Trained Door Opener

Terra has a new role. She thinks she is the one that leads the crew after squirrels or birds or anything moving in the yard but now she opens the slide door to let the rest of the crew in.

It's happened so many times that there is no mistake that this is what she is doing.

Who has whom trained?

Today we had a Fiona puppy over, Mia. She is delightful and wow what a coat. We are going to be lucky having her stay with us at the end of August into September. We are excited.

Rocky comes for a weekend visit tomorrow. Kayla goes home Saturday night. Kayla feels like she just got here. DD & Tess leave tomorrow. We will miss DD & Tess and they are loves. I can't believe how well they are doing and you can often find DD playing with me funny games on the floor or sitting on our son Tal's lap in the basement hanging out with him. Tess prefers hanging out with the dawgs and playing. Ah...each so unique and so fun and interesting to have around.

Check out today's photos. Even Kat ran and played. Heck, what you won't see is his throwing the ball in the air and catching it and telling Daisy - the BALL IS MINE!

Kayla & Raylan Playing Up a Storm

Yeah, it's raining out and it's cool and damp but we just brought the play inside.

DD & Tess arrived this morning and DD is playing with me when she is not playing with the gang. I have to get photos of that too. Tess is just playing with teh dawgs.

But today I concentrated on Kayla as she seems to have found her love of playing with Raylan the past couple of days.

It's hard to take photos inside our house unless I block them off into one room as I have to run from room to room as they run and play and often all you get is a blur but Kayla and Raylan was hanging out playing in the kitchen. The camera was there so click and we got these photos.

Man on the Deck

Well the 2nd issue of the Havanese Breed Magazine is out and that let's Nathan have a bit more freedom to muck it up with the dogs. I also got to take photos.

Does that sound like normalcy?

Gidget was here overnight and was truly enjoying the crew and was highly interested in the pups but they are too young. She'll have to come back when they are older.

Remember Woofstock is on this weekend in Toronto and it is a MUST to attend. We may be going if Fiona has her pups soon but we shall see. I won't go if she hasn't had her pups but if she has and everything is going well, I may sneak out for a couple of hours while the sons watches the crew. He's just as diligent as we are plus now we have 2 more sons home to help out.

DD & Tess will be joining us for a few days tomorrow. We are really looking forward to their return. Rocky will be coming this Friday and it's been way too long for him. We can't wait to see him again!

The crew had their morning grooming. I do a thorough job but Daisy tries to make me look like I never brush. I think she has this plan in hopes that I will say why try but I can hang on longer than she can. Yeah, I am teasing. We try to make this grooming stuff daily but fun too in hopes that it helps you at home.

Daisy and Raylan were wearing each other today. It was delightful to watch. Kayla was playing with Nathan in a big way. Where was my camera? She also seems to truly enjoy Risa, Fiona and Abigail.

It was a low key day with doses of fun. This crew seems to enjoy play, rest, play, rest. Usually Daisy is non-stop play but she's learning lately she can win if she rests in-between.

Check out today's photos.

Chillin' and Pups

Kayla has really settled in.

She's highly curious about the puppies but so is Gidget who is here overnight. Daisy seems to not realize there are puppies. That's probably cause she has Raylan to bat around.

We are still playing recovery from the pups. The dawgs are enjoying their walks, snuggles and playing games.

PS: Kayla is now looking for her turn for groming. It must be the masages and treats.

I placed up just a few photos. Nathan has been busy getting a magazine out so photo taking has waned. I promise tomorrow I will click away!

The visitors are doing amazing and enjoying!

Too Busy Today

We just had puppies so the kids (20 something year olds) have been walking the dogs, playing with them and just keeping them busy while we were whelping. But can I get them to take photos? Nah

Sorry about that. Tomorrow will be a better day. The dogs are having fun but if I am not clicking, it doesn't get done. Sorry. I felt getting everyone groomed, walked and played with a number of times was most important.

Kayla is settling in nicely. She adores Nathan and she understood when I brushed her this morning that she got a massage at the starts and a treat at the end. She didn't mind it this time.

Daisy has been giving Raylan a run for his money but Raylan is giving it right back.

DD & Tess are coming back this week for a few days. Rocky comes and Kayla goes home on Sunday. Lots of changes including Fiona pups are expected this week.

More tomorrow!

Kayla, Daisy, Emma & the Crew

Emma is a golden that is here for the weekend. Our son just gave her a bath with my help. He overdid it on the waterless bath so he had to do it the old fashioned way. She wasn't slated for a bath but he felt the need. :-) He's my son after all. heh 

Of course I had to show him how to do it and proceeded to do the blowing etc. but he's doing a fair bit of it. It gave him a new appreciation for what I do. He said, is it always like this? I said yes. Goldens are rather large so they bring with them a different method of washing etc. as IO don't have special laundry tubs etc for the large version of dawgs.

Daisy, well what can I say but if I brush her and she looks like the cat dragged her all over the place (no cats here but you get the point, I am sure) well I have to learn how one keeps a Daisy from staying clean and having fun. I don't think both go hand in hand.

Daisy was afraid of Emma at first and for no reason. Emma is a golden who ignored her barks but this is good for Daisy as she is adjusting to an Emma.

Kayla is new here and this is her first time. She was nervous after her parents left but soon adjusted after she had her walk with Daisy. She's mingling with the other dogs and relaxing but I think Nathan is her fave guy. It must be that I groomed her today.

Oh, I am gentle but it took me a bit so she was heading into Nathan's office when she saw me with the brush. She adored the treat but tomorrow she will get mini sessions as I want her to enjoy the experience - especially the massage. They don't line up in this place for nothing. Paws always out for the treat and massage...my turn PLEASE!

No photos today as we are on puppy watch. It may be getting very close so cuddles and naps with the big guys now just incase!

Havanese Changes

Jazmyn and Marlee had baths today and they are heading home tonight. We will miss them in a big way.

We have someone coming to see the dogs tonight. We have Emma the golden arriving and Kayla the Havanese arriving. Emma will be here till Sunday and Kayla will be hanging out and enjoying till the 12th.

This afternoon we had Gidget come to visit. Check out her photo and the rest from today that Nathan took. Me, I was washing and grooming.

I get Daisy brushed and 2 minutes later she looks like I never touch her. I am going to start calling her our grunge gal visitor.

Raylan, Marlee and Daisy have been playing ion a big way!

We are supposed to have rain off and on all weekend long. Hoping for better photos and more outdoors fun. We shall see.

Inside Play

When it is pouring outside, we play inside. Sure we still go out to do our duty but playing is done on the floor inside.

It's more difficult to take photos inside with a number of dogs so tomorrow with the sun, we will add more to the gallery.

One of the best games is retreive but you can also play 'find the treat' or obedience practice to name just a few.

I don't know about you but we also use it as a time to watch TV, snuggle and kick it down a notch. That's okay for 1 day but rain and rain day after day, well you have to have something to get their mind and bodies moving. You simply have a better dog when you give them activity.

Tomorrow is going to be a perfect day. No real heat but warm enough and no rain. Perfect for the camera clicking too.

Kayla and Emma arrives and Jazmyn and Marlee leaves. Gad so soon for the departures.

PS: Jazmyn doesn't seem to mind the pup any longer.

No Photo Day

Okay, I know this is getting old but it's raining and any photos I will take - will be wet. hehehehe

Daisy, Jazmyn and Marlee are all doing amazing.

Jazmyn has told Raylan off a few times. He is learning and listening. He needs to learn. She just growls and he says - oh. Then loses his mind and tries again in a couple of hours.

Marlee and Daisy think the rain is the best thing next to a wonderful treat.

I keep drying Daisy off and she looks at me as if to say - WHAT!

Marlee also loves the rain. Jazmyn is okay in it but hey if I can snuggle with you in your lap, well why not. Everyone LOVES our recliner with us in it. I need 2.

As you can see, everyone puts their head in their dish and doesn't pick it up till it is gone. The beauty of competition, I imagine.

The only one who is silly enough to walk away and see if the grass is greener elsewhere is Raylan. He doesn't get away with it but he does try.

More tomorrow!

Jazmyn & Marlee Joins Us

 We love it when we see Jazmyn and Marlee. They fit in so well and really enjoy everyone but that Raylan jumping on Jazmyn's head - she had to correct THAT. hehehehe

All is good and we are settling in as they just got here this afternoon.

Marlee and Daisy are already getting along famously and so is Abigail and Marlee. Jazmyn is finding renewed friendships with Risa and Kat.

Check out a few pix. It's lean today as it's Nathan's B-day and we are having a relax day. Hope you understand!

What a Havanese Day

Well, it's been a busy day so much so that we got only a few photos. Check them out.

Daisy is here for a week or maybe 2. First thing this morning, I went outside, put the sprinklers on as they hadn't been on for a few days and haven't had time to check why the automation isn't working. Well, Daisy went running and dashing through the sprinklers. No, I didn't have the camera for that. I was actually weeding when it happened. This is what she looked like after the deed but Daisy mom - heh - click on the photo and you can see she didn't stay that way.

Well, Oscar is heading home tonight. We will miss him bigtime. I was on a mission - a 24 hour one to get Daisy and Oscar to hook up. He had other ideas. He was smitten with Tess and Abigail. Fickle men. Me thinks we needed more than a 24 hour window for a love connection. :-) What - I am a DAWG matchmaker?

DD and Tess are heading home tomorrow morning. I gave them baths tonight so we were not rushed in the morning when they go. DD has really warmed up to our university age kids. She adores them. Today, Tess was doing the run like hell game with Oscar. Did I catch THAT nah!

We wil miss this duo. They started out slow not sure about all the dogs and now they are relaxed, playing and enjoying. It happens on its own time with a little help.

You see, I got a lot of weeding done but it came with an inability to have a camera on my neck. Nathan also did the yard waste pickup that I was flinging. It took me hours then Nathan did some weeding too. Yep, I still have way more to go but we made a dent.

I also took an hour nap. Between exercise, less food (on a mission to get in shape by the end of the summer), well I am exhausted. Add in a number of dog washes, grooming, gardening and &^%$ P90X 1.5 hours of exercise - well argh but I survived. 1 day at a time.

Tomorrow is Nathan's b-day so no weeding for him tomorrow nor any yard waste pickup either. I offered to do the poo patrol and feeding the dogs but he passed. Heh

Marlee and Jazmyn are coming tomorrow afternoon. I am so excited!

More tomorrow!

Havanese Get Amused

I took a few photos of Oscar in this stance but couldn't figure out what he was looking at.

An ant kept going in and out of the cracks and he was fascinated by the action. He never did anything but look. Last week I caught Raylan doing something similar.

Oscar's leaving tomorrow night and I am going to miss him in a big way. He's a gentle soul who likes the simple things in life like ants, gardening, snuggles and lounging on the deck. He's got the life I want. hahahah - just teasing but wouldn't it be nice to be a dog for one day?

Hugo, Milo and Archie went home. The house changed yet again and Daisy arrived to kick it up a notch again. Daisy has been wearing out Raylan and now he is snoozing fast and Daisy is smooching up to Nathan to see if he will give her a popcorn.

DD has grown to love our university kids. Tess loves to hang out with me. It's nice to see they can do things without each other. When they first was here they were each others shadow and then slowly they started finding independent fun. Raylan still jumps all over Tess to say hello each times she enters the room. When it comes to grooming, they know the drill better than anyone. Brush and comb and where's that treat?

No photos today but tomorrow I promise to do better. Off to finish the other blogs so I can snuggle with the crew like Nathan is doing. I am jealous!

New Photos Added

The sun was waning and the play just got wild especially with Archie and a few others. Check out the new photos we added to the new gallery at 10:15PM.

The Heat is Still on at Talemaker Havanese

 Archie is a sweetheart. We have seen so many changes since the 1st time he came to visit us. It's ever so nice.

Archie gets a bath after his walk tonight as he is going home in the morning and Nathan is at a show. This way he will be nice and clean for his mom and dad when they return.

Archie is a food hound. He just adores meal time and if he had his druthers, he would eat his own and anyone else's. heh

We will miss Archie but we really enjoyed his visit.

Milo and Hugo also go later (probably evening) tomorrow. They are regulars and both are characters in their own right.

Today we spent the early morning outside. I did some weeding and some of the dogs tried to help. Who? Oscar, DD (hope that's the spelling), Tess and Kat. It made weeding INTERESTING but I try to make it fun. Then the warmth started settling in and we came inside. The dogs actually prefer it outside as there is so much to do but we are still in short bursts of outside stints.

DD and Tess have really settled in and have found our couch. They like snuggling while we watch TV. Where Archie, anyone who hits the recliner, he wants on it and so does Abigail and Fiona. Yep I usually have them all on. DD and Tess prefer the couch but so does Risa and many of the others.

Nathan was at the show today so it was me and the dogs till noonish. Then he took over for a bit so I coudl get my - just renewed exercise in. Gad I am sore but hey this blog is anout teh dawgs not my aches and pains.

Oscar goes out every chance he gets. He loves exploring the garden while I am pulling weeds. Maybe his mom does this and he finds a familiarity. I don't know. I will have to find out.

It's a little quiet today but I managed to get some interesting photos. Check them out.

Taking Photos of Havanese

Jasper  It can be a hit or miss depending on the players.

We always take photos after baths and Jasper well, was rolling and doing anything but pose. Our Wasabi does the same.

I have to laugh when they do such things. Nathan can either try or I do but the reality is you have to catch them in the moment.

You can't create the moment.

They are the artists here. They are not Havanese models doing just what you want... well some of them look like they are but you get the point.

But they make amazing subjects when they get into their groove and run and play. There's nothing like the movement in a Havanese.

We really enjoy them too. We laugh and laugh. There's always something each day that brings a smile and I rather like that. What would life be without a Havanese or two or three? I don't even want to imagine.

Just laughing

Nathan always seems to get down on the ground with the crew and they truly enjoy that he does.

Check out some of the photos from today to see what I mean.

Today I am almost better... the stuffiness won't go but the dawgs are ever so happy that I am back. Me too!

Now the puppies can come. How about Monday or Tuesday? Yeah, like we can plan such things.

Yeah Jazmyn and Marlee come tomorrow. Are we going to have fun or what!

Another Melting Havanese Day

Jay With Weaver, Treasure Looks OnOkay, the Havanese are not melting. It's the snow but I assume you 'get' what I mean. I am still sick. Aren't you bloody sick of hearing THAT? I sure am.

I am grooming all of the dogs. Jasper wasn't crazy over his arm pits and Weaver finally got the idea that he gets a treat at the end and has started coming to me each day when I start getting my tools ready. Or maybe it's the mini massages I give. I sure could use one. hahahaha

Well, I promised photos as I wasn't up to it and I wasn't up to it today either. Sorry but Nathan took some photos. I have a few mixed in but the majority are his. We are a team. (Nathan here: If we are a team, how come she's apologizing for me taking the pictures?) Our son pitches in with the daily walks. Nathan took photos and his usual games and poo patrol and snuggling. Me, I did the grooming, snuggling, playing as much retrieve as I could till the head was saturated with sweat.

We also had puppy people visitors and I was unable to meet them as no one should get this. Usually if I am upstairs I can hear every sound but almost 3 hours later I woke from a sound sleep and didn't hear a thing. I guess my body needed it. I am hoping with this sweating that the crud is leaving me so I can go back to feeling alive. I need to feel alive for the dawgs and besides we have puppies coming.

Everyone is bonding and enjoying each other. Relationships develop, change and evolve. The group is really starting to mesh. Charlie is no longer jumping on my chest when I am on the recliner but sits looking at me and when he does, I pick him up and snuggle and he settles in for a snuggle/snooze. Positive reward for the right behavior.

The crew enjoyed the company, the play and are now all resting after eating. Weaver is still not crazy about his dental food but we are being creative getting him to eat it.

Havanese Boarding Talemaker Style

Jazzy Just BathedJazzy was just bathed today and he feels WONDERFUL, if I might add. Now to keep him that way till his humans come to get him.

Immediately he just jumped in one of the dawg beds and rolled all over the place.

I just have to laugh at moments like this as you try to take a photo and you just laugh and the camera bounces all over the place from your laughter.

Still, I managed to capture the moment.

Let's see what we were up to today. We played retrieve in the kitchen with Jazzy, Ripley, Treasure and sometimes Fiona. Each joined in but the dear old Treasured one just tried to hog it all. So, we had to take her out of the equation. Ripley just LOVES squeakie toys.

I brushed all the dogs and EVERYONE is knot free. We cuddled, we played we went out for a stroll and then we played again.

Jazzy stirring up his hairRipley is a sweetheart. He lays on his back and lets me brush him out despite the reality that I know he isn't crazy about it. He is such a wonderful soul.

He wriggles and wags that tail and gives me a kiss though more reserved than his playmate Daisy that was here but still a kiss and a body wave of delight. What a cutie patootie.

Fiona's foot seems to be vastly better and we will fill you in on the preggie gals on Talemaker Puppy Life tonight. I think there is an explosion in the mid-section going on.

The Silliness of Dogs

Terra is our resident big dawg that loves - no adores the Havanese. She teaches them all sorts of funny games with the snow. Here she is trying to catch snowflakes and Treasure is wondering what planet she is on. hehehehe

Thanks to Terra the gang has learned how to flick snow back and forth with their snouts as if they are having a snowball fight doggie style.

The Havanese have taught Terra how to outrun her by quick, short turns and they all seem to relish a snow angel game or two by rolling in snow and spreading their limbs out.

See, there are so many snow games that dogs play if you simply pay attention. If you do, you will laugh and laugh.

They are such a creative lot and they do believe in fun. We all need to embrace fun!

Tonight we have a golden coming to visit till Sunday morning. It will be the first time Terra has a visitor her size that has come to stay for a day or two. It will also be a first for the Havanese - a big dawg convention of sorts. How fun!

Emotion and the Havanese

So is a dawg's sense of smell so keen that it can detect emotions?

When you walk in your front door and your dawg is sniffing your hands, pants or shoes, he's greeting you and investigating the unique scents you brushed against that day.

Dawgs smell each other and their secretions to monitor physiological and emotional changes. It's like getting the morning paper or a hot-off-the-press tabloid.

Tips for Taming the Psychotic Smeller

If sniffing becomes excessive for your dog, you may want to try these tips to keep his snout in sync:

•Offer a distraction, like a chew toy or an awesome-smelling dog treat.

•Teach him to use the crate, especially if smelling visitors is of high entertainment value to him.

•Clap your hands and take charge with your leash when he sniffs other dogs inappropriately or excessively. Not all dawgs appreciate this sort of greeting to that degree.

•Give him plenty of exercise and positive attention.

Jazzy is visiting us and as you can see, he's blowing in the breeze - well his hair is.

He's rather smitten with Wasabi but we are keeping them away from each other till her heat is done. jazzy is neutered but no reason to get his heart a pitter patter with excitement, is there?

Treasure also loves Jazzy and is found jumping on him and playing up a storm. He's not quite sure what to make of her at times but he's growing to be charmed. :-) The first time she jumped on him he sort of looked at her as if to say - what are you up to but now I swear he is smiling.

The dawgs all went on their walks today as usual. Nathan has been doing the daily walks with all 2 at a time. They go on a fair walk so its a marathon for Nathan but the dawgs love it and I think Nathan does too.

It's actually quiet around here with only one boarder. Quiet you say...actually yes. :-)

What Are You Saying?

"I'm Feeling Relaxed, Normal ... "

My posture is calm and relaxed, just kinda standing around. Please ask my owner before you approach me or pet me, just to be on the safe side.

Yes, one should ALWAYS ask an owner if you can pet their dog. Even when one does, it doesn't always mean that the owner knows how their dog will react.

You have to get to know your dog and what other dogs are saying.

That is why its good to take obedience classes so you can learn what your dog is saying and what other dogs are saying. You will also have a more confident dog and that's a bonus.

Even the most confident dog in one environment may show concerns in others. It all depends on how YOU Handle it on how your dog will ultimately handle 'concerns.

Treasure has had many handling classes, several levels of obedience and is a champion show dog. She's been conditioned to all sorts of environments but I could take her to a bowling alley and her body may shake from concern if she heard bowling balls going crack. It's not something we would have conditioned her to so it would be new to her. That's the point. In life there is always something new but as time goes on, if you do your job right, not coddle and expose productively, those exposures that are new will come with coping skills and trust that you would keep them from harm's way.

So, slow condition and keep at it and you will end up with an amazing dog. We are what we know and that is true of our dawgs as well!