do my business as I thought daddy was too slow giving me treats. They should have corrected me but something about that made them laugh so hard. Oh, oh - I have THEIR number. Even the instructor couldn't believe such attitude. Well - I am the Fiona and my Grannie is Risa. Plus what's this business of walking on my back legs - well those HUMANS do it. What!@# it won't work in the show ring. Oh, my - such stuffiness with these humans - fun - you got to let it go and just go with the flow. HAHAHA The judge will understand - won't they? Yeah - we are all laughing!

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

Coach did really amazing in class last night. He was truly listening to his human daddy. Usually he stays so focused on Fiona or Zack that he can't see the point of doing it all but that competitive drive came in last night and he was such a pleaser. It was great to see how wonderful he was doing.

Next week, with Ramona with Zack, we should get Cheryl (spelling?) in with Coach so he knows both are in charge and that human Nathan in with Fiona as he has to go in the show ring with him so mommy gets to take photos and crack jokes - ooops she won't do that again.

Well, Zack is recovering. Read all about it below. The day is just beginning - well for the rest of you and everyone is sleeping but me at 6:46 - even the dawgs!

More later.>>

Havanese Neutering After Snip/Snip

It's the morning after and Zack, who usually stays in bed despite my 4am wake up to do exercising got up today.

He's a funny guy. You can see he is uncomfortable and doesn't want to be somewhere where is is presumed alone. I guess everyone sleeping is not enough when usually it is.

What that means is I go to the kitchen, he does. I guess all medication has now worn off and although not in pain, it is obvious he is uncomfortable and thus his desire to get up and be around someone even if it's to lay on the cool floor beside me. I bet you the cool floor feels good right about now.

Zack is not a needy dog. He is independent most times. He loves to play with kids, the other dogs, you etc and does like to snuggle and kiss if you watch TV - and loves rubs but all and all, he is happy to lay out on a deck in the backyard by himself if none of the other dogs want to go. So, this get up early and lay close means he needs something extra right now. He's sleeping now so maybe me just typing away and the cool floor is what is needed - at this moment before the others wake up and want to play.

Zack's new owner came over and voila who greets her at the door last night - Zack. So much for groggy - not doing well. I guess the pain meds were still working and it did help him sleep the night. I suspect my days in, it will be a thing of the past other than stitches.

He's eating very well as if his throat was cut off from no food for half of a day. Perhaps he will inspire his new pack mate Coco to eat better too.

Zack will be going to live with Fiona's sister. How cool is that? Over time they will become just as tight as ever as pack mates do and their personalities compliment each other. I do hope the new owners take photos or have a video camera as they are in for priceless moments. More later>>

Handling, Obedience and Hav Snip - Snip

Chico now has a new home (goes in a bit over a week) with another Havanese who happens to be our Fiona's sister. Coco - his new pack mate sibling stayed here for a bit till she went to Yvonne's. It was so much fun.

This morning is going to be tough as Chico - now known as Zack is going in to be neutered before he goes to his new home. We are using his new name and seems to get it but not totally yet. We have another week to reinforce it.

Zack's new human mom will be coming to his obedience class tonight and he will stay home to play recovery with our sons. Then he gets to go to another class with us a week Thursday. We get to see Coach too tonight - yeah!

Here's how last night went.

Abs Says: Just another handling class with daddy and mommy came and took photos. This one isn't as helpful as the night before where you get more tips and people focus on what you are doing vs. talking but it is practice and we need to do that at this point a couple of times a day.

Miss Abs still gets bored and I can see why here - takes too long to get to you but all of it is good conditioning.

Miss Abs needs a serious shampoo but we are waiting. Between rain and new products coming to try - timing hasn't been right. Miss Abs is still a test case in progress. This way by Orangeville, she will be stylin! A gal has to look good - you know!

Here Miss Abs was doing her usual - waiting her turn (takes too long here and she gets way bored) but patience or learning it is a good thing.

We had a Boston Terrier (well 2 in class) but although Miss Abs kept trying to be nice to one of them, it really was too nervous and kept lashing out at her. I truly believe Abs is the most balanced puppy dog I know as she reacts properly - backs off a bit but doesn't retreat and tries again given time and finally after the 4th time (all of this spaced out) she gave up. The dog needs more meet and greet practice. Miss Abs gave him a start and didn't seem to mind helping her out. She seems to be a calming influence in other dogs and we see it when dogs come to our home. The dog was better - just not there yet. I imagine next week she may be. That's quite nice, imho.

Well, since Miss Abs decided to eat daddy's pants while she walked, we will be practicing heeling this week and more stacking. Got to get her excited about holding that tail up always and stacking with no fuss, no muss. No treats unless she is perfect now - you hear daddy?

Well, more later and we will fill you in on Zack after we pick him up.

See you tonight, John, Coach and Ramona!

Handling Havanese & Much More

Our plan last night was to slow condition Fiona to the show handling class environment but we thought - is this too early? Abigail has a show to get ready for. How will Nathan negotiate both? Will Fiona react like she did on her walk - hesitant and unhappy?

Well, she was a tad hesitant with a whippet snapping air at her saying - not so close and all the whippet wanted was to play. So did Fiona but she was unsure how to handle such an unusual thing. But it all went well. She did say hello to a few more dogs not backing away.

She walked tail high the entire time. Pay attention - Miss Abs - you can do it too. She was a nightmare on the table but the instructor showed Nathan he was fussing too much and she was also walking crooked but that too was Nathan paying attention to her.

The instructor took Fiona, placed her front paws solidly on the table at an angle then put her back legs in place all in one full swoop and she stayed. It seems less fussing and more deliberate expectations helps them to rise to the occasion.

Then he asked Nathan to just walk and yes be aware where she is when you are turning but otherwise, just walk and she walked straight then. I found this interesting from a training perspective as the more you simply just expect and act as if they will rise to the occasion, the better they do. Fiona was great and even cried to get back out there with Nathan when it was Abigail's turn. I have never heard her cry for anything. She's starting to make that transition to daddy does 'this' with me and this is fun and rewarding. It's the same road Miss Abs went down.

Abigail needs a bit more work at being animated at the judge and seemed to be more distracted as Fiona was there but maybe the distractions are good for her so she learns to ignore. Her tail was half mast half the time and up all the way the other. The table doesn't seem to bother her but she also needs that deliberate, front paws in position, then back in place in one full swoop action. The instructor seemed really good at it. Miss Abigail has a tremendous bounce but still has not managed to find the excitement yet. She would rather play with the dogs than prance around the ring where Fiona seemed to like it. I think the difference there is Fiona is so highly treat motivated that its easy to find her button to push where Abs - although food motivated - needs to have more excitement in your voice to get her up for it otherwise she is bored silly by the stuff. Still, it seemed both do well with all the noise, mommy sitting there and all the dogs especially the 2 snorting ones that were not into the walk just yet and wanted to jump instead. That's a lot to get used to.

Now, it is EASY for me to sit on the sidelines and watch instead of doing and say - you have to do this than actually doing it but Nathan is falling into the groove of getting saturated with all this info and then practicing. The better he gets, the better Miss Abs gets and that is what it is all about.

Miss Abigail gets to go to handling tonight without Fiona as she will be in 2 shows this month. That means we need to focus on her but it was great to get Fiona into this to see her reaction and we will do it again next week. I just wish there were more handling classes in this area.

Well, the pool is going to get opened this week. It's going to be fun to educate the little ones about it.

Chico is slated to get the 'snip-snip' tomorrow so no classes for him this week. Sebastian has already been fixed and puppy cut and I wonder how Remy is doing these days. I miss the puppies but this show focus is fun too.

More later...from the gal with hardly any sleep but did do 4am exercise again.

Handling Class with the 2 Havanese

Fiona went to handling class with Abigail and the human daddy. Stay tuned tomorrow to hear how she did her very first time. Plus see how Abs was about sharing all this one on one time.

Early morning antics at Talemakers. Whitney, our old lady retriever had a bath and now its Terra's turn when I have the energy.

We have a busy day. The car died so human daddy has to go pick that up today. We have handling classes with Fiona and Abigail. Human daddy has a business meeting. We have to empty a pool house as the pool people are coming this week. We have training to do with Chico, Abs and Fiona and the rest of the crew.

I also have a late night with 'Dancing With the Stars' results and 'Idol' and yep I made that 4am wake up to do a killer plyo. Sleep was not good so maybe a nap today if work is not too much.

Remind me not to take a siesta from exercise. It's awful finding the energy to get back into it but I must. I look at that reflection in teh window while exercising and validate all that sweat and exhaustion that comes. I need to figure out how to get the dogs to exercise at the same time. Ideas - anyone?

Fiona, Abs and Katsuro got up with me. They loved the fan blowing on them while I exercised. I practiced commands with them as you can if you do not have the chunk of time to train them. It's best that way as you incorporate training into real life and end up reinforcing. Remember NO FREE TREATS - make them work for it even with a sit or a down or a by me - anything but don't give it away for free. You will end up being happier with the results and they will enjoy it as well.

More later as the day goes on.>>

We are Back at it Havanese Style

It's early morning and that human mommy thinks I should get up and exercise with her. Okay, we thought we should but 4am - please... Only I (Fiona) and Katsuro got up and as you can see, I crawled into my crate and went fast to sleep. Katsuro climbed on the couch to snooze and open his eyes halfway every now and then just to be sure the human was really doing this crazy stuff again.

The human has vowed that this is the beginning of getting back to it. This is day 2 of really bringing it. Will the canines survive? Will the human survive?

A potential new human mommy and packmate is coming over to hang out with Chico today and learn some commands that he learned at obedience. Chico is really getting back to being attached here so it is time.

More later as the day goes on.>>

Socialization Havanese Style

Well, we have had a busy day. I have been sick so ignore the disheveled look but we decided it was time to get the pups out today seeing we didn't have rain. We went all the way to Petsmart, Solutions and Canadian Tire and socialized bigtime. This also means that we walked along a very busy street and NO reaction for a couple of hours. We had more of a reaction in a parking lot when the cars were too close for even my comfort.

Miss Fiona needs more work but so does Miss Abs. This was Fiona's first big outing out other than to obedience class and walks in the neighbourhood. She now has her rabies shot so socializing will be on our plate bigtime.

It's funny what they react to that you do not realized they haven't been exposed to.

This appeared new to Abs: cars very close by, doors opening and shutting at stores that make noise, a dump truck, a flying bag.

This is what was new to Fiona - all of the above and other dogs in the stores, strange people giving her treats, petting her, busy street sounds, cash register. Fiona did well considering it was her first exposure but needs much more work. She is still reacting to other dogs, people walking by and lets Abs do the initiation before she trusts. We think she is still in her fear stage but these are all positive exposures. It's funny that she is fearless in an environment she knows but the unknown still needs work. It proves that socialization is important.

On Tuesday both Fiona and Abigail will be going to handling class. Nathan will be doing the handling with each but with my help, we can expose both.

Then we came back and walked Chico (this morning I trained him out front - was way distracted so training will continue out front), and Wasabi, Risa, Katsuro, Shoshi, Terra and Whitney. Nathan did an extra longer walk than I with Shoshi and Terra while I meandered around the block with Whitney envisioning I may have to carry her. She barely makes it and now crashes hard asleep but still wants to go. I guess that comes with old age.

I am going to wash her up after I eat lunch if she wakes up in time. :-) I also have to wash a couple of other dogs as we had wet days and muddy times. Nathan said they don't need it but the 2 retrievers do and so does Katsuro - bigtime.

Be sure to check out our slideshow of the puppies antics below.

New Havanese Slideshow

The pups are messy as ever from their early morning jaunts outside and my lack of combing them so just ignore and realize the dawgs need fun too - not all that brushing all the time.

Check out what they have been up to today in this slideshow.

We are going to take walks today, socializing the Abs, the Fiona at Petsmart/Home Depot etc as long as the rain stays away. then I will be back at it taking Risa, Kat and the rest of the crew. It's time I get back into shape consistently.

We will also be doing training today - actually going to start with Chico in a few minutes.

More later as the day develops.

Havanese Moments

The puppies are coming into their own vying for everything and that is usual at this age. It does get better as they get older but may not give you as much laughs as it does now, depending on your mindset.

Dear old Miss Abs is sitting in wait with her mind churning trying to figure out how she can get what's in the dish. Now Miss Abs has already eatened but she would have Risa's and anyone elses if she could just figure out how to maneuver that without getting told - not on your life.

We feed the dogs pretty much in the same spot but we manage to control who eats what by our presence. They know the ultimate bosses are us but that doesn't stop the mind calculating the next move. Please Risa - can you spare some food?

As you can see, Risa managed to eat the whole thing!

Well, the human here is trying to get motivated in training the crew and taking a walk with them in a bit.

Hope you are more motivated than we are. Funny how the weather affects everything.

Another Wet Havanese Day

Well, Chico, Coach and Fiona had class last night and Coach's dad drove. I think they all did really great in class but that Chico got everything fast and then got distracted and Teddy - the instructor gave me natural balance for a treat and suddenly - hmm okay I will focus - really I will and he did. We even got to demonstrate stay and going around with keeping a stay and he didn't do it before class and wow and got it. Coach was beside me and this human next time will be across the room as she tends to be too vocal when a dog is doing what they should be and poor Coach - although he was doing it all - he kept looking at what I was doing. That's my bad and i wish I had caught on to it before I did.

The crew was saying not another wet day. Chico has already had his morning training and so did Fiona. Miss Abs had some table work and later we will do it all again. The more you do it, the easier it will be to just have it happen but it does take work. All it takes is 5 or 10 minutes once or twice a day. Keep at it and you will love the results.

More later....

Class Tonight!

Today is Thursday and here I am after eating. Do I look happy at the food that daddy feeds us? I gained a solid pound in one month.

I get to go to class tonight. Coach and Chico is in my class too. I can't wait - class #2. Mommy needs to get her act together and train, train, train. We have stopped lunch time feeding as we do so many treats at noon time training sessions that it makes sense.

Daddy is also adding table work into my training so I get a head start in the scheme of things. With my - I just want to be into everything personality, I will need that. But charming - that I have down cold. hahahaha

More later...

Cold and Brrr Havanese Morning

It's a cold day. We took in all our plants too late and now they are drooping but the dogs just love it. The cooler air just seems to invigorate them.

Well, we have training to do. Human mommy has to do the 'Idol' results page tonight and take a nap with the crew and we have someone coming by to see Chico tonight. Then teh Miss Abs gets to go to handling class again. She's going to totally have this ring business down cold one day for sure - soon.

More later>> (Be sure to watch the show videos below)

Full Lindsay Show Up Now

The playing is back and we are really having a great time. The shows are fun but so are the downtime when we can spend time playing, training and snuggling.

Check out all the show videos below.

It's Abs first show at 6months old and we will be going to a few more soon. But till then, Miss Abs is going to handling tonight and tomorrow night and Miss Fiona and Chico - the fluff ball will be doing obedience classes with Coach. Hey, John - are you practicing with both? Take a look at Chico and Fiona playing their hearts out.

Day 1 Lindsay Show
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 2 Lindsay Show
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 3 Lindsay Show
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 4
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 4
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 4
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 4 of 4

Another Havanese Day

Well, show time is over. There will never be another first show but there will be a 2nd, 3rd and more. Tonight I have handling class and we get to do our usual training. Fiona is starting too - well at least training at home and obedience training. Chico gets mom for the training. Who is the luckiest? hahaha

Chico is doing great in all his commands and so is Fiona although we are doing everything in a stand and she does want to put that small backside down every now and then.

We hear our friends have photos of the show that they haven't shared yet. We are hoping some came out. They also got a rather cool gazebo so the dawgs have a new place to chill. Oh, they thought it was for the humans - yeah right. They are the masters of deals and oh I wish I was in on this one but we will do with what we have and have ours up by the picnic. The pool will even be open and we are hoping this year we have the weather vs. the rain we had last. Still, fun was had by all.

Look for the remaining videos (day 3) today.

Wet Havanese Day - Videos to Come

It's a rainy day and the pups are mucking it up. There goes Abs most stylin' do - hair-do that is. The gal is going to have a break and no shampoos for a bit no matter how dirty she gets. Ice on Ice will help protect the coat and allow her to have fun, fun, fun.

Well, we are working on the Lindsay show videos. I will post more links as soon as we have day two and three uploaded. See below for day 1 Lindsay Dog Show.

Day 1 Lindsay Show
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 2 Lindsay Show
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 3 Lindsay Show
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3

--Two More Coming Tomorrow Morning! - Then that is it!

Day one was a tad funny as I was trying to take photos with Yvonne's grand camera but one can't hold a video camera in place and take photos at the same time and only crazy me thought one could. Not to worry - day 2 and day 3 is more solid though a tripod would be needed to get solid as your arm gets tired holding it in the air for so long but I had fun. Hope you have fun watching too.

Stay tuned here as there will be more links posted here soon today.

Another Havanese Show Day

Well, we are back home and Miss Abs is soooo delighted. Three blue ribbons this weekend and we learned a whole lot of stuff like mom's have to wash dawgs twice when they are cleaned and she opens the door to go out with them and they make a mad dash for the mud.

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

Now that she is home, she stuck her head in the water dish - drank like no tomorrow despite that she had water on the way home and well then jumped in the dirt, rolled around with the boys, played non-stop with Fiona and now she crashed. I think she's a regular delightful tomboy.

Someone said to us, maybe she would be excited to be at the show if it wasn't so darn right fun at your place. I guess that's right but we are working on getting her excited about the shows as well. Any ideas are welcomed.

She loves being around dogs. She wants to meet and greet every single dog she encounters and that has changed since her Home Depot/PetSmart socialization stints with human daddy. Not all show dogs are friendly - sigh but she can read them rather well and reacts accordingly. Sometimes at 6 months, they aren't quite sure of what the other dogs are saying but she does.

Well, human mommy is off to train with Fiona and Chico and then give the TV a whirl or maybe veg outside. I am supposed to be doing garden work but....

Another Show Day Down

Abs was too distracted today by all those treats in teh ring and on an empty stomach - oh my - what's a gal going to do? Well, another blue ribbon but no points but we will see what tomorrow brings.

Abs even fell asleep on the table while grooming her. Me thinks - and she showed us - she wouldn't mind playing with big dogs and little dogs alike. This walking around the ring is not as fun as playing.

Videos to come on Monday and more tomorrow. Today - we are chillin'. mom is grooming and then eating then finding a couch and Havanese to cuddle with. Ah...life couldn't be better.

I Would Rather Sleep

Abs was at her first show and as you can see, she would rather sleep. ROFL

She won a blue ribbon for best of Junior female puppies but no points. It's a start. Both Nathan and her survived and so did I. Abs coat was stunning and soft as ever.

Well she's now playing up a storm. I need a nap, build a couple of celeb pages - Snipes for tax evasion, Winehouse for assault and then wash the Wasabi woo all to get back up at 4am tomorrow. Ouch and we will see what tomorrow brings.

More later>>

Show Day & Then Relax

It was such a productive day for Chico, Fiona and Coach in class last night, Keep up the training and we will kick ahem next week. :-)

Today is the 1st show for the Miss Abs. We got up at 4am and bathed her and an hour and 15 minutes later, daddy was keeping Chico away from her so she wouldn't get messy or dirty. So, she's out sitting with me while Daddy is getting food ready for the clan. Me, I am about to take a shower and then get on the road.

I had to work till almost midnight then up at 4am - yeouch. Needless to say, I am ever so tired.

Then we will come back from the show and get Wasabi washed and relaxed - we think all to start again with packing, organizing, cleaning etc for the next day. Never thought I would say, can't wait till Monday. heh

Fiona's Time to be Stylin'

I am the test case. I am not sure what that is but human mommy calls me THAT. It's something about a packmate going to a show tomorrow? Why does the littlest one have to be one? It must be something WAY special cause that is what I am - you know!

Human mommy washed me up much to my - are you crazy, lady reaction? Oh yeah, I am getting better but Miss Abs tolerates it better than me. I am getting slow conditioned. ROFL

That's really what it is about. We had someone say - hmm our dog is now letting me groom/wash them after staying at your place. That's because they can't darken my door without getting combed and brushed daily. This way when it is show time, they will know the drill.

Here I am, after all that vigorous grooming - like I said a test case - whatever that stuff is all about and can you see my hair looks like different colours depending on the lighting. One of these photos was inside and the other was outside.

I am incredibly soft with what my human mom did to me and even she is impressed. Now let's see if she can do it on teh Abs tomorrow at 4am. ROFL

Washing Havanese Time

Chico had every hair in place after his bath today and then he shook. Oh - he's such a boy Havanese dawg - loves to go natural. But wow is his hair silky. I knew it was when he wasn't clean but he has his canine mom's hair - just fuller. He's not as big as he looks but that fluffy hair - wow nice.

Chico gets to go to class tonight with his sibling Coach and his housemate, Fiona. Fiona is next to get bathed. shhh don't tell her.

Take another look at him after his shake from a different position. Got to say - the boy cleans up well. :-) Not that he looked bad unwashed.

Well, off to do Fiona - next - in a bit - inbetween work.

Windy Talemaker Times

It's quite windy today. We had flying everything outside and you couldn't tell by this photo but I actually brushed these dawgs.

Talking about grooming, I almost have the Abs laying down and falling asleep while I groom her. That is progress. If you keep at it as I do - a daily dose of slow positive conditioning, they do get used to it and they never get knots.

Well, Miss Abs has handling class tonight and she is going to see Sebastian and Apple there. We hope she stays focused and gets in the groove. If not, we will still have fun with it.

Tomorrow night we have Fiona and Chico in obedience class. Then we have the Dog Show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a visit to the vets on Saturday. Oh my, crazy times!

Chico is really into relax mode these days. It's as if he had to go through some 'what now' experience and learn how to deal with it all.

He gets a bath tonight or tomorrow. I have to look at the weather to figure it all out. His scabs have completely fallen off.

He loves kids. He kissed a friend and her mom out of the blue. He's really enjoying people. He did a play bow over and over again with Linda's Basil last night and seems to be happiest with other dogs, people and kids. He's finally coming into his own. He adores walks but he needs to learn to heel. We will be working on that.

Mentally and physically he's going to be more than alright. We are truly glad otherwise he would be staying right here while we worked out the kinks.

All dogs go through a transition when there is a huge change in their lives.

He now 'comes' and sits and tomorrow night he will start obedience. We are hoping to really get a real feel for him and find him his forever home real soon.

More later>>

Getting Ready For The Show

Here's Nathan having a bit of fun with Abigail. She's getting ready for a show this Friday.

We are looking at this as a fun experience for both human and dawg. If it can't be fun.....

Downtime After The Guests

Chico now has his staples out so he is staple-free. He's going to get a bath - probably Wednesday or Thursday so we make sure he is 100% scab free - this way he will look beautiful for class on Thursday night.

The crew is all vegging after training. I did all that I could do with all including out old lady Whitney.

We did stands for Fiona - sits for Chico, stands and heeling for Abs, everything for Katsuro, Terra and Shoshi and a mix of things for Risa.

Now all they want to do is veg from all those treats and brain testing.

This is the stand at the door - can't you hear me - let me out. We now have bells but we have yet to train them to ring them. I would like to train Fiona and Abigail to them as they are inflicted with the - don't you know I am standing here waiting till you let me out?

The gang is emptier without Sebastian and Coco.

Classes Thursday. Are you ready Coachie? I know we aren't yet. hahahaha

After Bath & Much More

The day started with a bang. They just was having a roaring grand time. I swear it is a bonus to have 2 Havanese together. Throw in our gang and doggie chaos with roaring laughter.

I have learned if I want to sleep in, one or many dawgs will give me that morning lick to say - okay - it's time. Then the play begins.

Sebastian's human mom is coming at 1pm and he had to have a bath. He was whispering to me that dawgs should always have fun and not worry about those things but something about snuggling up to a dirty dawg... he went on to say - well okay I guess I can handle that but I like smelly!

The human dad around here walked all the dawgs this morning and they had a blast. I am not sure he did walking 5 times and these aren't short walks but hey - good for that bod of his!

Here you can see them enthusiastically waiting for THEIR turn.

We are hoping Chico's staples can come out soon.

Crazy dawg week this one - Abigail's in a show, Fiona and Chico are in classes, Wasabi goes to the vet. Busy but event-filled week and Sebastian is going to handling class this week too. Me..I have to work on Fiona and Chico before their class - just the sit for Chico will help and the stay for spazz Fiona too - hahahaha.

More later...

Catching Up With Talemaker Life

This was a fun weekend with lots of people, dogs etc and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Coach, Sassy and their human dad and mom and shall I say human sibling came over yesterday and hung out - gave Chico some human interaction.

Here you can see Coach nose to nose with Chico along with Kat and Abigail. The dogs had a wonderful time.

It was nice to relax with John and his family and the dawgs before we had company in the evening, cooking, food, and all the fun that comes with a dinner. The dawgs kept sniffing for their share.

It's going to be fun going to class with John and Coach.

Then we had our 2 grand kids come over with our daughter and hubby and Chico just ADORES kids. I guess some of his best moments have been with the kids he lived with for the last 4 months. It shows as we had kids here today as well and he just lights up with the kids. He's a tad shy with the adult humans at first but once you pet him, well he warms up. Kids - no warming up - he's just excited to see them.

Chico starts classes this Thursday and tomorrow I am going to start working on sit, come, and stay to help him get a head start on class. This way, if he is not sure of the environment, knowing the commands even if he is not doing them perfect will help him make the transition to class is fun. Plus he will be in class with Fiona and Coach.

Sebastian's mom comes tomorrow so Sebastian won't get a bath till tomorrow morning so he can look GORGEOUS. We are going to miss him.

Here you can see Linda (who came to visit) lovin' him up.

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

I thought about washing Sebastian today but figured with the way he loves to play, tomorrow is a better day.

I am going to fluff and dry him then take a photo so you can see him all so handsome and all!

We got to see Coco again and she remembered me - gave me lots of kisses and snuggles and that was really nice. There is nothing like kisses from puppies and I got them from Yvonne's Downsey too.

Here you can see some of Coco's family. Thanks to Yvonne for bringing her here so we could see her again.

Well 4 days till Abigail's show debut. Got to get that grooming bag ready. ROFL. Got to get busy - ooops that's Nathan has to get busy.