Talemaker Havanese Brags

We had a busy weekend this week with good company and fun moments - like Fiona's sister getting her first 2 points this weekend.

We are excited for Yvonne BIGTIME! Fiona thinks her sister is so fabulous dahlink!

Treasure and Fiona and Nathan had a fab weekend - Fiona finishing her championship - which isn't all that easy to do - it just looks easy to some, I might add and Treasure collecting enough points now to put her halfway to her championship at 6 months old.

You can't show them till 6months and Treasure just turned that.

One thing that has become evident that this showing is a roller coaster ride. You are excited as everything comes together or you are shaking your head wondering what went wrong or you are realizing you are always on a learning curve or all the above. There's more to show handling that putting a lead on a dog.

You have to do classes to perfect your skill and just when you think everything is perfect, the real show comes around, a balloon pops - the judge doesn't see what you do, your competition leaves a show early so you don't get points needed - and then some.

Then of course there is the grooming and that's a learning curve unto itself. It's not easy. You make a lot of mistakes and learn from them. But you get there you think and then you learn some more and you are always perfecting and that is what is true in the ring as well.

What is evident in this photo above is Nathan has a good time with his dogs. He laughs in the ring, he has a great attitude and it shows.

None of this is easy and not all dogs are meant to be show dogs. Some are meant to romp and be dawgs - perhaps get into rally or agility and just enjoy life but some dogs - well they just think this runway stuff is all that. I don't get it but it's true. Not all dogs in the ring have that something extra that makes you smile but some are born with it - some grow into it and some have better things to do. None of that is right or wrong. It's just life.

Thank you for allowing us to brag as we are so very proud of Nathan and his gals. They are everything to us and they make me proud.

Now that Fiona is a champion, I can woo her over to my side. tee hee... I can hear Nathan saying - not likely but we shall see. It's hard for me as I have to love them, care for them but try not to allow them to get too close as a bond with a handler and their dog can make all the difference in it all but when they achieve that championship, you can decide to go on and special them or be proud and find another passion for them and have fun.

I just adore the Havanese and those that do not have one or two in their lives (we have 7), well you don't know what you are missing. It's hard to explain but it's truly amazing.

Thanks again - and now for more shows and more challenges and more ups and downs and on to perfecting our skills I gather. That's life!

To Crate or Not Your Havanese

Some people think of crates as a cage and I guess as a human we perceive it that way and some dogs do not like it but maybe we are impressing on them our own feelings? We make sure all our puppies are comfie with crates by putting one in with them with an open door early on. This way if they ever have to stay over night at a vets, they have their comfort level. We also leave them open under our desks and use them at dog shows when I am doing two or more dogs. This way, one can sit safely while I am grooming the other but I don't walk away and leave them in it.

I will never feel safe just walking away at a show and leaving them in one. I would rather walk them around with me. Pros with many dogs have to but we will never be at that stage.

But what if you don't do dog shows? Well, I find with toys in it, my dogs LOVE their crates but I use it as a bed - a retreat and they rather like that. You will always find one or two hanging out in one just because they want to be close and have the cushy comfort.
Our dogs sleep on our beds, lounge on our couches and chairs and enjoy all the comforts but we owe them to get them to feel that a crate is safe. That way, if they are ill and have to stay in one, well a crate will be comfort not stress.

One hopes they never get ill but you never know.

Fiona Gets Her Championship

Just had to share that Nathan and Fiona got their championship. I say that as it was Nathan training her every step of the way and making that connection with the Fiona.

I am truly proud of this duo. Now Fiona gets to be a dawg and only be taken out to have some fun - when she wants to.

PS: The bad parents that we are - well we indulged her with chicken and part of a milkshake. She deserved every bit of it - so did Nathan.

Huge thanks goes to Yvonne of Chicadoro in entrusting us with this delicate beauty. She certainly has a mind of her own and that lovely scat, scat is - well it's precious. Thanks for letting us brag...

Katsura's State of Mind

This is what happens to a male Havanese that has lost his mind as his gal Wasabi is in heat. Boys - what can we do with them and lord knows we certainly can't do much without them. Besides - they are so bloody cute.

Okay human - isn't it time to brush this cutie?

Well, we had a day - the human daddy was painting. I was getting ready for a show and doing much online work.

Tomorrow - baths for the youngsters so they can look pretty at the show. Wish us luck...

Playing Havanese Wet Stylin'

With all these wet times that spring brings - I should be going - oh no - its raining but I get my camera out and click away and enjoy and worry about the dirt and muck later.

They come in wet and mucky, I take towels, put them in my lap and brush away unless the mud is so thick that I have to dip their feet and underside in water.

Dogs have to be allowed to be dogs even when you have show dogs. It makes the process harder but it does our hearts good to know they are emotionally balanced and having a grand time.

Havanese can and do swim - not all like it but many of ours do. We tend to make sure the pups swim if we have a litter in the summer to get them lovin' it. But at this time of the year, they run on top of our safety cover - all of the dogs and create this trampoline effect. It's fun to listen to and watch. Nathan even walks on it so we know if its safe for him, it's safe for the dogs.

This will be Treasures first summer. I can't wait to see if we have another swimmer. Are you in that summer state of mind? I can't get into it - yet! Shows to do - championships to achieve - and much more exciting times are in store.

Pack Leader: Havanese

Treasure and her sticks - oh my - spring begins and will my garden ever survive?

Here's an interesting philosophy of being the pack leader. Some believe that you need to calm your dogs, walk in front - not allow them to play or jump or act crazy on a walk. We tend to control the walk but we also allow them to enjoy. So - who really is in charge?

If you have a dog trying to pull and do everything they want but not what you want - try this.

If your dog is pulling or acting out while you are walking, stop and just stand there calmly till they calm down. That first walk may take a long time especially if you have to keep standing there till they calm down but eventually they will 'get' that if they want to go anywhere, they must do so in a calm and relaxed state. Why do it this way? It beats struggling with them and by leaving the frustration behind you, you convey to your Havanese what you expect and it puts you in charge - as it should be. I am not saying don't allow them to sniff but do so when you want - when you have the time.

Back to stick eating Talemaker Havanese style - and how do we stop that!!!!! heh

Neutering Your Havanese

Why neuter your Havanese?

Some say - why should I do such a thing but there are many reasons you should - least of all having to lock the raving maniac up when a gal is in heat - well not literally but they stop eating at times - their tongue is down to their knees - well it looks like it but it really isn't and you really need to know what you are doing. You also do not want to be around a male that has only one thing on his mind - do you? Plus - if you do it right - between health testing, training, showing etc - well there's only love in it.

Wasabi is in heat so Daddy gave him steak juice on his food or he would never eat today. He's on a mission but Wasabi is not ready and he knows it - he just doesn't want her to go anywhere - so he follows her around like he's in love.

It's okay. In a day or two he will get his wish and we will mate the two. Then hopefully in a couple of months - puppies - and we can't wait to smell that puppy breath. Dreamin' Talemaker style!

Shows, Oster Dryers & Conditioning

Fiona had a good weekend. She didn't start out liking the shows but she now sees the benefit of going and being the only one. She used to not like the noises but with slow conditioning - she's past that.

We came home today and fell fast asleep - well I did. Will I sleep tonight - who knows but I was WIPED! Shows are very tiring.

I also bought an Oster dryer tabletop from Rens and the prices went up $45 but we got it for the price we ordered it from when we pointed out it was still on the site at the cheaper price. I would have said forget it and tried to get it elsewhere though they toted they are going up everywhere as Oster increased the prices - cute in this economy.

Look at Fiona's face - now she's happy in the ring and that's the only way we would do this. Our dogs - well how they feel matters.

Wasabi is also in heat so we are crossing our fingers we will have puppies this summer. We are hopeful!

So, next week when I am doing two dogs - ooops this week for the show - well I will be drying 2 sides at once.

It seems my boarding $$ goes to helping the dawgs one way or another and helping me but any dog likes to be finished faster when it comes to drying and now they can be. I am jazzed!!!

Having Fun With Your Havanese

We just got back home and we had a judge that said they enjoyed Nathan enjoying his dog in the ring and this says it all. If you can't truly have fun - what is the sense of it.

We got to see Sylvie (wish we had more time to talk) and then she disappeared or maybe we did - not sure which. We did have to go into town and Fiona got WAY dirty so now it's time for another bath and do this all again tomorrow.

Well of to make bubbles in the tub...and hoping we are home early enough to enjoy this beautiful weather.

Havanese: Do They Have Memories?

Ever wonder what your dog remembers? There used to be a school of thought that dogs lived in the moment and the only way they remember how to do things is from repetitive acts but many scientists have dispelled this thought. Many a Havanese owner have always thought that their pets not only remember people, places and things but are emotionally intelligent as well. I am one of these and I will tell you why.

I can teach a certain set of commands and not use it again for a year or two and suddenly, depending on the dog, they will do it again perfectly on command especially if we had fun with it.

I have a theory on this. I believe that a dog remembers things that put an imprint on them. This is why you hear stories of remembering owners years later.

When our puppies come back for boarding, we find they are highly attracted to the upstairs whelping room and seem confused on why the pen is not up next to my desk. (It's only up when we have puppies. Is it smell? Or did we somehow make an imprint on them that they want to remember? You tell me.

What makes us thoroughly happy is when a puppy goes to a new home and they get very excited to see us and then when their new owners come to retrieve them, they get so excited to see them too.

We are asked over and over - but will he still want to come home after playing with us and our crew? We equate life here as a holiday for the dogs. They have an amazing time but when all is said and done, just like us, there's no place like home.

But then that old memory - imprint thing happens and they come again and get excited for their next visit.

What's the point of all of this? Well - think about creating memories for you and yours. You will be glad you did!

Wasabi is Miffed

Well that Daddy I hear went to see Yvonne and here I am waiting to go into this heat state that I need to be in to get preggie. Well, I am in it but still early.

I do love to go to Yvonne's too!

So, maybe I will throw everything into a fritz with these dawg shows my parents are going to and Daddy will have to learn how to groom. Oh boy - are we in for interesting times and all due to little old me.

We will let you know how that works out.

Now that I am all clean - thanks again, Mommy - I will try to help Mommy plant some plants that preggie Lola's mom gave us.

Fun Havanese Style

Treasure really is a treasured soul and likes to eat her human daddy's ears. She does it in a way that makes that human laugh and laugh.

How does one try to watch TV when your little one is doing this?

Today was a wonderfully warm day for spring and the last of our visitors went home - Milo. Sassy and Coach went home the day before and Louis as well. We had a full house - a delightful ball of Havanese fun.

Before Milo went home, he rolled 5 ways to Sunday with Treasure to make sure he didn't appear clean after I bathed him. That's what life at Talemaker Havanese is like and hey - would you want it to be any other way? Not us.

Have fun - let your havs help with the gardening. You will either laugh or pull your hair out. Let me know which one.

Mad Dash Play Havanese style

Something about that mad dash outside that makes it so wonderful of a game. Dogs really do like games and if you can be creative, they will appreciate it and you will have fun.

I usually like to catch this type of movement on camera. have you tried catching that moment in time with your Havanese? Give it a try today!!

Did you know your dog can learn to play hide and seek?

Havanese Relationships

Terra seems to be a mighty special dog. She spreads her play with all Havanese. Shoshi and Terra used to be the best of pals and these days its usually Treasure and Terra but on this day, at this moment - Shoshi was that connection and Terra enjoyed it.

She is a mighty special dog.

Ever have your dog bark at a noise or object and don't understand why? Usually it's their alert as they do not know what it is or what it is capable of. It's a fear reaction or 'I am not sure' reaction.

You can use slow conditioning to get them over it.

Treasure had a show recently - her first and got several points for showing well. She's got lots of pretty ribbons - which she would love to chew. Well, when she was getting her photo taken, the photographer made a strange noise to get her attention and she stiffened her body and barked at him. He laughed so hard that she relaxed.

The point is she was mighty comfie at the show but a strange noise in a new place can conjure up a hesitant reaction. That doesn't mean you should avoid such areas but rather expose them in slow doses.

Wet Havanese: Bathing Time

Ever wonder how to wash your Havanese? Ever have one scratch? You may be using a low quality shampoo/conditioner that robs the skin of it's moisture and causes your Havanese to scratch. It may be something more or all it is.

When washing your Havanese, take the shampoo and conditioner into both hands and pull it gently through with your hands from the roots to the end instead of rubbing it into the skin. (rubbing increases mats)

Be sure to rinse it completely out with the only exception if your dog's hair is not in good condition, pull a light amount of conditioner through only the ends and rinse halfway out.

Use a leave in spray on conditioner when combing/brushing and drying. I brush completely, let them run around like a maniac as it actually does takes excess water off - then brush one more time when done to remove any tangles and dry 3/4 of the way with just using my fingers ad then with spray on conditioner and a brush I finish the rest of the way.

My next present is a table dryer (Oster) so I can be drying both sides at once. With my crew - a necessity but yours - one will most likely do.

Happy egg hunting for those that celebrate and enjoy that its almost spring like weather - I think - brr here still.

Crazy Play Talemaker Style

It's always crazy times at Talemaker Havanese where the play can be or feel like non stop at times and to us, that's rather nice.

Here you can see - well barely that Abigail and Sassy are playing up a storm.

Yvonne's crew is at the house till Sunday night so it's Havanese madness time.

Will the humans and dogs survive? heh

Havanese Tongue Licking Times

Fiona and Treasure are just hanging out licking their lips thinking Daddy will give them a treat. It's a communication skill that they all use to say - hey - I want a treat. It's a riot as Risa will do it all day but she's on that evil word - D-I-E-T thing.

The crew is having a grand time enjoying each other this fine Passover/Easter weekend. The snow seems to be gone. The plants are starting to pop up. Let's hope it stays this way. It's still JACKET weather - well not for the Havanese but for the human kind. Still, it's great for walks finally and running around in a pack in the backyard. Life is good.

On this holiday weekend, watch out for that paper on the eggs and the chocolates. It's poison for your Havanese. Keep them up and out of the way and enjoy the holiday - will ya!

Holiday Havanese Madness

Okay - not madness but great fun. On this fine holiday weekend we have a full crew of visitors and residents alike and they are having a grand time doing the Havanese huddle.

What's that? It's a meeting of the minds or maybe it's a strategy meeting of who can be in the lead when they run around the backyard in full speed. Oh my - and they did - having a grand time.

If that wasn't enough, then they went on walks and now are back playing up a storm. Does it ever end? Not until they are completely tired but oh do they sleep at night.

Havanese in Handling Class

We are in for a long weekend with a ton of fun and Yvonne and Alex are coming down to help. What amazing friends we have!

Last night we had Kat and Treasure in handling class and tonight we have just Treasure as she has a show coming up and this class is so far away but it is worth it. It's a large class with a ton of dogs but it is called conditioning and socialization.

You don't have to be a show dog to kick it up a notch and get your little one exposed to various sounds, sights etc. The more you expose in a positive way, the more your dog ends up being balanced. Even the most shy dog can make improvements by being diligent. It may not 'feel' that way at first but take it from us who had taken a dog that was really unbalanced and got her enjoying and playing - well we know it can happen. It's work - we know but sooooooooooo worth it and it can be incorporated into daily life and think of the new doggie friends and human friends you'll make.

Think about it!

Smell is in the Air

Oh the sweet smell of spring - NOT! I know Shoshi would prefer it to be but another light dusting is in the air and that white stuff is all around.

Daddy is snoozing this fine afternoon on the couch with all the Havanese. It's just another lazy spring afternoon after a lot of work.

What's a dawg supposed to do?

Okay - handling class - fun with our visitor Milo and eating. Look at it all as an opportunity to train. Get a walk in too and practice stays on corners. That may save your dog's life one day.

Our visitor is snoring and so is the human male type - oh my!