Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 5:41PM 
Can I get away with mucking up in the dirt and then having Mommy say - well you are going anyways even if I need a bath - yep Abigail. A dawg has to do what a dawg has to do.
More later on how to handle - I don't want to do anything but play.
Monday, September 1, 2008 at 8:50AM 
Abs says - no more visitors today. They all went home. sigh What do I have to do now? I guess tag your 'it' Fiona.
You don't know what you are in for!
From the Talemaker crew to yours - may you have a splendoured Havanese day.
We will fill you in on our fun after we experience it.
What we find out is as the pack changes - visitors come and go - the pack changes too. Abigail is playing up a storm with Shoshi and we couldn't be happier.
What a gal she is making everyone count. We could all learn a thing or two from that.
Well we did the fair, went in the pool and now are about to chill out, lay on the couch, eat popcorn and watch 'Prison Break'. The dogs LOVE chillin' out and watching TV and they do watch. It's also a perfect time to groom your dog. It's when you are most relaxed and that will mean your dog shoudl be too especially after an active day.
Hope you had a good one!
Tomorrow - the saga of - can I get away with...
Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 9:03PM 
If you check out Yvonne's site - Chicadoro Havanese you will see our visit this weekend. There's lots of puppy pics from running, to playing to even sticking out their tongue at another. The pups are a riot. Check them out.
Well, the weather is good seeing it's almost the end of the season. Not a raindrop in the sky. Nathan hit the pool with the pups and I went out there with camera in hand and caught Kat jumping in the pool.
Check it out and be sure to click on the pics to see a larger view.
I also managed to get out in the pool after I caught the action.
Can you believe the rain this year? Well, they say NO RAIN this week and that makes Havanese - well our Havanese happy campers.
Have you ever seen a Havanese look at the rain and say - hmm not me - no, I am not going out!
Then there are the kind that adore it. We have both. We force the ones that don't to grin and bear it so to speak. We place them smack, dab in the middle of the grass and tell them to do their duty but it's a riot watching the feet getting lifted as if to say, Daddy - that's wet grass - oooh.
Kat doesn't mind the wet grass. He doesn't mind the rain and he can't get enough of the pool. I guess he's a water dog.
It's as if it's his job. Every dog needs a job.
Well, we got to hang out with visitors, had walks, went swimming - life is good this Labour Day weekend - I tell ya. It's what the entire summer should have been like.
All our visitors have gone home, sniff, sniff.
Still, it's time to regroup - concentrate on us and then get ready for whomever is coming next.
Splash - ready for a cool down? We are...Havanese hitting the water and it's almost the end of summer.
Catch you tomorrow and here at Talemaker, we are hoping you end your long weekend in the company of a Havanese. It couldn't get any better than THAT!
Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 10:10PM 
Just got back from seeing Lola and Kat's pups and Maggie and Oscars pups. How cool is that?
We had great food, great company and lots of puppies. Abigail thought the pups were great. Kat only wanted Flora and Fiona was miffed the focus wasn't just on her. Dear old Wasabi was fascinated too. Risa - she just chilled out and this particular pup of Wasabi's that has been with us was checking this wee one out.
Fun was had by all. We will be posting lots of puppy pix tomorrow. There's only a couple of pups available from this crew. I am going to miss them.
It was priceless to see one of them toting away a slipper larger than its body. Got to love it!
More tomorrow!
Friday, August 29, 2008 at 1:20PM 
We open the back door, I sit at the end of the deck and they come running at me so I can point and click.
I look at Risa and wonder if she ever was brushed in her lifetime.
I just adore that natural look.
Oh, she is brushed daily - actually just finished doing the crew, cleaning eyes, checking ears etc but those messy moments - well I treasure them as that is when a dog is being a dog.
There's nothing wrong with those dogs that just hang out but be still my heart when you see one leap or get creative or use their brains to get what they want. That brain, if cultivated is a wonderful thing.
Kat always seems to manage to get out the door first. What is that about? Is he quicker?
Well, perhaps but he is also an alpha who thinks it's all about him. Oh yeah - we have a few of those. He is also the most athletic of the crew so far but the puppies haven't matured yet and I have a feeling he best watch out in that department.
Here's Abs in the middle of the crew looking quite like a bear these days. She's happiest just playing. She doesn't care where she fits in she just has to fit in and they all love her for that.
Funny, even she is showing assertive moments lately. She tends to do tag team stuff with Fiona if it suits her cause - meaning what she is going to get out of it.
Our crew all eats together but we are on diets - most of us except puppies as we had pups then roads we couldn't hike in the winter. Yeah excuses but we are at it again. The humans around here have that attitude so remember they are a reflection of you so they too adopt that - oh we will get to it. We are actually very active even when we can't hike with retrieve and silly games but nothing like a huge romp with some new pals or a long hike to get you downright sleepy and tired and burn those calories.
Well, Fiona was eating extra food as she needs to gain a tad bit of weight. the crew had eaten theirs and was waiting to see if she would leave it. One came up close and she gave him a warning. Abs decided she would also give a warning as that was hers if Fiona was going to walk away. See what I mean...if it suits her.
Don't ever think the Havanese aren't smart. Their little brains are churning thinking up new things. It's better than TV.
Talking about TV, I can't wait till the new shows come on so we can do body hugs together and watch TV. It's those moments I treasure!
Till later!
Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:56PM 
Havanese can have attitude. Each have their very own unique personality but some are born with that 'look at me' desire that I adore. Not everyone appreciates or even likes this attitude. Fiona has it going over the top.
What do you do when they buck the system - so to speak? You ask what do you mean by that?
Well, Fiona was laying on the bed with her Daddy and I came strolling upstairs. She didn't know who I was so she did a low-based grrr. Daddy - I am protecting you but also - this bed is mine.
Fiona has an attitude that makes you laugh at things like that but that's when you can get in trouble. If allowed, a dog like her will escalate and suddenly what you think is cute is no longer. It's best to nip it in the bud. They need boundaries just like that creative, challenging human kind.
I corrected her. She did the submissive roll to me. It wasn't me that was the target but rather what she can and can't control. She's a puppy and she is learning that life is about others - not just her. Some humans have an issue with that so why not dogs?
She will take a tad more work than say an Abigail who tends to comply and not step over the line but if you keep at it, she will be the dog you can't forget.
It's all in the way you handle it.
Interesting enough, I have found that a dog in my home may act different in another home and act even different in yet another home. How can that be? Are they wishy, washy or are they people pleasers? It's the latter and they will, even the most strongest personalities learn from you.
Remember, your dogs are what you put into it and what emotion you send down the lead. It's difficult to get into that mindset but that strong-willed dog needs you to be a calm assertive but so does that dog that is timid.
If your spouse or someone important to you is in a &^%$ mood, doesn't it affect you? Most will say yes. It's the same for the dog but you can't talk it out with the dog like you should with the human.
Fiona may always be a challenge all her life but not in a negative way but one who will try new things. Her brain is always ticking but she's also an emotional one and needs to understand that the world is not just about her. She's getting there but nothing is born perfect.
Again, they are what we put into them and if you are consistent and keep at it, you will have a truly amazing companion and wonder how you ever did without them.
I know I wouldn't trade any of my dogs for anything. They each bring something different to my life and I treasure that!
--Darlah at Talemaker
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 11:01AM 
Thanks to Jean, we have a number of new photos added to the slideshow. Her photos are noted with her name next to the filename.
Here's a photo Jean captured of Nathan getting his doggie lovin' in.
Would you expect anything else? Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 2:57PM 
Hey guys, I am Risa - the black dog with white feet. That's why my champion name is Whitesox. I tend to manage the crew here but the humans here just won't stop till we are all having fun.
That human daddy was getting me going and at first the rest of the crew went - dare we play with the 'boss'? But play they did.
We just uploaded a video from the picnic hoping you will enjoy. What has become abundantly clear is we like to play no matter where we are. Maybe it's that Abs that won't stop or those humans or...but forgive us as we tend to be all over that video as we were the ones moving our ahems off and crashing on the way home.
Oh, there are plenty of the others human and canine alike but like we said - we are used to having CRAZY fun. Enjoy!
PS: Disregard the jerky nature. That human daddy is still learning. We all have to do that for the rest of our lives. HA!
Monday, August 25, 2008 at 6:09PM 
Have you ever seen a growl and a grrr and a roll and a totally wrestlemania rough-house experience with your dogs?
We had guests over that assumed they were going to kill each other but they were having fun.
It's important to distinguish between play and aggression. There is a huge difference but perhaps not to a person that hasn't seen both in action.
Puppies play as if they are going to gnaw each others tail, hair, ears or what have you off but they know how hard to bite down and if one was to go yelp, the other would stop and then continue and lessen the impact. They don't want to end the play and if they don't 'get' it, well they won't have anyone to play with.
If you ever saw your dog growling or barking at others when they are a puppy, often its due to their inexperience in reading another dog's language and them being not sure if the other is receptive to play. They will 'get' that. Some get it earlier than others but if you socialize - and do it often, they will get it earlier.
Just like us, they learn from their experiences - good and bad. We have to guide them down that right path of being totally amazing!
Sunday, August 24, 2008 at 6:05PM 
Fiona Says:
Daddy thinks I am a sheep dog. They say I am supposed to show natural but I can't see a thing. Oh the hair stays back and then I give it a shake and watch out!
The judge on Thursday didn't like Fiona's 'cheeky' attitude but today's did. She just has to gain a tad bit of weight and get fat - ROFL. So, the Fiona is on a high protein diet starting tomorrow and eating frozen raw chicken necks. We will see what that does. We may have to hold her in place to get her to stop expelling so much energy. Oh that human wishes she had that metabolism.
Well, we are still working on picnic photos. Some were corrupted due to a virus but we are recovering what we can. Look for them soon.
Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 7:57PM 
Hi:
Friday, August 22, 2008 at 9:55PM 
They say there's a Havanese picnic tomorrow and I am going with 8 of my favourite friends or so those humans tell me.
If I don't play too hard - maybe I will get away without a bath. I will let you know when I know.
Photos to come after the picnic. Mommy promised LOTS!
Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6:57PM 
It's one of those days that daddy got mommy a polarized lens cover and a hood for her camera and what does she do - take a photo of my disheveled face.
I think I smash my face up against the ground just to give her texturized hair. ha! Well - it's a good line where that human is concerned.
I have 3 kids here visiting and I am having a great time - that is until Coachie thinks he thinks he is. A mom's work is never done.
Saturday is picnic time at Rita's house. Are you coming? I know I am just to see who I can play with. Hope to see you there.
PS: If that Fiona, Biona or whatever that human mommy calls her dares to scat and get in my way...well the hair will fly! ROFL! I am still quicker than that little thing.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:19AM 
I compare a dogs mouth to a toddler's hands and mouth. You can't keep a thing out of it. You have to take it out, teach leave it and still - the lure of that stick seems so great that they will try to step over the line if allowed.
As humans - sometimes we can't help just allowing as its so cute but watch out - when you do, they may take a mile. Be sure you can live with it. A stick my dissolve in most cases but not necessarily and the damage it can do to bowels - well we won't go there so practice - 'leave it' or 'drop it' and see how many times you have to practice to get there.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 5:59PM 
One would think this was about YOU achieving happiness but its about your Havanese achieving happiness.
We went into this venture with our original dog, Shoshi. She had the coat from hell (doesn't any longer). I learned a great deal from her. I learned if Nathan got up every 2 hours, the dog would be totally house trained or is that Nathan that would be?
I learned what unconditional love was really about and how a little dog can figure out what you need and fill that spot. Shoshi's person is Nathan but make no mistake, she appeases me to no end and when I fell last winter, she was the first to lick my face and she is the first to see what's wrong if I bang myself and scream an ear curdling sound - that is next to Katsuro.
I also learned to take a photo of a dark haired dog and see their face. I also figured out that messy has more character than just combed but that doesn't mean you should neglect combing but rather that you enjoy that they smoosh their face 2 minutes after you brush them.
As we added dogs, I also understood that each has their very own personality and job within the pack - that is if the pack is a balanced - functioning one. I also figured out if it is not, the visitors overnight would not work. I am thankful that although they have their quirks, they are indeed that.
I also learned that it took a puppy - Abigail to get Shoshi playing fully with back feet planted on the ground and paws up as if she is dancing. Shoshi has learned a great deal from the pack and they have helped her find her spot, her balance and her play. Yes, even a puppy can do that.
If you pay attention to your dogs - you can learn a great deal.
Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:48PM 
It can't get better than this. The humans brought us in the pool, laid out towels on the chairs for us and we don't even have hair enough to warrant a brush other than our ears and tail.
If you simply have an active lifestyle - well cut them down. They will always grow back. This is Sassy and Coach enjoying the backyard and Sebastians over too.
We hear Louis may be coming to play too. Oh my - lots of fun dawgies to play with.
That's dawgie paradise!
Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8:37PM 
Today, Risa and grandson got to check each other out.
We just got back from seeing Lola and Katsuro's puppies and Maggie and Oscar's pups. Check out some of the photos we took. If interested, do send mail. A few of the pups look like Katsuro did when he was a puppy and Kat was cute - still is. hahahaha
Well, at least HE thinks so! Enjoy!
Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 7:57PM 
I have a secret - I have Sassy and Coach over for a visit this week and I hear tell that Sebastian is coming back for a bit this Monday.
Tomorrow we are heading out to Yvonne's so mommy can enjoy good company - oh yeah daddy too - besides he better as he is my person these days.
We are going to take a ton of puppy photos to share.
The pups are mobile and we imagine quite cute. We will find out and you will too if the camera works.
When we go swimming these days, the Abs takes haven under a chair.
It's her fave spot to fade into oblivion hoping daddy doesn't notice.
Oh, she loves it once she gets in but I swear she's thinking about the brushing/shampoo that came today after she was done.
Abs swam bigtime with the daddy today and then had a shampoo and blow dry. That's the part she's not all that crazy about but isn't it worth it, Abs?
Sassy for once is on top of the situation tonight and Fiona looks as if she is trying to figure this one out and Coch - well he was standing waiting to see if he was needed but they ended up doing full body play and having a grand time of it. They are going to love it at Yvonne and Alex's and so are we.
Puppy photos coming...just watch here Sunday night or Monday...
Friday, August 15, 2008 at 2:59PM 
Every now and then we are lucky enough to receive email attachments containing photos of one of our puppies. I think I'll post this one up and see how many of you can recognize him. There is no prize at the end. There will be no test. Just for fun, guess who this is.
