Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 10:36PM 
There are moments that take place where you realize life no matter how difficult it becomes - well a snuggle with a Havanese makes everything alright.
Well, we are off to bed. Louis has gone home.
We promise pics of Sebastian tomorrow stylin' and we will tell you how those gorgeous eyes are showing.
Sleep well and snuggle with a Havanese or two. You will be glad you did.
Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 6:41AM 
The trio is at it and the rest of the dawgs are sleeping in including Benny and his dawgie mom Risa, Benny took a real liking to our youngest son Jonathan. He's actually still sleeping in late with him as we so type. Something about Jon, he just wanted to be with. All the dawgies love Jonathan and Dennis.
Soon we will be waking the rest of the crew up, feeding them and going to the 'All About Pet Show' while Dennis watches them.
Louis goes home tonight or tomorrow, Benny is with us till the 25th - the day after the human female's b-day. Another day older...no smoke meat sandwiches from Center Street Deli, dear. ROFL
Will fill you in more as the day goes on and the camera clicks away. We even will post a photo of Sebastian stylin' where you can see his eyes. What eyes he has!
Friday, March 21, 2008 at 9:47AM 
Risa is usually stuck in that mode of playing protector, controller that she often doesn't just invest the time in play.
She usually spends so much time correcting that she doesn't let loose but today is different for whatever reason.
Click on the photos to see an up close look at anytime.
Today, with Louis, she got riled up. It was great to see and it was also great to see that Louis found that play in her.
Then as the equal opportunity dawg that he is and his dawgie mom tends to be, he started in with Abigail and she just adores all the new dawgs.
Miss Fiona does too but doesn't play initially - right from the start with wild abandonment that Miss Abs does with all new comers but instead, watches and then plays.
I call Miss Abs the mediator - the one that pulls the group together with play. She's always the first to engage the new dog and always the one who ropes them in to relax and enjoy themselves.
Louis is really a black Paris (Gidget). Hard to explain but his mannerisms, his sense of play, well he absolutely takes his genetics from his dawgie mom. That means he's rather a truly fun filled dawg.
We have yet another addition today, one of Risa's pups who is Katsuro's brother. Nathan is out walking the duo (the siblings) now. If you ever have a dog that is unfamiliar with his surroundings, showing any hesitancy - well a walk is the best thing you can do for them.
Now he is back out walking Benny with Louis. Benny or Nathan will either or both be totally exhausted but in a large pack, all it takes is connecting with one dog and the rest always come.
We try to create that via the walk. It helps them to achieve their balance. It's like medicine in motion. We expect that Benny is in for a fun filled 5 days.
We expect to have more photos as the day goes by.
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 7:00PM 
If you think of it, if you add something new at least once a month in the lifetime of your dog, can you imagine how you could wow your friends and you too?
Here is Miss Abs looking quite smashing getting ready to do some one on one lead time outside. What that means is she has to stand on the correct side, walk beside and not everywhere she wants. We have stopped doing long leads - play and do what you want. Next week or two handling classes will begin.
Fiona is a tad more reluctant to do the heeling practice but she is younger and has less practice. She has yet to get really excited about this lead business stuff.
It tells me how important it is to be consistent. Life gets in the way and we often don't make the time to do this daily but we must.
Here's an idea:
Let's teach our dogs to do a wave.
1. With the dog in a sit position hide a treat in your hand. Hold it down low.
2. Encourage the dog to 'get it' and give the command 'wave.' Reward the dog when his foot comes off the ground.
3. When the dog starts touching your hand with his paw, stand up and start moving further away each time.
4. Once the dog is doing well, stand far enough away so the dog can't touch you. Give the signal and command then reward when it is done right.
Let me know how it goes.
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 10:52AM 
We always manage to mix it up each day and make sure the crew really get their one on one time and play. At times we even manage to catch it on camera. Nathan was good enough to capture this shot this fine, chilly morning.
As I am standing outside, the thought - this is spring chillingly comes to mind.
Remember that you can always click on the photos to see a larger view.
Then I turn around with the camera now in my hand and Nathan is telling the Abs to STOP eating the plants.
Come spring like weather, those lovely shrubs that Nathan hates but really needs to be there to have some backdrop to the pool - well they won't be there.
Risa and Fiona was out riding the rails of the fence ignoring the rest - perhaps scavenging for hidden treasures. argh
As the snow melts, make sure you clean up as the snow fell fast and you may have missed something. We tend to always go out with ours, praise, clean-up and plain just have fun.
Today we have Louis till Saturday night late or Sunday. Tomorrow Bennie comes. It's exciting times. We may even go to the Pet show for a short jaunt. (hint hint to Nathan)
Louis has really found his nitch with the puppies. As usual, Abigail always persists till they relent - in a good way. Here you can see Louis on top of Abs. They have been playing for hours already.
We had mushy snuggles last night in bed where Abigail tunnels under the blankets and Fiona pounces and now Louis pounces too. What fun...and we love it. Someday I have to remember to bring the camera to bed with us - hahahahaha
More later as the day goes. Keep warm. We have training, heeling and all sorts of things to do.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 3:18PM 
We just adore having Louis visit. As you can see, he adores being here too. One should all have a little Louis in their lives.
He's going to be with us till Saturday late or Sunday so we will have a lot of tales to tell.
Louis is a Paris' (now known as Gidget) son.
Do dogs smile? Oh yes and they can smile in different ways to mean different things. The photo below is Fiona's - oooh am I going to have a bit of fun trouble here - and gee I relish doing so.
While out back, Fiona was seen smiling her mischievous little smile waiting to pounce on the newcomer - wanting to play her heart out. She can't help herself - lending delight to the moments we derive from the Havanese antics.
Nothing like more than one and if you pay attention...wow!
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 4:33PM 
Well, the siblings got together and I will have to let Nathan fill you in on that.
He did tell me the snow was almost at the top of their fence - yeouch!
We hope the Wasabi woo isn't missing us as much as we miss her already but Katsuro is calming down and soon we shall see her.
Here's a picture of Fiona's sister taken today at Yvonnes. Look at those colours. I hear tell she also has Fiona's personality so watch out!
Remember you can click on the photos to see a larger version.
Monday, March 17, 2008 at 1:33PM 
Miss Abs likes to mix it up with Fiona every chance she gets. Take a look at this face in midstream of doing just that.
The duo has gone to visit Yvonne with Nathan and Wasabi but Wasabi will remain till she is past her heat. It became intolerable - yet again - sleeping separate, whining, crying for her and panting, not eating nor sleeping. It meant I didn't get a heck of a lot of sleep. Next place we live, there has to be a live-in solution - such as a different wing - ROFL. Get that lottery ticket, dear!
I asked daddy to take photos of Abs, Fiona and her sister so I could post something. Good thing I called as he was about to leave and not take a single photo. Men...I tell you. Well, I am hoping I see a good photo out of what he takes but I suspect I get what I will get.
It's back to being quiet again after 98 minutes of panting, searching, jumping, whining and now he is sleeping. It's much quicker than the last frustrated time for him. Perhaps he is improving or getting conditioned - sigh. His time will come. ha!
Well, more later after we hear about the visit hoping Yvonne is feeling better than she has in the last 2 weeks. You are a gem for doing this, lady!
Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:48PM 
Well, this was the last class of this round for Miss Abs and Sebastian.
The results are.... well click on the photo here to see a larger one and you will see 2 ribbons and his certificate for most improved. I have to say, Mr. Sebastian really brought it home. If Miss Abs had to lose out, well it couldn't have been to a better dawg.
We are so tickled to death when we see our dawgs go to homes that put their all into them and get them to be all they can be. Bravo - human and C-bass the dawg from the Talemaker crew.
We will fill you in on Miss Abs later. She did down and MOST things but heeling, running - :-) Miss Abs will be starting handling soon. We are thinking *I* may be the problem having mommy there.
We get to see Talemaker's Remy tomorrow on his last class. Can't wait.
More later and have you checked out the auction yet?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 11:08AM 
What a day - what a day - fun filled days - what we live for - what the Havanese live for.
Okay, human mommy is playing in Photoshop and the pups are playing full steam this morning too but off the computer and all through the house.
Remember you can always click on the photos to see a larger view at anytime.
Fiona really keeps the Abs busy trying to deak her out. Here she is 'thinking' she is hiding but really she isn't. She does hide under the couch and ottomon that Mis Abs can't fit under any longer. Fiona's days are numbered. It won't be long till she can't fir either. She's growing in leaps and bounds.
Looks like we may have Benny for a visit today and tonight Sassy and Coach. Wow - fun times.
More later today.>>
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 3:33PM 
We are playing more inside today than outside.
Tip: In this messy, sandy, salty weather do yourself a favour on a walk and put a sweater/coat something on the dawg otherwise you will be washing the sand, salt and ice out. Yuck. That is what I did yesterday on how many dawgs? Crazy... This way - with a coat that completely covers the under carriage, you will only have the legs and feet to do. You will be glad you did. Some waterproof jackets even go down part of the leg.
Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 6:51PM 
Well, the storm is over but the snowbanks is high. We got a couple of feet of snow it seems and the snowdrifts and the shovelling gave us magnificent snowbanks for our Havanese to hang out on, climb up and down on and plain have fun.
We are still working on a video of the Coach & Sassy visit. We are hoping it will be up tonight but it's time to walk the dawgs. They need it but I certainly don't. heh.
The things you do for LOVE - Dawgie love that is!
More later>>
Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 6:40PM We had a wonderful visit from Coach, Sassy & Their Human Dad, John. We are working on a video but here are some precious moments inside and outside of the stormy weather.
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Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 8:18AM 
Here is a photo of the fierce-some twosome - Fiona yawning not ready for the day quite yet. It's 5am in the Talemaker house and Miss Abigail decided it was time for her to 'get busy'. You ask what 'get busy' is? Well it's when she has to go and when she has to go - she has to go but I wanted to sleep in. So, I ignored, went under the covers and she went off the bed and my mind clicked in and said oh oh - she does have to go and she did. Tsk tsk on me and my not wanting to get my rump out of bed as she DID tell me. No, I did not get mad. I said 'no - outside' firmly, took her and her double trouble companion outside and she went again. The person I should be mad at is myself and I am. Miss Abs is pretty good at getting the 'outside' but if you miss the signals - and that's what it often is or you ignore - well then accidents will happen. If you have to go - you have to go.
Remember you can always click on the photos to see a larger version always.
So, as a snowplow went by at 5am with blue light flashing making all sorts of noise plowing streets that didn't need to be plowed as they were already done yesterday (such a waste) and the dawgs started to react to the sound.
I said my 'silly dawg' and they got that this was nothing to send to the pack to faciliate a warning. Notice how Miss Fiona has her eyes up cocked listening to the plow and Shoshi is sniffing her to see what its all about.
Well dear old Abs said now I am awake - let's play and here you can see her at 5am chasing Shoshi - who if you didn't look close enough - looks like a fur ball vs. a Havanese. ROFL People would shake their head if they saw my backyard at 5am. It comes alive.
Then after they came out, Shoshi, Wasabi and Katsuro came down. You didn't think Risa would - did you? Nah she stayed in bed with daddy till after 7am. Such is the life of those that are lucky.
Then it started getting lighter and good old Abs was still full of it (you should see the puppies first thing in the morning - CRAZY pups for sure - maybe I will tape it this weekend.
The moral of this story is the most fun to be had is early in the morning and don't think sleep is better than that. You will have a better trained dawg if you get into that mindset. Can you hear me laughing from here?
More later - and hope your dawg adventures are grand ones!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 1:53PM 
We went to the vets seeing the ice storm was coming in - we wanted to keep warm - yeah - at the vets. ROFL.
Miss Abigail got her rabies shot and Miss Fiona got her 2nd shots and goes back in 4 weeks to get her next.
Miss Abigail is now 8lb 4.5 ounces and Miss Fiona is 4lb 7.5 ounces. Remember that Miss Abigail is 2 days younger than the Wasabi crew. Miss Fiona is just 13 weeks last Friday.
Miss Fiona has gained 1lb 6.5 ounces in 5 weeks and Miss Abigail has gained 2lb 2 ounces. They do adore the food that human daddy makes.
No issues with rabies in regards to soreness for the Miss Abs but Fiona is way sore.
She is here giving Miss Abigail the evil eye and yes she has one - ROFL and it says - leave me alone.
I tried putting her in the crate and that was fine but she wants to be with the others. So, we are watching and figure by tomorrow she will be back to her usual feisty self.
More later and have you shoveled paths for your dawgies yet if the snowstorm hit you? We have.
Monday, March 3, 2008 at 10:39AM 
But mommy the stairs are too high - come pick me up and carry me down?
We are all guilty of giving in to what we perceive as inabilities in our little ones but we do them no favours.
The only way to get past anything that your little one is unsure of is to create safe situations where they will try and then applaud them when they do. Once they realize trying creates positive results, then you will get a dawg that tries things that they wouldn't have if coddled. Do not foster insecurity. It will create all sorts of issues.
Sure my stairs are scary as they curve are open and there are many of them but after a few days of ignoring them placing paws down one step at a time and gently pushing her on as a mother would - she now runs the stairs. Use this philosophy with everything.
On another note, not all dawgs are afraid of thunder but there is a significant amount of those that are that I truly believe you should find storm bytes online that you can play in the background. It may drive you crazy but play it softly than tweak it higher over time. By doing so, before the storms hit, your dog will already be familiar with the sound and that's half the battle.
More later...
Sunday, March 2, 2008 at 8:38AM 
Our wild and crazy day video is up now (updated - it was cut off at the end)
It's quiet today. Sure mommy and daddy hears the pitter patter of tiny feet running like the dickens but something about visitors that does our heart and bodies good. It's sort of like a holiday like those humans take - fun and then nice to get back to it and then we start dreaming of the next time.
Well, mommy has the video done of our fun event yesterday.
It's updated as the end was cut off with Sebastian and his human crew. We had so many moments that we had to cut so if Sebastian's mom wants an unedited version - my human mommy will burn it for class next week. It's over 15 minutes long and we had so many moments the camera wasn't out. It's always like that. The Chico video was unrecoverable and we are heartsick. That disk is in the trash now. Got to plan another sleepover. We miss the guy already.
We wonder how Remy's classes are going. We hope the Sassy and Coach and livin' it up and not driving their humans crazy. But hey - such is a dawgs life that fills you with tales you can talk about for years to come.
Here is what we said about the video in the description at YouTube.
Sebastian came to visit after class and found all the nooks and crannies we set up to make our house dawg friendly. Enjoy the antics of this crew and how even a well behaved trained dawg can give you paw vs. listening.
Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 4:27PM 
Next week is the last class of fundamentals and this cutie, Sebastian is doing everything perfect. I believe he is going to get the certificate of most improved.
Miss Abs does everything perfect at home - except down - even with enthusiasm but I think she's going to win the prize of most stubborn in class and we haven't figured out why yet.
She's not spooked by the large dogs. She goes and meets and greets with tail wagging. I think daddy needs to stop feeding her at all that day till class. (hint)
Here you can see Sebastian doing down and Nathan decided that he would do stand seeing she is going to have to learn to stay standing. She did do that but as you noticed from her tail, the gal is not happy. She loves the class - and did great till last week and this.
The moral of this story is often people give up when hit with an obstacle but this is the time you should persist and plug on to get past this point and figure it all out. We have no doubt that she will get back to it and soon she will be joining handling classes and we will see how that goes.
Well, we have a video we need to edit and get up of Sebastian visiting us with his human mom and dad for lunch. We hope this one came out. We shall see.
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COMMENTS:
Mark and Maryanne said...
Am I biased or is Sebastian just gorgeous!!
March 1, 2008 5:06 PM
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Nathan & Darlah Potechin said...
Oh, he is a cutie. He's going to make all the gal dawgie's hearts melt.
March 1, 2008 6:32 PM
Friday, February 29, 2008 at 1:30PM 
Oh, gad not another day with all these dawgies - but oh, it is. Miss Abs said, check me out in this video with my best pal, Fiona and her sibling. See how the pups play. Is it sibling rivalry or just plain fun?
If you ever wanted a 2nd Havanese or dare I say three, check out this video before you do.
Mommy had a lot of trouble as she had over 8000 sectors munged on the CD but she managed to recover some and we are trying to recover more. We are missing the Chico portion and another very important part but we are trying. Rewritable cds only last so long folks.
More later - enjoy the video.
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 6:10PM 
Mommy said that I have to really watch these videos so I know how to do this show thang! Catch the Markham Show part 1 here. Then when you are done, come back. Part 2 is NOW uploaded. Hope you like it, learn a thing or two and enjoy this unedited view of the Havanese at the Markham show.
If you want to see a clearer version, visit this site here. Due to YouTube choking all ^%&* night, I uploaded it to my other site that takes video uploads. Just have some patience - let it load and wow clearer version and put it in 200% as it's a clearer version than full page.