Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 8:02PM 
Treasure got to see the Kat/Lola pups this weekend and she was wondering - what are these little ones about.
She best get used to it as she will have 6 little ones from Wasabi to play with soon enough.
Yvonne and Alex was gracious as ever and we really appreciate their hospitality.
Tomorrow is a busy day...and photos and Hapy Father's Day going out to all you dads!
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 5:59AM 
Shoshi is a heart dog. What does that mean? She managed to capture our hearts the first time we laid eyes on her. It's crazy - these emotions but we still love her as deeply even after adding a number of playmates for her.
More than one doesn't mean divided love. We know that well with 7 kids - now grown up. We love them all.
Our oldest daughter is going to be x tomorrow - well shhh we won't tell you how old but the moment I set eyes on her - well she captured my heart and as each one came - they did the same. You end up going crazy with somethings they do and loving them for them being unique.
Each Havanese also have unique personalities - similar in some ways - different in others.
They are amazing - truly and we love them!
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 2:11PM 
It's a day of all days here - so much rain and so many Havanese - especially that FIONA that won't leave me alone - play play - play all day and then they can't figure out why I sleep with my head up against the wall.
Then Mommy has to take a silly photo of me.
It's the day before I get shown - maybe as a special and oh-hum - it's way too much. They said I have to show out in the rain.
Mommy says - thankfully I have great structure as this wet conformation contest wouldn't do but mud..what about that?
Someone did tell me that on spa days they do mud packs all over the body but I envision something entirely different than this.
Well it is what it is...and pray for Mommy's sanity as she will be doing the clean up.
Wasabi also went to her appointment and you will have to see how many puppies they saw. She has her own blog for her and the pups you know...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 2:45PM 
Kat's just started going to handling class. He's not ready for the show yet but we may take him soon anyway and use it as show conditioning. He self stacks himself but he's had a few large dogs growling at him in class so he tends to care what is behind him. That's okay - he will finally figure it all out and be great at this.
Kat had a dog pull out his head hair so he has had to be patient for his turn as his hair grew back.
The point of this is to let you know if you drop the ball doing conditioning with lots of dogs in close proximity, you may get a reaction. It's not the end of the world. It changes the more you do it.
With a number of our dogs finishing their championship this year, Kat wasn't the focus. He got out to the park, on walks, swimming - all the great things you do with a pet but he didn't get his fair share of handling class as there was always a show that someone else needed the time slot. Now it's his and Treasure's turn.
We can only handle 2 dogs in a class at once.
Will he pull it together and do well? We believe so. How do we know? We know our dogs well. Kat is special.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:14AM 
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!
Monday, June 15, 2009 at 6:41AM 
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.
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 5:58AM 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!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 5:41AM 
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.
Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7:05AM 
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!
Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 12:05PM 
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.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 7:56AM 
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!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 8:36PM 
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!
Monday, June 8, 2009 at 6:09PM 
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?
Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 8:46AM 
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 Talemaker Puppy 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.
Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 8:47PM 
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?
Friday, June 5, 2009 at 7:08AM 
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?
Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 12:54PM 
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.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 4:25PM 
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.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 11:19AM 
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 Talemaker Puppy Life.
Monday, June 1, 2009 at 9:37AM 
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.
