Wake Up Havanese Blues

If you look real close you can see Kat's reflection in the pool. Click on the photo to see a larger view.

As you can tell, he's been having fun in the pool. You don't have to coax him in - it's the other way around - getting the Daddy to come in.

Last night I played a fun game with Abigail and she adored it. Okay, I know when you go to bed - you should go to bed - no TV - no distractions or you are asking for a sleep that is anything less than satisfying but I can't help myself. So, when Abigail was laying next to me, I blew at her head and she started twisting and turning then coming back for more. She loved it. Treasure tried to get the focus on her and Fiona was miffed but we played and played til Daddy started playing with her in the same fashion then he watched TV (in our room - I know) and I went to sleep.

At 4am Treasure decided it was time to get up and play. Lord knows she had enough exercise for even the most fit to feel tired but nope - let's get up, Mommy so I said NO and rolled over - put the sheet over my head as she tends to lick your face and she laid down. I said - hmm okay this is good though once I am up, I am up. But 10 minutes later she did it again and then 5 minutes later so off we went downstairs. Nathan came too - usually it's just me and he went back to bed and here I am deader than a door nail typing and the crew is sleeping on the floor.

I think the Treasure should play retrieve before bed tonight and wear herself down even more and she needs to know 4am is NOT it. Why this happened last night - I haven't a clue but we will be doing everything to make sure it doesn't tonight.

Maybe it was my silly game with Abigail that set the stage for her wanting to get up sooner or later...my bad!

Treasure: New Champion

As a Junior puppy still - the Treasured one gains her Canadian champion - with Nathan - of course.

This one loves the shows and we will be enjoying life in and out of the ring with her.

Treasure had taken a swim the night before and I ran out of steam and didn't wake up at 5am to wash her. Her hair was wonderfully soft from the pool.

I should air dry her from the pool more often. ROFL

Photos from the pool later and more about the rest of the crews antics.

Although we are doing the show scene - we firmly believe the dogs should be dogs and embrace and enjoy life. If they have to be left in playpens and segregated to keep their hair then what about their minds? It's a difficult balance.

First Pool Moments of 2009

Just thought we would share some photos with you on the first day of this season back in the pool. We also have a video we have to convert which is better than the photos but still - I think I captured some hair raising moments. Kat, Wasabi and Treasure - Treasure's first in the pool moments. Yes, Kat jumped in the pool but you wil have to wait for the video for that. Treasure not yet and Wasabi - well she is too big to do that - please!

Havanese Conformation Ring

Well, one thing we stick to is we tell you the real story without flowering it up. Treasure has been trained to go outside - in the grass and yesterday was her first outdoor show. So, as you can see in this photo, she took a break and did her business.

She's a puppy and this is her first time ever having a break midstream but the judge laughed about it especially when it looks like she has the largest bladder for a dog of that size.

She still managed to get winners bitch and that now puts her closer to that championship. She's almost there.

Today's another bath day, more competition and a sweepstakes. Then win or lose - if Daddy - (Nathan) can remember to crank up the heat in the pool, we will come home and Treasure will have her first swim and Kat will have his first dive of yet another season. He's been patient but he certainly wants in.

Me - before I swim I will have that video camera going and perhaps a photo or 2. Then another bath for the Treasured one for that show on Sunday then a Woofstock break.

Havanese Lovein'

What do you do on an overcast and rainy day? You hang out on the deck, read a book under the gazebo and get some love from the Havanese as Nathan has figured out.

Today we have a full day and when we get a chance, we will fill you in. Til then..have a great one...the start of a weekend...whoo hoo!

PS: Woofstock is in Toronto. It's an amazing event. Do go. We will be there late morning on Sunday. Let us know if you will too. We will have the Treasured one with us!

Hidden Havanese Stories

One would look at this photo and say...hmm a dog sitting under a chair resting in something or other. But a picture doesn't always tell the entire story as it doesn't here.

I had just grabbed my camera and was clicking away. I couldn't figure out why Treasure wasn't moving.

Well - SHE knew.

Then she had this funny smile on her face and then had this tongue licking thing going on.

What's this all about?

Treasure is a mischievous thing. She loves to play games.

She adores egging others on and she rarely backs down. Oh, all of it is done in fun but she's the kid that steps over the line and has to try something that you shake your head and laugh about but sometimes you have to contain that laugh.

What was she up to? She was sitting on Fiona in the soft house and not letting her up and when she complained and managed to wriggle out, she went after her leg - all in fun. Fiona returned the favour.

Fiona's such a small thing that one wouldn't notice she was in there except for the noises coming out from under Treasure. Got to love these two but even if you want to laugh - when they do something you think is adorable or funny or whatever - and you do not want them to repeat it, you must keep the laughs under wraps. Still - with the antics of the Havanese - well that's a tad difficult to do many times but we surely try.

Socializing Your Havanese

Oh, we all know or SHOULD know that taking classes is a safe way to expose your Havanese to all sorts of fun or strange dogs - well strange to them. If the class is good, the trainer has control of the class, it becomes a safe slow conditioning to all sorts of dogs big and small.

Sometimes people cringe and say - oh my but that class has only large dogs. I know - we have mulled it over in our minds too. Just last night we were at handling class with tons of large to really large dogs and one other small dog as you can see in this photo.

The other small dog was a tad hesitant but curious where Treasure - well this is the usual for her - the land of large dogs, it seems and a smattering of small. She is better off for it.

Realize that just bringing your Havanese to class is not enough. You have to bring the right attitude - an attitude that exudes - we are going to have fun as that attitude will run down the lead. Your Havanese are very in tuned with how you feel. They may know you better than your partner, husband, wife - mom/dad, significant other etc. when it comes to your emotional state.

But classes are not enough. You must follow through on what you learn even for a few minutes each day. By teaching your Havanese new skills, you not only create an amazing bond but you build your Havanese confidence. You are on the road to having the Havanese you want to if you follow through.

Right attitude - classes...big dogs - no problem!!

Photographing Havanese

Should you create the moment or capture the moment? It's really something any photographer thinks about.

When coming back from handling class, Nathan said, I will drive down the street and you try to get a photo of them with their hair flowing.

No, we don't allow them to hang out the window but I have to admit I wanted to see what it would look like.

Kat and Treasure seem to compliment each other in personality. It's quite nice to see - each being as adventurous as all get out.

Now daddy, can I drive the car I swore I could hear the Havanese mumble. ROFL!

Folks - get out there and capture moments - create moments and Treasure them!

Havanese: Rainy Day Play

Sometimes when it is cold and rainy or damp and rainy, well you have to think of games inside.

Treasure's fave toy is this cat toy. It''s cheap and keeps them busy trying to get the toy out of the ring.

Treasure doesn't realize it's impossible to get out but oh she does try.

She pounces on it making all sorts of funny noises.

It's great fun to watch. It's cheap and the best toys are those that get your Havanese using their brain and body - don't you think?

Reducing Havanese Output

Yike gad..what is she talking about NOW?!! Well, it's a subject that is trendy as it's a 'green' tip.

To get your Havanese the healthiest they can be, consider feeding a high quality dog food that is typically found at a specialty pet store or online.

Because these foods have less preservatives and fillers, your pet will excrete less waste. That makes clean-up quicker and easier. Your Havanese will enjoy a healthier, more nutritious diet and you have less mess to deal with!

By feeding a diet that is of quality, your dog's hair will be healthier, shinier etc Hair is an indicator of health at times.

Remember the term, garbage in - garbage out? Well in this case, it's talking about that hair on your Havanese.

Well off to brush dogs and wash some. It's raining so I wonder why but a dirty coat mats/knots easily and a clean one - even wet doesn't tend to.

PS: we are setting up Wasabi's whelping box today and capturing her reactions. We will be posting on the puppy site called Havanese Life all about it. This is where we are posting everything from pregnancy to pups to home. You'll find the rest of our lives exposed right here.

Chillin' & More Havanese Style

We were away overnight without our dawgs. Yes - we actually go away at times. Out oldest son watched the dogs and sleeps with them so they get a similar routine.

But guess what... In this wonderful hotel room with my hubby - no dawgs..what do I dream about? The dawgs of course. I am hopeless.

It was great to get back to them and what a reception we get.

Someone who reads our blog and is getting a puppy any day from someone sent a note about crate training and the size of the crate. It is true that you need to have a crate only large enough for them to stand up, turn around and stretch out. Anything more you may get them soiling on the part they do not consider their den. You CAN put a divider in and reduce the size and move it each time they need you to due to growth.

Well, we finally got the pump back for the pool. We could have swam today if the water was heated and the pump came back in time but it didn't. By the time we get the heat on - it may or may stop forecasting rain and Wasabi may or may not be able to enjoy this floating that makes life easier for the pregnant ones.

Dreamin' of the pool...and you?

Dog Butts..and All That Havanese Stuff

You never know who you are going to meet at handling class. Last class we got to see Havanese puppies from someone we know that kept them in her car for safety. She just wanted us to have a look see and we appreciated it.

As the crew went around to practice their stuff, I kept capturing our small ones and all big dawgs. If it wasn't for us, it would be a big dawg class.

Treasure has to be going through a fear period. Oh, it's not your typical and they all go through it so you have to still get them out there and socialize. But...she started growling at the big dawgs..not in a bad way - more of a vocal chorus to let the others know who is in charge. This can happen when there is a sea of large dogs and one or two small dogs. It's how you handle it that matters. Exposure - conditioning and correcting if their response is inappropriate and proper meeting and greeting. Not all dogs are meant to get up close and personal with your little ones so it is enough for your little one to have its comfort just walking close by as you do in handling classes. To be able to walk in a sea of huge things is good enough and not all dogs in handling class want to play with your little one. One may see your small dog as prey especially if it starts to get into a game of run-like-hell.

You have to assess each situation despite what the owner says and either allow the meet and greet or allow a close proximity without the meet and greet. Both are fine and how YOU react matters. If you are fearful, your dogs will pick up on it and go into protection mode. Then you are left wondering why your dog is not friendly. You have to figure out what emotion you are sending down the lead.

Not all dogs are meant to be your little one's best of pals friend. Some - if you pay attention are sending out signals that are anything but friendly. You must learn what other dogs are saying. Not all owners understand that the reason dogs are reacting to it is what their own dog is saying to others and how you are feeling about the situation. Despite it being fun to 'get' what the other dogs are saying to yours, it's a wise thing to learn.

Think about it..would you be comfortable with everyone invading your personal space?

Enjoying Your Havanese

There's nothing like the hair flowing through a long coated Havanese that is running and having fun. It's sort of like the photographers that place a wind machine on a model to get that hair flowing - well the Havanese get it naturally from moving and so would the models if they did the same.

Kat has been enjoying the run-like-hell game with Treasure who feels she finally has caught the boy's attention.

There are a variety of things you can do with your Havanese from swimming to running to games but get 2 together and suddenly you don't have to try all that hard to see action.

We have a cat toy that has a ball that goes around it and Treasure adores it. It frustrates her at times enough to get her yelling at it as she can't get the ball out. It's the games that make them think that create fun for them and gets their mind working.

Did you know your Havanese can learn hide and seek games? Go hide when your Havanese is not watching then call him. Go crazy when he finds you. Say 'good hide and seek' or whatever you want to name it. Keep playing the game getting someone else to hold your dog. You hide and whomever is holding them says - find x. If your Havanese doesn't understand what you want, the person holding your dog may have to give them some help till they understand the rules. Kids do this with their dogs all the time without thinking about it and the dog 'gets' the game. Try it and be creative with it.

Running in Step Havanese

Last night we had Treasure and Katsura at handling class and no one was there yet so we let them off lead to have a run. You can't do this unless you have an excellent recall. Both of these dogs have done the Total Recall class and we reinforce their recall always. That doesn't mean if something totally distracts them that they will listen to you immediate but it's pretty darn close.

That means Nathan stands on one end - me the other just to have that level of voice barrier and still with excellent recall, you let them off far from the street. We simply don't take chances.

Last night the duo was rip roaring around chasing each other and Treasure loves the game especially with Kat but she also has learned to cut him off and he seems to enjoy that she figured that one out. If you look at the photo, they are perfectly in sync with each other. It's a delight to watch them.

If you are not already doing so, do follow Wasabi's pregnancy through to her puppies going to their homes. Her tummy is ever growing and you can now feel puppy bumps.

Talemaker Havenese Craziness Evolves

Treasure is off to handling class tonight as she has a show not this weekend but next. She knows her stuff but it is always good to practice, practice and perfect. We are working on getting all the waiting to be fun. Will we manage it? Time will tell.

If you haven't noticed, in the right hand column, we started an area just to talk about Wasabi, her pregnancy - the pups when they arrive and all the fun till they go home.

All the dawgs count around this place so anything non preggie or pup related when they arrive will be here.

You may want to read both but for those that just want a look into what it takes to do this breeding business emotional and otherwise and want to see puppy photos, look at what sort of date to date status Wasabi is at and much more, well visit us at Havanese Life.

Howling the Blues Havanese Style

It's rainy, I am chillin' and it's one of THOSE days. It's human Daddy's b-day and the sun doesn't even come out. What is THAT about?

The pump is dead on the pool. It's not warm enough to swim and I am getting fat.

Mommy has decided to put up a day by day calendar sometime this week on the changes my body are going through. Then we will be doing a daily dose of the Wasabi pups from birth to home. Hopefully, it will help you understand what we go through, what the Havanese mom goes through and how the pups change from birth to the delightful beings they come to be.

We will also be updating all the files I have on care etc as time goes on, we find new things and find new ways and do new development tests to get the pups to be all they can be. We adore the pups and they deserve it. :-)

PS: Treasure got points Friday and Sunday towards her championship and nothing on Saturday. She's almost there.

Hannah Goes Home

Hannah's not a Havanese but a Bichon that we watched this week while she was at her national specialty in the states.

This dog has been a delight and has the personality of a battery that won't quit. It will be a quieter place around here when she goes home today.

We are off to the show soon - taking Kat to visit and I am up ever so early as we have 2 people needing to dry dogs after a bath so I am trying to do mine extra early. Going to get to it - yes I wash daily at show time.

More later today - at least we are on early...

Grounding With the Havanese

You can't pick some people off the ground. Something about being at their level, the gang just adores it. maybe he's one of the pack mates then.

Well, we have a busy day - a show - getting the pool ready - dogs - visitors today - lots to do.

I hope yours is as fun or quieter - depending what you need.

Hoping the weather eventually cooperates and we get new dogs swimming. Treasure looks highly curious. maybe we will have another swimmer like Katsura. We can hope.

Hannah, our visitor goes home tomorrow and we will be back down to just our pack. Sniff... We rather enjoy the extras. It's good for the pack to regroup though.

Shows, Friends and Dogs

Well, Treasure got Winner's Bitch today. That means she was given the award of being the best female today.

Then we had friends come over (Suzi is one of them and she is in the photo)that has Milo and Hugo and we expected Hugo to play with Hannah who is his litter mate but nothing. All were quite subdued but after they went home, Treasure and Hannah was playing up a storm doing run-like-hell.

Now what was that about?

Tomorrow we have more visitors and Linda may be dropping into the show...and I have yet another shampoo for the Treasured one. Is show weekend over? ROFL

Pregnant Pause of the Havanese

Ever wonder how a pregnant Havanese copes with all that extra growing weight? I pay strict attention as I know how it feels. As someone who has gone through it a number of times, I get that - got to get in the right position to feel good enough to sleep.

I am sure many of you humans can relate.

In the late stages of pregnancy - mid June for Wasabi - us humans will go through something called breeder's remorse. The pregnant Havanese start waddling and it's hard to jump up as they usually could but their minds tell them they still can. Wasabi managed to make it last time right up to the end but she wasn't graceful about it.

Since Wasabi's ultrasound, her tummy has been growing and you can feel pups. Actually you could feel it the day of the ultrasound but it is getting more obvious as the days go on.

Closer to the end, I will start tying up her hair everywhere. It won't look glamorous but it will be easier to clean after. I am going to try to line comb each section and wrap it - well I think. Last time I only pony tailed it everywhere. We shall see.

If we have plans to do one thing, mother nature will interfere so maybe it's best to shut my mouth. heh

Well, I have to get the Treasure washed. Then we have guests over later with their Havanese and Bichon. We are watching a Bichon called Hannah and it happens to be the sibling of Hugo who belongs to the family that got Lil Man. Small world.

That will be a picture taking moment in time wit Treasure in there as well. We can't wait. I just hope it doesn't rain. Oh well...

Making an Old Lady Comfie

We tend to like long hair around here but Whitney - our non Havanese who happens to be 14 and a golden was just shaved down. I don't find her attractive but I do think she is more comfie. I doubt I will have to do much grooming on her for a bit but I will continue to look in her ears and check her body for unusual changes.

Most Havanese people who buy their dogs for pet like to cut their dogs down..not usually this severe but what is termed a puppy cut. Why do they do it? Looks - easy care - a variety of reasons.

We tend to keep Shoshi and Risa in a semi cut coat in between the puppy cut and a full coat. Come summer I may go shorter to make in and out of the pool easier as they won't be dragging wet hair around.

There's no right or wrong on haircut preferences - they are just that - your choice.

What's your preference?

Is She, Is She Not?

Well, they think they see 4 or 5 and the last time she had pups, she had 6 so we won't know till June 24thish or the x-ray on the 18th. We indeed saw 4 and what looked like 5 but too early to know.

They are saying she's due around the 24th of June. That means she bred an extra week for nothing. hahahah

Are we excited...yep!!!!

Oh my gad..exciting times - puppies!!

If you are in Richmond Hill this Friday to Sunday - come see Treasure strutting her stuff in the ring.

Revealing Havanese Day

Well, it's the day of the ultrasound and the tummy is growing.

There goes my summer of swimming but mommy promised if I am to have little ones, Daddy and her will teach them to swim before they go to their forever homes.

Just like Risa - they promised me they will let me float in the pool so I can be comfie when my tummy is uncomfortable. They say its something about being in the water takes the weight off of carrying around a number of little ones.

The woman does all the work and the Daddy just - well the Katsura DOES play with the pups but I get all the work.

It's a man's world - after all - hahahahaha

Well, this is the Daddy. Really he looks better than here with that mile long tongue and the weeds growing up all over the place. These humans - grooming us - lovin' us and not having time for those pesky weeds. Who would have thunk it?

The Kat..short for Katsura is the son of a famous US Havanese and his mom lives with us here. We actually have 3 generations in our home. It's wonderful to watch.

Kat also has pups at Yvonne's - we think a couple left..or maybe just one..but today we get to see them..and so does Kat for the first time. We are sooooooooo excited. Photos will be taken and placed in our memory books. He does seem to have rather cute faced pups. As Yvonne said about hers - simply gorgeous! We're glad!

Meshing Packmates

What happens if you acquire a second Havanese and it doesn't play with your existing one?

This is how we have so many dogs but before you go, oh no - we have learned a thing or two since then.

First acquiring a puppy is always a hit unless your dawg is well into its senior years or is in serious pain. Sometimes even then, the puppy creates an enthusiasm for life as that is what puppies are all about.

This means it is easier to add a puppy if your goal is to create pals and fun in their lives but it also means you are back training etc. But if your first one is trained, good news - it's easier with the 2nd one.

Meshing an older dog is often more difficult. Some have lost that play be it yours or the new addition and you have to create opportunities to lay the groundwork for creating that spark in each of them so they find it enjoyable. With 2 dogs that have lost their play, it's not as simple as putting them together and just figuring if they like each other they will. We all get complacent and if you are a couch potato, we often have to see why we shouldn't be. This means it is up to you.

Shoshi was acquired as a pup but a tad too early (it's why we won't let our pups go early along with a number of other reasons). She was a pup who needed a lot of conditioning to people, other dogs etc. Oh she is a lovey from day one but we had to slow condition her to other dogs and people. We had to build up her self esteem and slow condition her in a positive way. She continues to change even as she gets older and the pack has been good for her. The puppies such as Treasure are relentless and not in a bad way. They insist on getting played with and as you can see, she accommodates but Treasure is an alpha even at 7 months. It means she often gets things first so we throw the item out and give Shoshi a lead and let the Treasure go. It empowers Shoshi and gives Treasure a part of the game - trying to get it from another, that she often doesn't have if we didn't create the opportunity.

That's what it is about - figuring out how to make the game fun for all - giving opportunities and mixing it up. But for Shoshi and all the rest of the oldsters - a puppy having fun has been good for them. It's as if a light goes on and they go - wow I remember this was fun and suddenly they are recapturing a missed opportunity.

There is nothing like more than one Havanese and I mean that. You can play with them all you want but there's something that's special - seeing 2 or more together - creating relationships - making you laugh.

But don't give up on the older dog. If you remember Kooba - well she was adopted by Jean and Quito and Kooba are the best of pals playing up a storm. You can play with your Havanese but you can't play with them like another Havanese. It's different. It's fun.

Sure you can have just one but two are often the best thing you ever did for you and for them. But you have to want it for the right reasons and you have to be willing to train and if you are - wow - you are in for a fun ride of two vs. one.

More later.>>

Another Kat Cutie

This is another of Kat's and Mystery pups showing his Havana roots with that lovely ahem in his mouth. ROFL

No smoking allowed - especially for Havanese dawgs!

I just love this pose and appreciate the new owners keeping us in the loop with photos. They sure know how to pose the cutie.

A few more days and we find out if the Wasabi is pregnant with Kat's pups. This time he will be able to charm them and play with them. We can't wait!

Treasure Bites the Dust

I thought this day would never come. Treasure collapsed in exhaustion.

All it took was attending a dog show three days in a row, which meant getting up and being bathed and groomed each day. Then driving to the show, showing in Breed and then again in Group. Then driving back home.

As an added bonus both yesterday and today after we got home we walked the dogs to the local school. That meant we took four dogs at a time, two for Darlah and two for me. At the back of the school is a soccer field and as luck would have it, looking carefully in all directions, there wasn't another person in sight. So off came the leashes and the classic Havanese run-like-hell game ensued over a good portion of the field. All of us that own Havanese realize our Havanese invented this game.

Other breeds might have a facsimile but it just isn't the same.

We actually got some video today which Darlah will place up when she gets a chance. We just got back with Terra, Shoshi, Fiona and Treasure. Terra, our six year old Golden Retriever, knows this game well, having fallen head over heals over the years more than once trying to catch Shoshi who makes impossible turns that Terra cannot duplicate. So Terra loped along with them but didn't really get into the chase. That was left to the three Havanese and did they go. I even tried to run with them for comic relief. I mean they slowed down and laughed at me as they blew by. Treasure was exhausted in just a few minutes.

Then we still had to walk back home, almost a mile. About halfway back we pass a church with a nicely groomed lawned. Treasure walks onto their grass, sniffs for a second with me waiting patiently for her to do her business. She finally finds the right spot but instead of peeing, she collapses into the grass, flat out. She literally wanted to take a nap, right there.

I got her back up and we continued home. She is now out cold on the floor outside my office. It is the first time she has been this exahusted since she was a pup way back a few months ago.Maybe we'll do it again tomorrow depending on how much my own legs are burning when I wake up.
Nathan

No Sun Havanese

We are seriously chillin' at Talemaker Havanese.

Yes, it's warm but not hot. There's no sun and I think I am allergic - anyhow. It takes all kinds and we have them here. I rather like it between the table where the sun doesn't shine.

Now back to some serious shade bathing. Hope you don't mind and you too are taking advantage of warm - not hot and time to lay out in the lawn chairs and read. Well - I don't read but Mommy reads her photo magazines to me and I do look at the pretty photos and try to eat them.
One is never too old for a dietary change. Yum!

Karma Came to Visit

Kat and Mystery's pup Karma came to visit today and oh my the gal looks so much like the Kat. She even has his mannerisms. It was interesting to watch. They are hoping she greys out like Kat. Time will tell.

I was washing Zack and Coco as they are heading home tonight so I didn't get to see her the entire visit but I did manage to do the fastest wash and dry possible and still do an amazing job so I could.

I am exhausted. We have a show tomorrow. I was eyeing some toy tables as an extra table. Shows are a dangerous thing.

Up to wash the Treasured one at 6am and roll out at 730 - ouch! Have a great night..I am off to snuggle some Havs..wait for the pickup and then go to sleep at the earliest I can get away with. What about you?

Havanese Undercover

It's way too hot for these Havanese today outside. They have yet to adjust. Treasure has never had a heatwave and Risa - well she needs to slim down like me. But still, Daddy got a walk in with every single dog here - that's 13 dogs, folks. If he can do it - you can do it with 1 or 2.

Can you find Treasure's face in this photo? I can't. The other puppy is Coco who is here till tomorrow. Boy has time flown by. It feels like they just got here. Her pack mate Zack is here too.

Treasure is in a show this weekend and she's the only Havanese, it seems. We thought 2 but we were told just 1 now. Usually it is many more than that. Then next week we are at Richmond Hill where there is more Havs. You need more to get the points but it's all show conditioning.

Tomorrow we get a visit from a Mystery/Kat puppy called Karma. Then Tuesday we get a Bichon puppy visiting till Saturday. Then Wasabi goes to the vet. Exciting times for sure!!

Hot Havanese

Oh my gad is it hot today! Mommy was washing all the doggies today - well part of them...Shoshi, Risa, Kat, Fiona and Abigail - 5 dawgies - yeouch and then she worked and is still working but taking a break to post this thread.

Treasure as you can see thinks she is all that. I have to laugh at her sometimes but she really is quite full of herself. She just loves the focus being on her but she's not so crazy about this hot weather.

She's a winter puppy so she LOVES the cold but this hot stuff is new to her. Will she survive...will we survive? Always something to complain about - :-)

Tomorrow we get to was who? NO ONE!!

Happy Thursday for dawgs and humans alike!

Retrieve and Wet Talemaker Havanese Uploaded

Just in case you want to see the videos we did today, we did a wet Havanese video - the Treasured one before her bath and Treasure Retrieving. Can you tell how much Nathan loves the dogs in the retrieve one?

Hope you enjoy. Can't wait till we can teach the puppies to swim but boy am I getting ahead of myself. Still another week and a bit till ultrasound day!

Chillin' Havanese

We had a really great day despite the human mom being sick. She gave me a bath - (Treasure) as I have handling class tonight and I like mucking it up and she took some wet videos of me. She's working on it now hoping to get a new video up (it's been forever) and another of me playing retrieve today.

When Daddy comes into the room to play the game with me, I have a bounce in my step and lots of fun is to be had. PS: I always manage to get the ball no matter when we play. I wonder what that is about...heh

Kat (our male chillin' in the background) says...I can touch it and get it first but why play that silly game. I much prefer diving in the pool. So, when is the pool opening up?

Look for videos coming soon. I know...it's been too long...

Havanese Connection: Sharing Matters

Do you know you can choose to connect with your Havanese or just be another being in your home. If you want a real bond with your Havanese, you have to create it. Sure, they will love you unconditionally but when I see Treasure climbing up her Daddy's chest to give him mega kisses all over his face, I realize to him, she's not just another being in the house nor is he just another to her. They have a real bond.

Sure, we get busy in our lives and there's always one more thing we have to do but there's nothing like watching that crazy guy stand out on the pool safety cover to grab that ball that the dawgs just won't get this one time and throwing it and laughing and allowing me to capture it on camera as a memory.

As that ball gets released and even in anticipation, the dogs are flying to get it. With camera in hand I get to capture that moment.

But you too can create your memories - like the photo book a friend did for her son's birthday with a Havanese called Sebastian.

Our moments are what we make them. Find a way to connect - to bond to make memories and celebrate a bond like none other. It can be as simple as massaging your Havanese while watching TV but take notice of your Havanese and don't just exist next to him. Touch and talk to him as if it matters - cause it does!

It's Mine Havanese Style

It's my toy - no, it's mine. There are so many games you can play with your Havanese and then with each other. It's not limited to retrieve.

Did you know you can teach them object recognition? Start calling a toy a certain name and get them to play retrieve with it. Then use a different toy and give it a unique name. Then put both toys down after they truly know the name of each object. You just expanded their vocabulary. You can also keep going. How fun is that?

Our dogs know walk, ambulation, W-A-L-K etc all for that great - do you want to go.... that they adore. We started using different words to each other so the dogs didn't understand but these smart Havanese caught on REAL fast! Try it!

Havanese Wind Blowing in Ones Hair

Have you taken your dog out and watched their hair blowing? Maybe it's the artistic side of me but hair blowing - messy as ever and that's my memory.

Really - Wasabi was perfectly brushed earlier..but that's not Wasabi. She just enjoys mucking and romping it up and loves that breeze flowing through her. You've seen those type of dogs - the ones hanging their heads out the window. That would be her, if we allowed. When I blow dry her - she just loves it when its on air only and it's blowing right in her face. Most dogs find this to be rather unenjoyable but not her.

Looking at this photo, she looks 50 lbs but she's a svelte 12 pounds - hopefully soon to be a heavier dog with pups. She's already getting that sucky - just need to be close thing they do and I love that as I am her one to cuddle with.

It's raining and all that tough snoozing is over for today. One does have to come in from the rain. It doesn't appear that the sun will come back out.

Zack and Coco is visiting for a week and fun is going to happen for sure this week. Let's see - we already had a run-like-hell session - snoozing - hiding in tunnels - retrieve game and more to come. Okay - we do need to get a life but our lives are the dogs - so excuse us for celebrating such delightful moments of the Havanese.

Your life will never be the same once one enters your life and you will wonder how you ever did without one or two or like crazy us...many!

Havanese and Warm Weather

Warmer days are coming and yesterday the garden furniture went out. It's about time don't you think? But don't put out plants just yet - cooler weather is coming tomorrow. Remember all sensitive plants shouldn't be placed out til the end of the month.

Well, we made progress. Nathan pulled a million and a half dandelions and I cut back some branches and shrubs and the dogs just had a grand old time dragging the sticks from my cutbacks from here to there.

The Havanese are like us - they can't wait til warmer times but when the really hot weather arrives - hey give me that pool or air conditioner - any old time.

Yvonne's puppies from our Kat and her Lola's are already 10 days old. WOW! We still have 12 days to go till Wasabi's ultrasound and tomorrow Zack and Coco are coming for a week to play. It's going to be great fun.

Then today Linda's mother and Linda of course are coming - 89 years old to be surrounded by all these dogs. It's the start of a great holiday weekend. What have YOU got planned? How about a walk with your fave Havanese. Did you know that they create conversations wherever you go? I find that to be rather nice and when that happens - you get to human socialize them. That's a GOOD thing!

Havanese Show Dog Struggle

When you show your dog you have to look at it without the glow in your eyes that your Havanese meets the standards and tends to stand out but that is all subjective.

Is there more?

Well everyone who sits and says their dogs LOVE the shows - well they aren't ALL right. There are some dogs that grow into it, others that tolerate it and others that never get their groove on but could be amazing moms and still can finish.

So, why do it when your dog isn't totally in love with the sport? I guess to say they achieved their championship.

There are various reasons why you may not show your dog to championship.

They are not in love with the sport but do adhere to the standards and would be amazing brood bitches etc. or in one instance that we had to deal with - another dog ripped out one of our dog's top knots all in fun. The dog didn't do it to delay the show career but rather to play.

Another reason could be a blown coat that does happen once in a Havanese life or you are simply too far away from the shows, the costs - to name just a few of the reasons.

We struggle in keeping the hair intact, having a balanced Havanese that enjoys life and is not segregated from others and figuring it out.

Is this really that important and is it fun for the dog?

Treasure last night in class had a ball. Her body, her bounce, her smile - yep a smile said it all.

She loves the time in the ring but she likes to be the only one.

In Chatham she was 'on' just like last night. With company - well she wants to play. Is it that she wants to be the only one or having your pack mates just means fun and you can't do that while the focus is on so many?

This show business is tough. It's a dance between you and the dog - a view from a given judge and yes you can have an exquisite dog that doesn't win in a sea of professional handlers. Yes, that happens and we have watched it not just in the Havanese when we haven't had dogs in but in a number of breeds but being a judge isn't easy, I imagine and when you do not win even when you are on your game - your Havanese is on its game - well you did win as you achieved that special dance between handler and canine that should be applauded. Add that the dog and handler enjoys the experience and you have achieved more than any championship, imho.

When our dogs do achieve their championship - I celebrate. We relax in this hair business and don't worry as much when they play hard, rough and tumble style and life is good but we do manage to make sure they enjoy life before championship and just do it with less than perfect hair as the dog counts the most in all of this....at least for us.

Puppies are the things we celebrate - play - achievements - balanced - healthy - fun - all the things that if not in their lives here - well we would choose to forgo the shows as the dogs and their lives matter the most and we do not fool ourselves into believing that all dogs love the show ring - as they don't. But that's okay. Do you like to do everything?

Just call this written exploring - and food for thought!

Havanese Heat NO MORE

Well - not - never but it's done - ah...and till the next time. I adore male dogs - I do and I mean totally do. They are so lovees etc. but not stud dogs that are kept away from a gal in heat. They are an entire 'nother beast but today - calm...no interest - and tomorrow a bath as the marking outside has stopped.

We were going to take Kat out to class tonight to get him to get away from the scents but now it will only be the Treasure. She's practicing for the show coming up and we like to keep her exposed to kids, other dogs, different scenery etc. It's important especially during their fear stages.

Treasure hasn't been around screaming - running kids so last night I asked the kids to stop at class (class was outside) and say hello to her. All of this is done to make her realize that no matter how headache driven the screams are - it's all harmless.

Leaving Your Havanese Behind

Last night we went to handling class with just Kat and Treasure was miffed, to say the least. She rather likes the classes but she had just finished 3 days of show and we felt she needed a break despite what she thinks. Tonight she is back to handling class.

There's a fine art to balance when training. You can't do it so much that they get bored or don't find it as a treat to go to class so leaving Treasure behind at times is a good thing despite her - but daddies that she so prominently displays.

We bought these 'no bark' devices from Home Hardware and placed one at the front door. We had a few barkers that we were boarding at the same time and it got our pack barking in unison. I don't mind a few barks but then that should be enough. It hasn't stopped the barking totally but it has stopped the number of times. What it does is put out a high pitched sound that they can only hear. It doesn't hurt them. It's a sound correction. Will it work long term - don't think that is necessary if you use it as an attention thing and use your usual correction - you should be able to shut them off and still have the same affect with the anticipation. So far - day 1 - it's doing the attention thing so we can correct. We will see what happens when we get a boarder or two that likes to bark. We have one on our deck but may need another further out. We shall see.

Bad news - they need batteries and who knows how long they will last.

Two weeks till Wasabi's ultrasound. Why do the days string out when you want them to go by fast and zip by when you don't want them to?

Oversized Havanese or WHAT?

This weekend someone asked Nathan to show a 130 lb dog. Can you guess what it was?

When the judge said run it around twice, Nathan got his full workout.

Nathan really enjoyed the experience though a dog that size - when it wants your treats - well who is going to win? You, of course but it gives new meaning into getting your dog trained. This one was a rather well trained special who already had his championship.

Well, today was a catch-up day with much grooming. Due to rain, and not being here - well I had work to do and - well sometimes they say - there are days like this....

Can we have another day?

Abigail Championship

Well, Abigail now has 13 points - you need 10 for their championship and the question is - do we cut her down or do we leave her in full coat? What do you think?

That's it - Abigail can play to her heart's delight and muck it up, swim and not have mommy give her all those deep conditioning baths.

Life is going to be sooooooooooo much fun. ROFL

Abigail Finishes

Well Abigail does it with a bang - beating out all the specials for breed and finishing her championship and get this - with a blown coat.

More after today's show and a champion photo tonight.

Gad - am I tired or what and soon we have to pick up our friend Valerie Weston that helped us and continues to and I get to watch her TT in the ring today as she is on this afternoon while Nathan is on this morning with Abigail and Treasure. Fiona gets to hang out at home and enjoy already getting her championship just a few weeks ago.

We are sooooooooooooo excited to have 2 champions in such a short time.

Another Show Day: Simcoe

Here's the 3 at the show yesterday. If you think it is easy showing 3 at a time - well it's a tad - well challenging the way we do it but that's okay. I had all three on the table waiting their turn to be brushed.

Last night I had to wash the crew. I fudged - I half washed Treasure - fully washed the other two. I was out of steam. Treasure wasn't dirty other than underneath and her feet and her face so that is what I did. My bad but it was almost a full bath and thinking back on it, I may as well just had done the whole thing but it did save me a bit of time. Tonight I get to wash only 2 as Fiona is staying home. It will be much easier with 2 but get this, we are on at 9am - yikes - yeah Happy Mother's Day to me.

I then went to bed crashing hard with Wasabi, Shoshi and Katsura. Kat would have none of that sleep stuff so I may be sleeping in the car. This heat business is getting old. It's almost 530am and I have to wake the crew up soon anyways so we can get back on the road yet again - to another dog show.

No dog show next week - hooray and the next one is only with Treasure - much easier for ME!

Well, today we are going to drop Val off and we are - well I am hoping to buy some plants. There are a bunch of greenhouses and nurseries out that way and that will be my Mother's Day or celebration to me for surviving. Don't want to do it tomorrow as it will probably be a zoo but hoping we find the time today. We shall see.

Hoping for a good day at the show. Win or lose - it's a great chat!

Abigail's Almost There

Last night Darlah bathed no less than three dogs: Abigail, Fiona and Treasure. This morning we picked up our friend Val at 7:00am and then headed for Simcoe, Ontario. Today was Abigail's day. In spite of the fact she's in heat and dealing with the fact that Kat wants her as much as she wants him, she was wonderful in the show ring. She won Winner's Bitch, then Best of Winner's and Best of Opposites picking up two more points towards her championship. She needs just two more to finish. She's almost there! Val helped. Rita helped on lead when I had to show two dogs at once. Darlah helped most of all by doing a wonderful job on Abigail's coat even though its still growing back. And right now as I'm typing this Darlah is doing it all over again in anticipation of tomorrow's show.
Nathan

Havanese Bitches in Heat and the Dogs Who Love Them

As those of you who follow the blog know, we have one male in our home, a single boy among eight females. Some of our females are spayed for various reasons and will live out their lives with us happily ever after but four are not. And when those bitches come into heat our boy, Kat, knows it. He also knows what to do about it. Last week, for example, Wasabi was in heat and right in her prime and he knew it. This time, lucky boy, he was allowed to breed Wasabi and breed they did, eleven times. As soon as her time was over she growled him off and he understood.

Then Abigail went into heat. Our bad luck she didn’t go into heat at the same time as Wasabi but one week after and this time he was not allowed to breed. So instead of last weeks’ experience, with Wasabi flirting and dancing and him flirting and dancing right back, tails wagging, snuggling, licking ears and generally loving each other, followed by a tie, this week as much as he is desperate for us to understand that Abigail is in heat, we don’t seem to get it. Worse, as much as he pathetically whimpers, whines, claws at doors, crates, barred gates and windows, we aren’t seeming to understand that Abigail is calling him and she needs him right now! As I look up from my desk Kat is standing in front of the gate across my office door which prevents him from getting to Abigail. Of course Abigail is playing right along, lying a foot from the gate on the other side slowly wagging her tail and batting her eyelashes at him. If there was ever a more perfect name than the designation ‘bitch’ for a female dog, especially one in heat, I’ve never heard it.

At night I am now sleeping in a separate bedroom from my wife so that Kat is with me and away from Abigail. Risa, Shoshi and Fiona join us. The rest stay with Darlah. Just about all night long Kat comes to me to ask if he can please go see Abigail now. It reminds me of our children, once upon a time when they were young, asking repeatedly “are we there yet?” In Kat’s case he jumps on the bed, off the bed, snuffles at the closed bedroom door, back on the bed again trying to make his suddenly dumb daddy understand that Abigail really needs him right now. “Don’t you understand, Daddy? Abigail NEEDS me” he says in his best telepathic manner, willing me to understand and let him out.

He has finally settled down sitting beside my leg and is looking up at me with these big wide open eyes. He’s not quite sure why I’m being so particularly dense but he’s no dummy and he realizes I control the gate. In fact, he is so very bright and alert at the moment I wish I was showing him this weekend. Instead, we’re showing the bitch and she is in a mood.

We are travelling to the dog show in our van each day. We are bringing Treasure, Fiona and Abigail. But we are also picking up our friend Val and she’s bringing her fantastic Tibetan Terrier and another male dog she is showing this weekend. Imagine, if you will, five dogs in the van together for no less than 4 ½ hours each day, back and forth from our home to Val’s to the show. My two other girls could care less that Abigail is in heat but Val’s two males are certain to be in a special mood by the time we arrive at the show. We warned Val but she says this happens all the time in the show world so the boys have to learn to tough it out. I think she’s nuts and I’m really glad I’m driving, leaving Darlah and Val to deal with the whining and whimpering while I zone out and focus totally on the road.

Wish us luck this weekend.

Nathan