Costs

Unfortunately starting in the New Year, our costs will go up. Please contact nathan for updated costs.

Picnic Photos & Details

The picnic date took place on August 17, 2019 from 12pm to 5pm at Yvonne's place in Brighton. Check out the details here. Photos from the 2019 picnic can be found here. Yvonne's place is NEXT DOOR to her old place. I will try to put a havanese flag out front. Hope you can join us. Directions are here. The house # is 25. There is no picnic in 2020 due to COVID but hopefully in 2021. Stay Tuned!

Grooming 101

Want to see how I get a smooth coat and what equipment I use? I am continually learning and perfecting but I created this video Windows version) and for you Mac apple folks - here's a conversion. - not a professional one, to help you get a head start and perfect your own skill. Got questions? Ask away.

Want to know how to create a bathing machine that will save you time, product and wash your dog better than ever before? Check out Dick and Irma's instructions on how to create your own machine for a fraction of the cost.

Woofstock Is Back

Meet us at Woofstock. Dogs are welcomed. We meet at the restaurant across the street from Woodbine Park. Here is the location. Meet up happens on June 22, 2024 at 9:30 to 945am. Rain date is the next day. Look forward to seeing your havanese there and the humans too! Don't have your havanese yet? Well join us anyway! 

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Certified Pet First Aid

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid is a recognized National Pet First Aid Certificate course for dog and cat professionals and pet owners. Talemaker Havanese now has that certificate having taken and passed the course.

Monday
Jun232008

Havanese Livin' in a Fishbowl

What's it like living in a photographic fishbowl? Snap, flash - argh not again and how many of these actually turn out, human?

Mommy is borrowing Yvonne's DSLR - she has a slow 'mo camera and she's taking photos even though the subject matter won't cooperate. Who is the subject matter? US - as I said - Havanese fishbowl. Don't I look like I am lovin' this?

I hear they have only a couple of pups - if 5 is true left of my first ever pups. Gad - I love pups. I played with Wasabi's pups as if they were all mine and you can see that in my videos. Mommy and Daddy couldn't believe that half the night, I would go in and stare into the whelping box in awe.

Hey, I can be a fun lovin pool jumpin' in guy but I don't mind saying that I can be a warm, sensitive type. Nah, not the whiny type but I am one of the hearts of the pack. They are all mine - after all - don't ya know. ROFL!

Abs is sort of hanging out saying what's all this flashing and clicking business about.

After such a hard playing, rough housing play yesterday - well snoozin' seems about right especially as tomorrow brings handling class and another show but only 1 day with just my daddy. Mommy has to work.

Yesterday, we had a roaring grand time at Yvonne and Alex' and we waited to see if Maggie (she's my half sister you know) is pregnant and oh my gad - they think they see many! Well, we shall see. So, lots of pups at the Poole residence.

Here's Flora and Abigail who had a roaring grand time together.

They ran and ran their little hearts out. They are close in age and really connected much to the irritation of Fiona who thinks Abs is all hers. ha

But Fiona also managed to get into the swing of it and run a little. She will only watch so long and then decides - my turn!

Abigail got home and crashed. It was nice to see all that enthusiasm. As a matter of fact the entire crew crashed including the old lady, Whitney.

There were many more moments and photos capturing them but I won't bore you. Just know that life is good when you are surrounded by friends - human and canine alike.

Sunday
Jun222008

Visit to Chicadoro's (Yvonne's) & Fun!

Do not tell me that dogs do not have long memories. When we opened our pool, Katsuro looked at it, looked at Nathan and said - let's go. He remembers swimming last year. He has a passion like none other for the swim.

So, today when we were on our way to Yvonne and Alex's, we turned off the freeway and his teeth started chattering, he was whining with pure excitement. He was off to see Lola in his mind.

I said to Nathan, wouldn't it be nice to be wanted THAT much. ROFL. Then I added but she's preggie and well - she will be shutting him down. Well, most of us know how that feels but he didn't.

Well, he spent half the time trying to woo the gals and Lola shut him down pronto and Maggie - well that gal flirted taking advantage of the fact that he would do anything she wanted to. Well, you know the story. Who was the smartest?

He finally calmed down and started running with the dogs and having a grand time.

It helped that Nathan started running with them and got them going.

We have much to report on our visit and some really great shots.

We got home late so tomorrow will have to do.

Wait till you see Flora and our Abigail running their fool heads off and Abigail getting the best of Fiona - yeah that happens at times and Abigail pouncing on Kat's back.

You'll also see the lovely blooming Lola, Maggie - well I - well tomorrow we find out if she is pregnant too - that little mischievous Downsey and Britney, Whitney, Wasabi, Risa and Terra.

What a day. Great food - great company and a lovely family from South Africa originally that we got to share some moments with and laugh. It was all good.

Till tomorrow....

Saturday
Jun212008

Nothing Like Havanese Wet Play - Continued

Well, we have had some real fun today fitting in pool, grand kids, shopping at the Village Market and standing in line for a Wii Rock Band that never came at both Best Buy and Toys R Us. Are we nuts or what? Well, Nathan had the grand kids and the dogs all swimming and I had the lineups. Who had the better deal? I ask myself that all the time. I hate traffic and line ups but the pool I can handle.

Anyone who knows Havanese knows that all it takes to get a Havenese in full on play is to get them wet. They pounce, run-like-hell and have all sorts of fun. Our two youngest was doing just that.

We have more photos to come and more stories to tell later today but we have to hit a pool store before we wake the neighbours due to our pool cleaner. Long story and go to Shoppers for my fave dog deep conditioner. Yes - that's right. I use a deep conditioner that is for humans in the dogs - especially on the show dogs so they still have life - full on play and can still be shown. They aren't as pristine as those segregated show dogs but hey, they are having an amazing time building tales to dream on.

More later as life gets a tad quieter or it starts pouring and we can't do the outside thing.

Well, it's later and the dogs did have a grand time. As you can see in this photo, the youngest duo was having a run-like-hell game that lasted for close to an hour. Usually it's short spurts but that wet again tends to invigorate them.

Ignore the weeds as they are many with this lovely weather we have been having.

It's hard to believe I used to be on the garden tour - well my yard was.

It's the dogs or weeds and guess which one I pick. ROFL

Well, the duo ran under the deck, over the deck, up the walkways, behind the pool house over and over.

I do believed this pair is totally bonded but Katsuro of late has been teaching them, playing with them and really investing his time with them rather like he did with the pups.

It's nice to see this side of him - that gentle soul. Kat not only jumped in and swam with Nathan today but also with the grand kids.

Nathan also took in our old lady retriever who seems to be losing the back legs again.

If you followed us last summer, you will remember that the pool exercises got her walking again. We are hoping for the same this time but we also have to realize she's aging.

She's unable to pull herself out of the pool so Nathan had to help her but perhaps in a few weeks she will be. We shall see.

Wasabi has just finished her false pregnancy. I guess she enjoyed motherhood that she wanted more pups. She's starting to get back into the funk of life and playing again. It's genuinely great to see.

Here you can see her doing the play bow to the rest of the pack - come play - come play!

It does my heart good to see Wasabi back to being full of life!

Well, the gang had a glorious time and so did the grand kids.

We are off to see Yvonne, Alex, pregnant Lola (our Katsuro is the dad) and Mags, Flora, Fiona's sister Downey & resident large Havanese Beardie Britney.

You can click on any photos to see a larger version.

Fun will be had by all, I am sure!

Friday
Jun202008

New Havanese Haircuts

Well, Daddy decided that Risa needed her hair gone so she could swim every day and get into shape. Between spaying her and not being able to walk her while we had pups, well - she got a tad chunky and she's ever so good at working the house.

So, now Daddy is the only food source treats and all and he's taking her for marathon walks. Next is swimming when the weather cooperates.

As you can see Risa's beard, front hair was left long and her body actually is short but done in layers.

When she stands up, she has some length hanging but not much. This way her hair is thin.

She can get fit and Mommy doesn't have to worry about all those knots. With very thick hair, and shows - well she was getting some when the gal never has before. Oh well, that middle age spread and age thang.

Remember you can click on the photos to see a larger version always.

All the dogs sniffed up Risa as if she was a brand new dog in the pack.

She indeed feels thinner and Audrey (our groomer) says that she will be able to swim without mats. That's good as we are a swimming house here.

Audrey comes to your house and I rather like that. She used to own 'Dogs in the City' and found she can make more $$ this way without the overhead of rent.

Well, then Audrey started in on Shoshi and she was so bad. She just struggled with her on her feet. It seems she really doesn't like them cut so close so she moved and moved and moved.

This is Shoshi on the table in my laundry room just before she was done.

Ignore the mess. I had just finished doing Whitney before she came. Whitney takes so long to wash and dry and oh my that hair that comes out. Retrievers are like that.

Audrey did the haircuts and I hesitated in a big way in cutting Shoshi due to her heavy ticking.

She also brought her grooming arm as she likes hers better and I can see why.

You can't see the ticking as much here due to the angle but boy does she have heavy - all over the place spots.

Take a look at this photo to the right where you can see how bad the ticking really is.

She looks like a spotted....

You don't notice the ticking so much till it is cut short and voila - the distribution is different with each dog.

Some have it throughout and some don't appear to be.

What is ticking? A parti coloured dog (black and white) with this gene will have flecks of colour throughout the white coat, giving it a salt and pepper appearance. Dogs without this gene will have a white that stays crisp and pure. In the canine world, the correct term for this is "Belton"

Not all Havanese have ticking. Actually some other breeds have ticking as well. But if you are interested in colour, check out Suzanne McKay's site.

Take a look at the left to see another view. Look at how heavy it is all up and down her legs. But the gal has straight legs. hahahaha

Well, none of us are perfect but each of us have perfection within. it's different for each and imperfection is true perfection.

As soon as Shoshi got off the table, she rolled and rolled so it was challenging to get good photos of her without her hair sticking up but at least you can see the ticking.

Well, Shoshi's out of here. She has things to do, places to sniff and fun to be had. If the weather holds up, I am sure she will be in the pool. Let the summer fun begin!

More tomorrow....

Friday
Jun202008

What is That Havanese Doing?

Fiona often poses for her photos and Abs - well she just is hard to catch in action. It's different personalities. But here Abigail is shaking a toy and Fiona is wondering what the sense of that is.

After going outside and getting all wet in the grass, we came back to play a vigorous game of retrieve with the duo pouncing when a toy was thrown. It's the funniest sight you ever did see as they don't run but do this run to a pounce as if they are attacking the toy and they both do it.

How did you start YOUR day? I hope it was with just as much of a laugh and fun and just the way the day should start. If not, well do something about it. It only takes a few minutes and it can put a smile on your face. More later.>>

Thursday
Jun192008

Preoccupied Havanese

We put down - well Nathan puts down 8 bowls each morning. He's the food giver so he gains and retains the allegiance of the show crew. I have stopped doing snacks even when I brush or train and rely on them going to him after I finish.

We have only started this a few days ago but the pack has already changed ever so slightly. They are sleeping and hanging out with Nathan more and me less. Is that a good thing? Well for the show dogs it is but I miss them so I realize I was also filling my own needs. But if we are going to get the show dogs to be all they can be, they must be totally reliant on Nathan. We will fill you in from time to time to tell you if it is working or not. Time will tell.

If you look at this photo, you can tell a bit about each of the personalities. Yes, we feed all 8 together without issue except from time to time Risa wants to steal someone else's or Abs or Shoshi. But we monitor and correct and all works. Abs tends to put her face in her bowl and savour each drop without taking her head out till done and Fiona is constantly looking around seeing if anyone else has something she doesn't.

Last night Shoshi tried to sleep with me and Fiona growled her off. It's not that Fiona wanted to sleep with me. She wanted to at that moment but as soon as Shoshi went up on the pillow, the challenge was not there and Fiona moved. Cute...

Came across a photo of Sebastian and Abigail. Boy have they changed. Take a look.

Last night I walked all the dog in a pack of 2 at a time - 4 walks and had an incident with a loose sheltie who bit my pants - connected with skin but no breaking of the skin. Have no idea why it happened. I had Shoshi and Abs with me. But when I reached a certain part of the road, the sheltie turned around still barking its fool head off. I am going to go back tonight with Nathan so I do not get fearful of such an incident. I tend to think it was a loose dog that lived in the neighbourhood and was just being territorial. Did the owner let it out as a usual ritual or did it escape from the yard or? Tonight may be telling. Still, a dog that bites - not good and loose.

More later. Have to get to work.

Wednesday
Jun182008

Olga & Benny Visits

Benny came for a visit with his owner, Olga. I was a tad busy building pages and after this, I am going to get back to it. Lots of work these days - building lots so Nathan took camera in hand and snapped away.

Taking a photo of a black faced dog is an art as it is hard to see the face. But, I didn't think he did half a bad job. You can see Benny's somewhat.

Well, not much to report on today. Lots of brushing. Mommy/Daddy's tummy is upset so no walks and not sure if the dogs had training today. It happens but Abs has a show soon so we got to get back to it.

We get to go to Yvonne's this week and visit and see the preggie Lola. Knowing how pregnant woman feel - she may take Kat's head off. We shall see.

More tomorrow and we are hoping work is less and stomach cooperates. Nothing else other than work got done today. It happens.

Tuesday
Jun172008

Adventurous Havanese Times

Abs had a blast at handling class. I am not sure if human Daddy did but she sure did. She loves to chase squirrels and saw a dog that rather looked like one. Sorry but it really did. She just couldn't get over having it so close and boy would I love to pounce on THAT! Abs learned squirrel hunting from Shoshi who can catch the tail of one but doesn't want to do anything but to say - I caught you - now you can run away. The fun is in the chase and Abs certainly loves games. I am positive she could get titles in things that involved play easily.

Let's say - life was challenging tonight. Abs continues to have a true zest for play - and those aromas in the ground are just too much for her to ignore. Human daddy is doing his best to learn ways to get her to F-O-C-U-S but it may have to come with maturity or great creativity on the human part.

Here you can see Daddy trying to bait Abs with one of her fave toys. She has two and one is sadly falling apart. We need to find another. It's a little furry thing you hold in your hand, shake it and it sounds like a bird noise. This one he is using is a rattle and she likes it too. It does get her attention.

Daddy has a few weeks to find his creativity and then we will have the fun of seeing Lola and Kat pups and we will have to have videos, photos - all of it but poor Yvonne gets the work. She also gets the day to day joy.

We are already getting enquiries on the pups and will be visiting Yvonne this weekend so folks can meet the dogs.

We have grandkids coming on Friday (our oldest daughter's b-day and she owns a CAT - always one you know) and the garden cleanup and trying to get Abs swimming on a daily basis like Kat and walks and exercise and grooming and yikes - can we stop and smell the roses? Oh yeah we have plants to plant - and 2 are roses. hehehehe

More tomorrow.

Tuesday
Jun172008

The Ever Changing Havanese & Life

Here's a photo of Lola when she was a wee one. She was such a cutie - don't you think? Lola has changed colours as Havanese often do to a goldish blond. She looks like she is changing colours yet again when you look at her up close getting that richer colour back.

Havanese are such an interesting breed as you can have the looks of one colour then they grow up and get another and then they can revert again or change again. It's like having a package that keeps on evolving. To me, that's ever so much fun.

We have no clue what colours a Lola/Kat combo will produce. Ultrasounds etc. don't tell that but Kat has sable in his line, Lola has it in hers. There is also the greying gene at play. At times you can see a cocoa overcast in Kat's coat. It too is always changing.

Life is filled with surprises and we are excited to see what this one brings.

Personality is prevalent in the Mojo line - Kat has it in spades but hey we are biased. Lola is a Cuban Havanese - a strong gal filled with a genteel personality. She is a first class mom.

Can you tell we are excited?

Now on to the shenanigans of the crew here. Fiona is playing up a storm. I am back exercising doing Kenpo/Cardio X with Tony Horton. It's time I get back into it and well, Fiona was jumping on me the entire time. It made exercise a challenge but a fun one. We are back to finding what life is about - moments that you can treasure. It's why we are called Talemaker - as we bring you quality Havanese that lifetime tales are made from.

Treasure the moments and laugh at even the frustrating moments like a dog jumping on you while you exercise. Life is short and it can be amazing if YOU allow it to be.

More later...

Monday
Jun162008

Kat's Wondering Where Lola Is

Today I decided to take a photo of Kat set in the garden and take the background out to see what it would look like. It was in a 'how to' that I had sitting around and I wanted to give it a shot. I suppose I could have thrown a photo of Lola behind him as I wanted to but her photo never came. Too much to do with the dam(s) in need.

Kat's rather smitten with Lola much to the irritation of Wasabi - heh. Oh, about 30 something days ago they did the Cuban tango many times over sometimes a couple of times a day every time she came to visit. It got so bad that all Kat has to do is see Yvonne or Alex and he says - well where's my gal? Well, that's not true. If truth is to be told, his teeth chattered, he shook with desire and plain went crazy wooing her, nuzzling her neck etc. Now gals - don't you wish the human men did that - heh.

Well, those of you that remembered Wasabi's pups know that Kat adores puppies and finally he may be able to play with some of his own.

Yes, Yvonne's Lola at Chicadora will have puppies in mid July just before the picnic. There's something about that picnic - I tell you.

We are excited at this combination. If interested in pups, well let us or Yvonne know. We promise many videos and Yvonne wil be kicking us out - just watch as we just LOVE puppies!

Sunday
Jun152008

Daddy & Abs Looking Good Together

Today we only got reserves but that's okay. Daddy and the Abs looked good together and we were able to meet another Havanese owner, Deb. How cool is that?

Then we went shopping at that plant place. What is it - garden centers but mommy likes them as they are cheaper than the city and good quality too.

Then we came back and two of the sons cooked dinner for the human dad for Father's Day.

Well we are going to get back in shape - mommy, daddy and the Havanese and retriever crew so we will be getting back to walks. That means every time daddy gets those leashes out, mom is in for the walk. You hear that daddy? Oh my the dawgs are going to love the walks pre-puppies that they had and Abs and Fiona are in for a treat. Not that they haven't gone on walks but there are walks and then there are walks. We will be back to the latter.

Saturday
Jun142008

Dressed Up and Play Time

We had another day that was a bust but we came home and had a roaring grand time. But that man - he does claen up well but shhhh don't tell him THAT!

The crew went swimming and Katsuro and Wasabi laid on top of mommy while she laid in the pool on a mat. It was a sight for sore eyes but sorry - no camera.

Now daddy is out with Abs visiting jazzy and picking up Chinese food. Mommy might even do a glass of wine with raspberries in it. Yum. Now that will get her to sleep tonight.

Pray for no storms. Due to so many - Whitney is not doing well. Mommy is not either as she is not getting any sleep. Oh well, there is tomorrow late morning and afternoon to chill and we may - in that pool.

Friday
Jun132008

Show Crazy Buzi-ness

Well, no points today but Yvonne's Flora won big and we are hoping Downsey did great in the sanction match. Woo hoo!!

It would be easier if they gave you a report card. geez!

Well, another day tomorrow and an early one at that. We also have the puppy sweepstakes if we hang around for that.

Mommy - can I just play...please?

Thursday
Jun122008

Havanese Visitors Before the Storm

Oh, we had a bit of fun tonight when Sassy and Coach came by. Coach was getting groomed a bit so you don't see him here. Nathan was at the camera, I was at the grooming table and never the two will meet. ROFL.

Still, Coach did manage to have a roaring grand time too. Nathan tried posing all of them but was soon figuring out that this is rather fruitless. Dogs will be dogs and not statues. But it sure did look like Fiona was posing for him.

Click on the photo to see an upclose view.

Well, we are getting ready for an outside dog show and they say rain and more rain in Orono. If you want a laugh of watching us squish through the field - do come to see us.

I will be washing Abigail tomorrow as I am rather tired tonight just in time for the rain. Got to remember raincoats. Dear old Abs is having fun just being a dog with our visitors and it does my heart good.

Thought she does look a tad tuckered out. I guess full out play does that for you. Or could it be she is looking forward to the show so much - well that could be so. She does love that one on one time. There's nothing like it!

I just adore the dogs. It's better than TV by far. Ooops that PVR is filling up fast. I guess Fiona and I will have to watch our favourite shows. She needs her alone time too.

Catch you tomorrow and do wish us well. I will let you know tomorrow if Nathan's shoes go squish, squish.

Thursday
Jun122008

Havanese Blur of Fun

Oh, there are days when man and dog is in synch and this is one of those times. Nathan is running and Abigail is allowing her human daddy think he can outrun her. Of course she gave him a head start.

Tomorrow is a show and just showing up means you are a winner of sorts. You made the commitment. You put in the time to train and the love of the dog comes through if you are in the right mindset.

Going to be interesting if it's rainy times. We will fill you in after we experience it. Till then....more later!

Wednesday
Jun112008

Conditioning Havanese

With everything, if you are having issues with your Havanese, slow conditioning does wonders. You just have to be consistent and persistent.

Every moment is an opportunity to teach and reinforce. You can always practice 'come', heeling on walks, sits, downs, stay etc

Use the opportunity even if it's at home. Never give a free treat or a hug or - anything when you can use that moment to continue learning. Well, don't make a habit of it - heh!

Abs is having an issue with the grass. Although she had her morning and afternoon show training in it, we want her to think that the grass is fun as well.

So, off to the park we went with Shoshi, daddy and me, of course. I have to take the photos, you know.

Well, you can clearly tell Abs is a puppy not just due to the length of her hair but the relentless deaking (running and swiping) she did with Shoshi to get her to play. Shoshi needed it too.

Shoshi's favourite place is the park behind the school. It's not always quiet so we have to know when we can do off leash work and when we can't. We have excellent recall with both of these particular dogs so they have earned their off leash play. But Nathan uses it as an opportunity to get them to 'come' for a treat. They count on it!

They also played fetch the ball but Abigail would touch it to claim it but hasn't quite figured out to bring it back. This is OUR problem as we should have been teaching her fetch. It's a great game that Shoshi knows so well. We are hoping that Abigail picks it up from her as she is in for many more park plays. Doesn't she look thoroughly happy and in the top photo, exhausted too?

See, show training can be fun too. How was this show training? We were showing Abs that grass is fun and I do believe she believed it today.

Wednesday
Jun112008

Show Practice With Havanese

It's important that you practice when you have a show. It gives the dogs the exposure to other dogs, scents, sounds and getting mad handled by the judges.

But last night was almost fruitless in getting anywhere. We had Fiona with us as we were thinking of placing her in a sanction match. Well, between that distraction with both - the instructor being totally distracted (usually is good) as the class was too large and that grass - well we left early. It made us realize that the pack mates Fiona and Abs look to each other and distraction was magnified. We are going to have to do them one at a time until we are up to the challenge and have $$ to throw away on shows. As I feel both would be a wash if last night was anything close to reality.

Today, practice and more later...

Tuesday
Jun102008

Steamy, Wet and Plain Uncomfie Havanese

Well, another steamy, hot day in Havanese land. We are wet from the thunderstorms, steamy heat and just plain strange weather. It's hard to get comfortable.

Our heart goes out to a certain Havanese called Lexi that has had no air conditioning for the last couple of days.

Our friends at Chicadoro Havanese has some tips on how to deal with this strange weather.

Katsuro is just hanging out in one of our beds just trying to get warm. He's a rather wet boy. Some Havanese love the rain like him and others like our Shoshi go - oooh wet feet - yuck. Shoshi I have to pick up and put her in the middle of the grass when it rains to do her business and Katsuro would stay out there and get soaked to the skin. He also loves diving in the pool so that says a lot too. Water seems to be a friend of his.

WE are off to handling class tonight. Abs has so much conditioner on her she could slide out the door - hahahaha - yeah I am trying to be funny but its now starting to feel that way. Bath for her come late Thursday or 4am Friday before show - yikes but this rain may wash it away. Who said these dog shows are for the weak at heart or body - well they aren't. Ha!

Monday
Jun092008

Quiet Times at Talemaker

Mommy, mommy, mommy - I don't have to share Abigail any longer - what fun!

Fiona was in an interesting mood this morning as suddenly no visitors and no competition to play with Abs. All the visitors and new dogs play with Abs as she is a play monster with a calming projection about her. Fiona is a boisterous play monster who pounces, seduces and takes advantage. hahahahaha It takes the new comers a bit of time to 'get' that.

But Fiona thinks there is nothing like a little Abs in her life or is that a lot of Abs in her life. As I type this, they are side by side and usually Abs doesn't do side by side except with the human daddy but with Fiona - well she allows and even seems to enjoy.

Last night we had a rip roaring storm to come through - their first one and the pups reacted. Fiona started barking her fool head off and Abs just sort of slunk behind and away from the noise and flashes of light. Of course we have a golden that doesn't do storms too well since we got her as a rescue but we have managed to slowly condition her crazy uncontrollable behavior out of her. So, as determined as I am to not allow such a fear to set in, I took Fiona out in the storm (yes to me the barking was - I am unsure of this ruckus) and I had Abs beside me. I said 'silly girl, silly girl' which is my code word for - 'I have this handled and therefore there is nothing to worry about'. I then took them inside and they didn't react any further. It worked so their fear did not get into a deeper level where it would have taken more conditioning to get it to work.

I am proactive in conditioning them out of fear issues. Today I have a blue tarp over the picnic table and the Abs was nervous about it as it was flapping and making sounds and going every which way. I was cleaning it for the show this weekend. I took her over to it. I actually put her on top of the picnic table where the tarp was laying on and said 'silly girl, silly girl' - there goes those words again. I then placed her under the table - had her walking on it and although she didn't totally trust it when we were done, she was able to go past it and walk on it.

Our dogs go through fear periods and it is our job to help them find coping skills. By being proactive, you can eliminate or reduce the fear they may have with new things. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your dog. It means they are normal. It's how you handle it that matters. Coddling only increases and validates the reaction. You can help them more by small exposures in a positive way even if you firmly place their paws on the item, talk calm and positive and even if you are fearful - do not show it - get empowered and it will work. If we can reduce the fear in our retriever by 95% - and she was a total mess when we got her, think of how you can help a dog where fears have not been so solidified that it becomes their coping skill.

All humans and canines alike have fears. Think about it. You may or may not have any clue how the fear settled in but it did and if you had no choice and slowly was conditioned to whatever you were fearful about, the feat would dissipate. The unknown is always a concern but once you learn coping skills, you look forward to the unknown. Some even relish them.

So, do your part and help your little ones find solutions and skills so they can be balanced.

Sunday
Jun082008

Sunny Havanese Sunday

The Abigail thinks its way too hot to deal with outside so here she is lazing in her new bed she got at Woofstock. It's mighty comfie and she's been nesting in it so the pillow isn't laying real flat but that is the way she loves it.

We were lucky enough to have Gidget and Audrey over for a visit and even managed to get some video. I have to convert it but hoping it comes out.

Where's the thunderstorm that was supposed to happen all day? All I see is sun. So - eating and back to the pool as this is sweating season for sure!
Yeah gad and that means I have to brush Katsuro yet again - oh no.

Well, our visitors will be going home tonight. We are sure they had a wonderful time.

Miss Abs is lounging before doing a show on Friday. More later>>