Looking Down at Pups

Treasure is going to Chicago to compete with hundreds of dawgs. So I greased her up - okay oiled her up and will have her ready by giving her another bath on Tuesday before she goes. This allows her hair to be in good shape before she goes to a show.

Right now she insists on playing like a banshee with visiting Lucy and Coco and Zack that we wonder if she will have any hair left but she can't help herself.

Tomorrow Zack and Coco go home and Fred comes to stay. We are really looking forward to the fun with another dawg in the mix.

Here Treasure is sitting looking down at the pups. She has such fun playing this game - you can't get me.

Gad they are sooooooooooooo sooooooooooooo silly!

Sense of Smell

The smelling receiver is made up of a mucous, a labyrinth of innumerable folds that could cover a surface of 130 m2 compared to the 3 m2 that humans have. The dog has 120 to 220 million cells next to man's 5 million cells. Its smell is so developed that it can detect the lightest environmental change.

As a matter of fact, the dog can detect the change of character of other dogs or humans that surround them, just by detecting the slight increase or decrease of their hormonal levels and their sweat. This has nothing to do with a sixth sense: the dog can just detect certain signals that go unnoticed by humans.

There have been anecdotal reports that 'man's best friend' can spot cancer in their owners, and this has been backed by scientific trials.

One study of 54 patients showed that dogs could pick up the scent of bladder cancer in a patient's urine.

Another showed that dogs could not only detect cancer, but they could tell the difference between people with breast and lung cancer, just from smelling their breath.

The latest findings were reported at a meeting of the American Physical Society in San Antonio, Texas.

Can you imagine the possibilities of your Havanese if you can tap into that sense of smell - learn how to use what they smell? I think about it all the time and would love to use it in some fashion.

I wonder if they could tell today was going to be a hot one.

Yvonne's Crew and Visitors

Yvonne's crew was hanging out at the pool today.

They came to swim and socialize the pups. They brought cookies and a pie - YUM!

Downsey even went swimming today and really did a wonderful job at going back and forth with Yvonne and Nathan.

She could learn to really enjoy this wet stuff. I can feel it in my bones. hehe

The crew thought it was a love fest with so many dogs. You do not want to know how many but really it was negotiable and fun.

Then we had guests over tonight that own Sebastian and they brought two of their neighbours over. So the pups got a lot of socializing with kids again.

This socializing is a good thing.

It was a crazy dawg house today and I have to get work done but I will be shocked if the pups do not sleep tonight. Keep them busy and they fall fast asleep.

Here's one of our guests loving up Missy - one of the gals.

Cutting the Hair Short

This is Abigail's haircut that she got today. She plays hard and loves to muck it up so I went short to see how it would look and to make it easier and allow it to come back in glorious shape. Just like humans, their hair can use a haircut every now and then to get off those dead ends.

Now when Abigail has puppies hopefully this fall, she will have a short, easy care do to get her through the pups wanting to feed and chew on her.

This was Abigail getting ready to pounce on our visitor Lucy. They take turns enjoying each other. Nothing like two havs playing together.

Run, Run, Run...

Did you know the pups are already learning to run after me. Somehow they think I can feed them too. ARE THEY CRAZY?

That's okay. I can run faster then them.

Tomorrow I am going to get cut down short and Mommy is going to let me grow out from there. I have never been really short so it will be a new look for me.

Why is Mommy doing it? Well, my ends got fried from all that play and I am done showing so it's time to try something new but I suspect - Mommy will hate it and it will have to grow all the way back in again. hehehehehe

Fiona doesn't play as much as me so she gets to keep her long hair. We are not all alike, you know. Treasure is still getting shown so Mommy has to say - no bite but we do it anyway when she's not looking. At least she believes that. She looks at our hair and shakes her head but she is glad we are having fun and being dawgs.

It's only a bloody haircut you know. ROFL!

Storms and All That Scare

Last night we had a rip roaring storm - well storms come through and our old lady golden - well she doesn't do well with storms. She kept me up all night. I do not do well with a TV on while trying to sleep but on went the TV.

None of the Havs react to the storm except to say - you crazy - you want me to go out in THAT!

Well, reality is I don't. Kat goes out and in seconds and gets drenched but not many others will. Who can blame them. That's when it is good to have them trained to a pad as well. It also helps when you are showing a dog as there are times that it is mucky and dirty and wet outside. There are some storms that boots and jackets won't protect them and that was what it was like last night.

Risa is also one of those dogs that could care less about the storms but she also has a bladder of steel. She's been known to hold it for 14 hours - which is a record around here but she is an adult and likes sleep more than emptying her bladder.

Needless to say, last night was ruff. Our son - we think had guests over when we were sleeping and the dogs kept waking up to that.

Getting pups from A to Z is not as easy as some think. If you are doing it right it's a lot of work. You spend time extending their time to sleep. You get them going on the pad. You expose them to all sorts of elements. You clean and clean and cuddle and love and it's work but each day they improve and each day you get closer to your goal of having a pup comfie with a crate - sleeping the night and socializing them. This process does not allow much consistent sleep til the later stages. Throw in a storm and well you can be yawning as you type - like me.

Visitors at Talemaker Havanese

Our visitor Lucy is way comfie. It didn't take her anytime settling in. She sleeps with her head on my stomach or shoulder when going to sleep at night. Life's so ruff for the Havanese. heh

Well, Shoshi and Risa had a bath and now we are getting a rip roaring storm. Poor Nathan is outside scrambling to take our canopy down. It's turning into some storm. Glad the dogs already had their outings including a swim. Lucy - she likes her feet wet but no swimming yet.

Abigail plays up a storm with Lucy. They seem to be two peas in a pod.

I just felt Risa and she feels like a dream. One wonders why I wash the dogs more frequently than most. I just love cuddling with softness.

Hope you are inside enjoying the cool air wherever you are and giving some love to the havs. They deserve it - don't ya know?

Run, Run Havanese

I think the crew is missing Teddy but they are getting walked as I type and they have been playing with the pups and each other nonstop.

We figure we better get in as much as possible before the thunderstorms come.

Oh, oh - the rain started. Nathan has 2 dogs out for a walk - our son has 2 others - the last two. Nathan even took Whitney as she wanted to go but it's obvious she's not making it even around the block these days. Pool exercises for her in hopes it will help her. It's hell getting old.

What do you do if you have a Havanese that dislikes the rain? Take them out ANYWAYS. Many enjoy snow more than the rain by far.

Neck Deep in Puppies

This is the first born - son of Wasabi and our Kat. He's a true character and each one of these pups just cease to amaze me.

I know we have a puppy page at Talemaker Puppy Life but we just got in from running around outside and get this - the crew was already chasing Nathan. I had to laugh.

Not quite 6 weeks and already in a full run after him. I just love it!

Treasure wasn't sure what to make of the pups at first. She was highly curious but when they started trying to feed - she went oh oh. But now she is out there playing like a banshee. It all evolves. It's truly fun to watch!

How they go from drunken sailor to this so fast - well it's amazing!

The pups has added a grand amount of fun for our visitors and resident dawgs alike.

But Teddy will be going home tomorrow and we will miss his fun.

Play Time With the Little Ones

The adults are now playing with the pups as a usual thing at least once or twice a day. It tuckers the little ones out. They eat more - they sleep more and they are happy - happy - happy.

Abigail just finds the pups so delightful.

To check out their antics, be sure to check out Talemaker Puppy Life.

The crew has been hanging outside seeing the weather is good but brace yourself - rain is
slated AGAIN for the Toronto area for the weekend. Don't ya just LOVE this summer - NOT! I will tell you my weeds love it!

Well our old lady golden loves the pups too. She doesn't play with them like Terra but she sniffs and comes to life when they are around. It's nice.

Socialization is Very Important

The littlest pup was socializing with all the rest of the dogs.

Well all of them were.

Terra was not quite sure what she should do but old habits kicked in and she started watching her feet and enjoying the little ones.

Some of the pups hung out and watched.

Some guarded to make sure they were okay (Risa did the guarding).

Some just had a grand time with them. I am working on a video of the days events right now. I am hoping to post it to Talemaker Puppy Life tonight. They loved being out with the other dogs and grandkids.

The Martians Arrived

I swear that is what Treasure looked like in this photo but she relaxed fast - not as fast as Abigail but check out Talemaker Puppy Life to see their 5 week video.

The pups are growing up fast!

We had them in the kitchen today as we had a down pour and they will be acquainted with the entire house and outside by the time they go home.

The pups are hitting the pad quite a bit now. It sure makes cleanup easier. We tend to drape pads etc on the x-pen so we have quick cleanups. Don't ask us how much laundry we are doing now but times 5 and learning - well it happens.

They really enjoy the cuddles now and the puppies here are really enjoying getting to know the pack. We do this slowly - one on one - two on two. This is how they get conditioned and find the fun.

The pack is down to just them plus 1 - Teddy who has been here before. He is having a roaring grand time with Treasure. He also wants to know what these gremlins are.

Lucy comes this week. We can't wait!!

Piling Out

My favourite photos are dogs in action and I keep trying to get the right photo of them piling out the back door.

It's like taking a family photo and someone always is not smiling or is making a face or? But it's fun trying.

The crew is missing Marlee and Jazmyn who just went home. I will miss part of my doggie blanket (they surround me in bed).

No swiming today but walks and baths and Fiona is greased up and I am making up a gallon batch for the next time. Don't worry folks. This is just show stuff.

We are looking forward to Lucy coming this Friday.

The answer to blow drying a dog that doesn't want to be? Have treats on hand. Snuggle - kiss and talk baby talk to them. Hold firmly but gentle and stay in a good mindset. It works - really!

Well - my dryer has died. So I am back to 1 and drying the slow way. sigh...

Can We See Them Too?

We had a couple over to see the pups and the crew is not allowed to be around them when they are out and about loose.

Today we had Kat, Treasure and Abigail but always just 1 or 2 at a time.

The pups are too small and we wait to integrate them in with the full pack over a period of time to avoid any of them stepping on them inadvertently.

The crew was hanging outside saying - hey what about me?

But this couple brought a toy for them and they are STILL playing with it. It's a keeper!!! Marlee even stopped sniffing to join in the fun!

Casual Brace

Some people don't buy into the stuffiness of showing as you can see in this brace.

Usually people are dressed up - suits/dresses - etc. But not this guy. I have no idea who he was but I laughed and clapped and had to take a photo.

I am not sure he won any prize topless but he sure attracted attention.

At least he wasn't stuffy and hot!

Well, we have Louis and Teddy visiting and they played up a storm as soon as he hit the house.

Teddy makes himself at home immediately. Sorry mom - he really has a grand time.

We also have Marlee and Jazmyn and Jazmyn looked for Nathan - he's her fave next to Treasure but when he wasn't here - I was second best and Marlee slept with me right beside my head. They already figured out the treats at grooming time ESPECIALLY Jazmyn but they have been here before. Oh and I have to get a photo as Marlee leads the crowds with keeping the duck at bay from everyone where Jazmyn is satisfied to snuggle and play and snuggle and play.

Well, we have puppy people coming to visit so have to get off. More tomorrow...

Explaining the Win

I promise - I will move on to something else but too many people asked us to explain this win that I took Nathan's words to a puppy owner of ours and posted it here. It will be easier. Hope you understand.

Here are some of the dogs in the group ring. Sorry I didn't have a wide angle lens - teach me.

Nathan's explanation:
In the Show ring dogs are separated into 7 Groups. Havanese are a part of the Toy Group. In order for Kat to come first in Group and go on to compete in Best in Show he has to beat not only all other Havanese but all other toy group breeds which happens to include some of the top dogs in Canada. Yesterday Kat was judged the better dog over both the number 2 and the number 4 dog in Canada. They have something like 8000 points. Kat has 54. It was surrealistic. ;-) He’s such an awesome dog

Katsura Group 1 & Championship

Something told me I had to go to the show today. I wanted to relax - play with the pups and catch up with work. Tonight I am doing work - getting Treasure bathed and going crazy but in a good way. I got to see Kat in the ring the first time and I got to see a group 1 win and his championship.

Kat not only had wonderful puppies but now Daddy is a championship with a group 1 and group 2. What a way to get there and he only had 1 day that he was shown before this show.

I am sooooooooooo very proud of my men.

The way the puppies wagged their tails when they saw us...I think they are too!

Tomorrow we have 3 visitors coming. I can't wait but Nathan will be away til the evening at a show and me...carrying the load til he comes home and him carrying it out there but I am up for it. I may be tired but this cloud 9 stuff gets your adrenaline pumping!

More tomorrow....

Bracebridge Show Group 2

Usually I do not place a post up twice - only on special occasions but had to say congrats, Nathan and Kat and Judge Doug Windsor for recognizing the potential of this duo. Kat got Group 2 today.

We are truly excited. It was worth the wait of letting his hair grow back in after puppies gnawing on him and an unnamed dog chewing off his top knot giving him a Joe Dirt look for too long. But the hair is growing and Nathan is enjoying showing - well most days.

Two points away from making this our 4th championship with those that reside with us full time with Nathan on the lead and me bathing this year and this one was born in our home.

Thanks for letting us brag.

Can't wait till they get home. (I didn't get to see it - sigh but hope to see him in the ring maybe tomorrow). I am waiting for them to arrive so I can bathe Kat yet again...

PS: Fiona - well I lined combed her and have yet to wash. Maybe tomorrow. Sooooooooo unlike me. Lined comb everyone else too... and even combed all the puppies...who are delish!

Bath Time

Abigail is my dawg who dislikes the bath the most. Oh she doesn't mind the drying or even swimming but stand her in the sink and she just stands there stiff as a board. Is she afraid - well that's a good signal that she is but no - she doesn't shake - she just says - get that soap out of me.

She used to shake - arch her back and hide on me but she's over that stage now. They do get better and not all of them act like that. She's one of two that has - the rest doesn't seem to mind.

The point is - just do it as a matter of fact - give them kisses - keep your voice upbeat and cutsie pieish and give them a treat when they act like you want them to.

When I have a guest that is frightened, I give them treats and cuddles and play with them as I am washing and drying and it actually gets them enjoying.

The point is, help them find the fun. By helping them - you find your own fun.

Talemaker Havanese Kat Swimming 2009

Kat's swimming again another season. What a guy...

What's different? He's running in between and he has more in the peanut gallery lending their barking support. Even our visitor Louis gets into the supporting cast!

We do love his passion for the swim! Enjoy...