JLo Had a Bath

Jlo is so funny. She loves to pose. Some dogs do and some don't. Tomorrow Finn gets a bath and a clean up and I will take one more photo of Tangles with her brother Finn so you can tell me which one is Finn. :-)

I am not putting up any other photos today. My battery is dead so they are charging. I have a carpal tunnel thing going on and that happens sometimes from lots of repetitive stuff so I am giving my hand a break. I washed Darcy. Nathan did a fair bit of brushing out and drying Jlo after I bathed her. I am not sure he liked me saying you need to do it this way or you miss that or but we got through it and he did buy me flowers so maybe all is well. He really did a great job under direction.

As I type Poor Truffie is panting and acting like a maniac as Abigail teases him from up on the bench. Girls... He is talking to her. Yes, he talks to her - more like begging. She gives in but its still early in the game but first connection - surprise.

Our days are never boring.

Okay, I lied - I had to put this photo up.

We have had mild flakes and Risa sits out there and sits out there and well catches flakes. This lack of movement forces us to look for any cleanups we may have missed but really Daddy didn't have to look for an hour while you sat, and sat and sat and she did. I just love her. Glad it was Nathan's turn instead of me. Even the rest of the dogs had long came back in. Good old Risa... she adores the cold.

She even sleeps in front of a fan in winter and yes we put one on for her. Besides I am of the age to appreciate a fan.

Oh Boy NOT!

Nathan promised me photos but this is all I found on the camera. I brushed out all the dogs. They continued to get soaked. I am off to lay down after Logan and Panda go. The stomach is still doing a cha cha. So - no updates - just going to go lay down.

Nathan was in and out with the dogs and watching tv. I have been brushing, blow drying and now I give up. Rain....

Wooden Havanese

I meant to share this yesterday but here it is now. I just love it. Dick's (Timmy and Lilly's) friend made it. I think Dick hunted down the Havanese pattern for it. Correct me if I am wrong but nice!

Update on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 5:51PM by Darlah

It's a down day today. I had to go get some stuff from a dog show - products that couldn't be shipped so I am unusually tired. So, the crew is doing well. We are going to chill and watch tv and I may fall asleep. So there... Tomorrow is a new day!

Snowing Again

It's snowing so we had some good outdoor time but after washing the Biggie who is now at home and Fiona and brushing the rest, I ran out of steam. So no galleries - just know we had fun today.

I will tell you watching Kona chasing Doozie, loving up Jlo and kissing up Jeannie Kathy better put him on a short lead as he has become a ladies man playing the field. hahahaha

Socks is being his usual crazy having fun self playing with everyone he can. Coco and Doozie ADORE napping and outdoor walks and we had snow angel times.

Here are just a few photos. Ran out of steam so hardly have a sliver of them.

Plus the Biggie after his bath....

I hope he is resting well tonight at home! Give him a big kiss!

Still Washing

Biggie gets washed tomorrow - he will be missed - I have quite a few to wash after that and then I vowed I would take an hour a day to learn the camera - Photoshop SOMETHING. It hasn't happened this week.

Kona has learned the fine art of sucking up to me. I will let you use your imagination on that.

Oscar (not one of ours) visited today and rather liked Kona, Socks and Abigail. Abigail truly took care of him. Abigail is quite special that way! He also liked the pups. Kneel on the floor and he gives the very best kisses and I am serious! I snuggled, played with him while I did his pads and he settled in. I got the very best of the kisses after that experience so I feel good. He's going to be more than fine visiting any old time.

Coco had what I call a wild hair day. You will see the photo. I think today she ate faster than Doozie and it is usually the other way around.

Mom and daughter - Spice and Wasabi was busy getting soaked quite literally.

Socks and Biggie have been playing up a storm but Biggie and Socks both have a thing for Jeannie in a big way - oh oh.

It's been one of THOSE days. Be sure to look at Treasure's blog to see what Goldie and Dusty was up to. Dick and Irma stopped in after the vets and I asked Nathan to take photos of Timmy and Lilly - do you think one came out - hold that camera still Nathan - oy! Oh well I have the moments to treasure. They brought a wooden havanese for the wall - you have to see this - amazing - did you and a friend make it Dick? Oh my gad I was in tears - its so beautiful. I will click a photo of it and put it up tomorrow. It's now hanging in our hall. Thank you, truly!

Here are a few photos today but to be honest I was washing so much that I didn't get as much as I wanted. Dennis doesn't take photos - he just plays with the dogs like crazy without clicking but to be honest I love him for that! I also can't get through what I did take. I am in dire need of do something for me time so please understand.

Abs with Oscar Always Making Sure He Was OkayI think this last photo of Coco catches her real spirit. I quite liked it!

Lots to Do Today

I had many baths to do for others today. I am exhausted but wow that in-between time watching, playing and enjoying the dawgs - can't get any better.

Also, thank you so much to Julie, Ty's mom for a wonderful chocolate Chip cookie (huge pan sized) shaped in a heart. Oh my gad its tasty. Magic came for the day and thank you for a yum gift. Someone will have to roll me out of the bed when this settles in the tummy. :-) Boy do I need to exercise tomorrow.

We had a number of dogs getting baths and cleanups. Scruffster got a whitening, massage and deep conditioner extra service and I should have taken a photo of him bagged in plastic as I am sure he thought I was nuts but he melted with the massage like a limp noodle.

Here are some photos of the day.

The crew comes in, snuggles in blankets and waits till it is their turn for a brushout. They do this on their own especially Coco and Kona. Coco loves the princess life like our Fiona!

PS: Did you see Kona with Magic - oh my he loves Magic and Pepper. Logan just loves them all. hahahaha

Too Wet For Outside Runs

It's way too wet outside so we go out, hang out and come back in. If we deign to jump on the pool cover we get mighty wet and its interesting trying to keep them knot free.

We have been doing a lot of playing inside. Biggie joined us and he is having fun.

Tomorrow Zoe comes for a bath and a quick visit so Dusty (and us) will be excited! So will the Treasure.

Here are a few photos from today. One includes Phantom who is heading out on a plane tomorrow at 6am for a gal connection. He will be out there for a couple of weeks then come back here so Paula can pick him up and head home with him. He is a real jet setter!

On the Road AgainBiggie Head ShotPanda Before Grooming Waiting to PounceKona Head ShotJeannieDusty Playing TugAbigail PosingBiggie Loves to Play With JeannieThe dogs despite brushes still look rather 'rugged' looking. It's a hopeless venture so we just enjoy them natural and make sure they are knot free.

Let's see who was playing with whom? Biggie and Jeannie and Roxie and Dusty. Roxie and Panda and Logan. Kona and Roxie and sometimes Jeannie. Abigail played with all especially tug with Biggie and Jeannie and Dusty. She teaches still as if they are all pups. :-)

Wasabi crawled under the deck and well she aint pretty. Kona got so drenched walking on the pool cover that I had to blow dry him and he hasn't walked anywhere except the paths since (sigh). We have a lot of snow left but its wet stuff - the type that gets you soaked. My feet have been soaked with boots on. This too shall pass.

I hope for a dryer day tomorrow - if not we will run and play like crazy inside and go out and walk around despite the weather.

We play so many fun games inside but its hard to play and get them motivated and click a camera at the same time. To me, the play is the most important but I do try.

Laci Update

Abigail - Laci's MomCheck it out on Abigail's blog. The regular updates will be done later. I am too exhausted from grooming due to this snow. I am trying ever so hard to motivate myself to do Roxie and Truffie and Risa as they are the ones I didn't get to yesterday as I ran out of steam shoveling.

Keep saying GET IT OVER WITH and I know Nathan will say let's go out and run in the snow and the dogs will need grooming again.

Boo's parents plane canceled till Monday. Going to be fun that day as they said mud and rain is a coming.

Another Snowy and Dry Update: 2nd Update Today

Click on Photo for a Larger View

Timmy and Lilly came over for a visit and this is a just washed photo of Timmy. We had the crew out in the snow. Kona and Dusty thought the up to my knees snow was a tad ridiculous but Lilly as little as she is jumped in and out right along with her Timmy. Fiona refuses to even go out.

Nathan or Dennis MUST shovel paths as it is too deep for the Kona and Dusty and Fiona. It is getting deeper all the time. The men in my life are waiting till it stops - yeah right well I should shut up as Dennis is now doing the front but hey I care about the back. Nathan is taking a nap with some of the dogs. Look for a fun gallery later.

Doesn't Timmy look gorgeous?

Snow Keeps Coming

Nathan shoveled the deck and he needs to do it again - oh my. It's a slow and steady keeps coming thing. I have to wash Boo as he heads out tonight - but then again maybe not as flights have been cancelled everywhere including Toronto today but we must be ready. My grooming room is still a wreck. I have to brush all the dogs and shower. But here I sit typing away. hahahaha

Dick and Irma - you tell me. We can do this tomorrow too. I have been trying to be greedy and getting some learning time in while we are in this lull by having some weekends. If it is tomorrow you will have to do 10am as Cooper is going home at 11am.

Dusty says this white stuff is so much fun but this morning I sank into it to my neck. Where was Mommy's camera then? Silly lady. It should always be in her hand.

PS: The cleaning ladies have cancelled today (usual on Fridays) so I suppose I am supposed to clean. Friday is usually Dennis and my day off from that. :-) Got to have some treat.

TV Room Snoozing

Dusty and NoraNoraKonaDustyKona and NoraKona and NoraTreasure YawningBoo ChillingDusty and Nora

Just TV time early this morning after our outdoor run and before the Coops came. Tonight we watch Smash. No photos - just dogs laying all over us. It's the best!

Cold Play

Working on a photo gallery of the play today. Just finished washing the Kona and found his coat really looks good using the new Pure Paws Shampoo and Conditioner combo. He really has a multitude of colours in his coat - nice!

This way in 2 weeks when he sees mom he can look beautiful. :-)

Gallery is now here. Kona - just cleaned photos tomorrow. ;-)

Things to notice - Spice is full out playing now - back to being her crazy usual self more and more.

Kona is playing with boys and girls. You can't see it but he covets the frisbee and tries to intimidate the others away from it. This is a Treasure and Jeannie manuever so we are working on all 3 to not covet - just play.

Kona can jump up in the air and grab a piece of popcorn the highest I have ever seen. Nathan has a habit of doing this with Terra with popcorn or treats - helping her perfect her mid-air catches and Terra has looked so confused when Kona gets to it first. Kona is so fast!

Winter Pruning

Got to love a gal that helps you prune your prized Japane Maple. I do love her so!

Here are a few photos of the day.

Kona and Roxie

Kona and Roxie

Boo and Jeannie

Boo and Jeannie

Boo and Jeannie

Kona, Roxie in Back, Jeannie and Boo in Front

I truly love the play!!

Attention

If you are starting to train your dogs the first command you should be working on is 'focus'. Distractions are a large part of life, and you need to teach your dog to ignore them and pay attention to you. There are various names you can use. You can say Look or Focus. It's not the word though you must be consistent but the action attached to it.

Each time your dog looks at you like this, click if using a clicker and add the name you are tagging to the action. Each time she looks at you tag it with the name you are associating with the action and then treat.

It will make future training easier and help you in many situations.

Socializing

It's important to socialize your dogs SAFELY with all types of dogs. When I say all types - each like us have different ways of interacting with each other. It is important to expose them so they get conditioned.

Today Boo who is a big play monkey found Timmy overwhelming at first. Why? Timmy has this fun, bowl you over, I am here spirit and Boo wasn't sure how to handle that. As time went on and it was a short time, they started playing and Boo understood the communications and the intentions. Both are puppies about the same age and are learning.

If you do not expose your dogs (this is why we have so many play dates etc) it is more difficult as an adult and a slower process to gain these communication understanding skills. But don't give up. Never say never. They can and do gain those skills as adults. They are just more set in their ways and not as trusting and receptive at times so the process is longer.

By socializing you help them gain their social skills, become more confident and understand the variety of ways each dog communicates and be able to pick up on the similarities and gain that understanding quicker each time they get exposed.

The critical stage is that first year but they need to socialize SAFELY throughout their lives. When doing so, you will appreciate the result!

Teaser and Truffie Pups Play Day

I think Boo and Levon's face says it all - oh boy more fun. Here is a gallery of Boo, Levon and Piper. Piper was a tad more reserved than the boys with their wild play but humans - oh boy what a wriggle cutie patootie is she!

It was great to see them but we must do it when they can run out back and truly let loose.

Also Ty, Kona and Sophie are celebrating their 2nd birthday. Check out Ty's photo on Treasure's blog. After we get Kona cleaned up (meaning the mud goes away) we will hopefully take photos of the brothers and post them here.

Crazy Fun Dawg Play

If you don't recognize him that's Kona playing his heart out. We do not wear cameras around our neck so Nathan yells in the door get the camera as he was outside watching the crazy play. I was inside.

He was playing up a storm with Dusty. Nathan didn't manage to capture that but he did manage to catch some other play.

All I know is Kona is getting a bath tomorrow after all this crazy play. He rather needs it. hahaha

Just another fun Havanese day... Funny how they make every single day about some kind of fun.

Cha Cha Relaxing

Cha Cha is looking mighty relaxed in her home. She's looking more and more like Fiona with a touch of Mugs.

Cha Cha is off to get the snip snip soon. I am sure she will be more than fine. They always are - it's the humans that aren't always. hahaha

Happy Birthday

Today I am going to share a few photos of Kona. Today is Kathy's birthday (Kona's mom) and we are shouting out a big happy birthday to her.

Kona seems to be smitten with the younger set. He truly loved playing with Magic today. I hope she comes to visit when he is visiting again. He also loved playing with Finn, Roxie and he loves the Dusty one in a big way.

What is Kona doing? He is play bowing - an introduction to play some more. Magic seems delighted to do so.

They played chase me and Kona would chase her around, cut her off at the pass and she would continue the fun.

PS: I think Dusty was jealous. Finn didn't seem to mind. He just went from one to the next. Dusty kept trying to interrupt and attempting to play with Kona as if Dusty was saying - hey I can dance with you too!

It's a riot watching the dog play. See more of Finn and Magic on Abigail's blog. Nathan was clicking but he was getting lots of blurs. It's too bad. We need a faster close up lens for inside as they were moving quickly today. I only have a fixed lens. That's all he managed to get of Kona (sigh). Can't wait till they can do this running play outside. We may be able to get more than sailing hair and backends.

You don't have to be outside to have fun.

Update on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 6:21PM by Darlah

Sorry - I just learned it was Kathy's birthday so I promise you Cha Cha for sure tomorrow!

Blast From the Past

Does anyone know who this is with Terra?

On a present front - no photos as my camera seems to fog up in this weather. The battery also doesn't work long despite me warming it up before going outside. hmmmm

Dogs are only going out to go, play about 3 - 5 minutes and back inside. The pups seem to enjoy it more than the adults. hahahaha