Havanese Kisses

I tell ya, some guys get all the luck. Here Nathan is just having a moment with the rescue Kooba we are fostering and tonight he was off with Fiona getting her energized for the ring and having a great time with her.

Special moments with the dawgs is what it is all about.

Linda came over today to meet Kooba and she just fell in love with her. If she didn't have 4 dogs - well she may have found that forever home. So, we are still looking and enjoying the lovin'

Then when Nathan got back from handling class, he ran around like a mad man and got the dogs going, including Risa - who you may or may not be able to tell is jumping up but what you can't see is the squirrel - the flat one that Nathan had.

All it takes is a few minutes to enjoy your dogs and they will love you even more for it. Plus you get the smiles.

HFC Rescue is a Lovie

The HFC rescue that we are fostering is a small Havanese but not thin - not under weight - has great muscle tone and although she will be 7 years old next month, she plays literally like a puppy non stop with the duo here and takes on Kat and Shoshi as well.

She goes for her health checkup at the end of the month.

If we didn't already have so many dogs, she would be staying here in a heart beat. She is an entirely different dog from arrival to now.

Let's see who she is today. She now sleeps on our bed. She cuddles while watching TV. Comes to you when she wants you to pick her up and give her hugs. She has learned to be patient. When treats are doled out, she waits her turn and now does a sit when requested. She 'comes' when called and without hesitation. She is a fast learner.

We are exposing her to people and outside dogs. Although hesitant for a few minutes and I mean just a few minutes - her curiousity gets the best of her and she checks people out - gives them kisses and plays with visiting dogs. We are saturating her with all different types of people and dogs. Yesterday she gave kisses to our groomer not once but a number of times and played her heart out with a visiting Wasabi pup. Today we are hoping she does the same with Gidget (formally Paris) who we believe is about the same size.

When we find her a home, we hope it is with another dog as she adores the play and company or someone that has frequent visits with other dogs. She adores walks and I mean adores them. Only barks when introducing play and the other dog isn't getting her desire. Is easily corrected even in this mode. She's bloody intelligent - fast learner - and loves learning.

She is now ringing the bell to go out or goes and gets you so she can do her business outside. She nests in a crate and seems to have comfort with the door open. We have not closed it yet.

She now plays with toys but has not learned retrieve yet though intently watches Abs play it. We shall see if she joins in. If you play with toys with her in a tug fashion, she has a ball.

She has managed to slow down her eating and drinking. She was choking quite a bit from eating/drinking too fast but she now trusts that her food is her food. She has no food aggression. We have taken necks - which she loves out of her mouth and given them back. She trusts she gets them back. She has slowed herself down in drinking. We believe this was a trust issue at first where she was afraid it was not going to be there. She also shares the water bowl with the others now. Before she waited till they were done.

Check out the gorgeous colours this gal has coming in and I do mean gorgeous. When a longer coat comes in - this gal will be stunning - but I like longer hair - others like them like this. Shaved down like this, she has a really pretty face.

Well, I could go on and on and we travel this dangerous game as we do with our pups - falling madly in love but this one has made it so easy. She is not at the bottom of the pack but each day she gains more and more of who she is and will be. She's becoming quite confident and an addition that not only fits in but as I said would remain if we didn't already have a pack.

So, the hunt is on to find her that perfect home where she counts - has playmates and someone that walks her as she adores those walks. If interested, let us know. We will direct you to the HFC rescue coordinator where you will have to fill out forms. If you are in the Toronto area and are interested - well let us know and you can come over and see what we see with your own eyes.

More of her adventures and the Talemaker crew as we live it...

Remembering Havanese Names

Risa Says:
I am so confused. I think those humans told me that one of my son's (Kat's) kids flew the coop today. Okay - not the coop per se but went to his forever home. That's way exciting.

Yvonne is down 1 pup and another goes tomorrow and yet another Sunday. Oh my - exciting times. Still a couple of pups left for those that want absolutely gorgeous pups with A+ personalities.

Either pups from Maggie or from Lola and a Kat coupling is related as Maggie is one of mine and so is Kat. Those kids are way busy. Me - I have closed shop and retired. You can only have so many kids you know then you have to remember their names. Don't test me. :-)

Give Me That Colour Havanese

A number of people select their dogs with the colour being on the top of their list as a deciding factor. We all like various colours for a variety of reasons but the #1 reason you should select a particular dog is that dog works with YOUR family's lifestyle. That dog matches your family life.

No one knows that dog better than the breeder.

Still, we get the call or email saying do you have an x colour dog for sale?

Many dogs change colours. Kat, who I am snuggling with here was black and white for months and months. Then a tad of brown came in and then went to grey and white and now brown is starting to seep in. But that colour - although I like it doesn't tell me what personality is within.

Some Havanese are snugglers, some quite opinionated, some fun loving, some low energy, some even high energy and I see the disappointment - although they love them when they say I picked a x colour dog and they won't snuggle with me.

It's what is inside - not the aesthetic appeal but that charming personality that matches you or compliments you or even can add to your household but those are the things you should be looking for. Can that dog run with you and will he enjoy it (is he athletic). Does he like laying around or is he always in the thick of it? Is she a snuggler or Ms. Independent?

Each has its fit for the right family. Selecting a 2nd dog is even more important as it is critical to find a compliment to the mix. We have dogs all over the place in personality but due to that, each has their place without squabbles. Having 2 very strong and opinionated personalities in humans and dogs - well it can be interesting but explosive.

So next time you are looking for a dog, make sure health testing is done and personality is at the top of your list. After all, these dogs are truly amazing but each is unique and quite different even in the same litter.

Enjoy them. They are truly amazing beings!

Havanese: I am Unsure Daddy

Abs went to handling class last night and had a grand time seeing everyone. She seems to get along with everyone.

But then we went to go pick up some things from another dog person for the big Havanese HFC specialty that is happening near Halloween near the airport in Toronto and she saw a 3 legged dog and the tail went down, the hiding started and she just didn't know how to handle it.

The person we went to see, Paula told Nathan to pay attention to the 3 legged dog to get Abs 'getting' that the dog was okay. Then she started telling me and I knew but was rather surprised that she was reacting that way. I was lost in the 'surprise.'

Paula mentioned she had a 3 legged dog and her pack reacted the same at first. She mentioned it was the hopping and that made sense. Paula does rescue and therefore has a great deal of experience with it.

I find this to be interesting. No matter how grounded a dog can be, how socialized - it can still have something that seems to be so unusual to them that they don't know how to react.

I rather wish we had a 3 legged dog that she could get to know but we don't. This was a fair distance from our house but it tells me no matter how much you socialize them - there is always something they can be conditioned to and therefore learn - gain grounding and be a better dog for it.

The point is - keep socializing and pet that dog that your little one is afraid of and ignore your own so they 'get' the idea that this dog is fun and okay. It may not work the first time but keep at it and each time, well that unsure behaviour will dissipate.

Havanese Attitude

Havanese can have attitude. Each have their very own unique personality but some are born with that 'look at me' desire that I adore. Not everyone appreciates or even likes this attitude. Fiona has it going over the top.

What do you do when they buck the system - so to speak? You ask what do you mean by that?

Well, Fiona was laying on the bed with her Daddy and I came strolling upstairs. She didn't know who I was so she did a low-based grrr. Daddy - I am protecting you but also - this bed is mine.
Fiona has an attitude that makes you laugh at things like that but that's when you can get in trouble. If allowed, a dog like her will escalate and suddenly what you think is cute is no longer. It's best to nip it in the bud. They need boundaries just like that creative, challenging human kind.

I corrected her. She did the submissive roll to me. It wasn't me that was the target but rather what she can and can't control. She's a puppy and she is learning that life is about others - not just her. Some humans have an issue with that so why not dogs?

She will take a tad more work than say an Abigail who tends to comply and not step over the line but if you keep at it, she will be the dog you can't forget.

It's all in the way you handle it.

Interesting enough, I have found that a dog in my home may act different in another home and act even different in yet another home. How can that be? Are they wishy, washy or are they people pleasers? It's the latter and they will, even the most strongest personalities learn from you.

Remember, your dogs are what you put into it and what emotion you send down the lead. It's difficult to get into that mindset but that strong-willed dog needs you to be a calm assertive but so does that dog that is timid.

If your spouse or someone important to you is in a &^%$ mood, doesn't it affect you? Most will say yes. It's the same for the dog but you can't talk it out with the dog like you should with the human.

Fiona may always be a challenge all her life but not in a negative way but one who will try new things. Her brain is always ticking but she's also an emotional one and needs to understand that the world is not just about her. She's getting there but nothing is born perfect.

Again, they are what we put into them and if you are consistent and keep at it, you will have a truly amazing companion and wonder how you ever did without them.

I know I wouldn't trade any of my dogs for anything. They each bring something different to my life and I treasure that!

--Darlah at Talemaker

Havanese Fiona's Shag Look

Fiona Says:

Daddy thinks I am a sheep dog. They say I am supposed to show natural but I can't see a thing. Oh the hair stays back and then I give it a shake and watch out!

The judge on Thursday didn't like Fiona's 'cheeky' attitude but today's did. She just has to gain a tad bit of weight and get fat - ROFL. So, the Fiona is on a high protein diet starting tomorrow and eating frozen raw chicken necks. We will see what that does. We may have to hold her in place to get her to stop expelling so much energy. Oh that human wishes she had that metabolism.

Well, we are still working on picnic photos. Some were corrupted due to a virus but we are recovering what we can. Look for them soon.

Achieving Happiness With Your Havanese

One would think this was about YOU achieving happiness but its about your Havanese achieving happiness.

We went into this venture with our original dog, Shoshi. She had the coat from hell (doesn't any longer). I learned a great deal from her. I learned if Nathan got up every 2 hours, the dog would be totally house trained or is that Nathan that would be?

I learned what unconditional love was really about and how a little dog can figure out what you need and fill that spot. Shoshi's person is Nathan but make no mistake, she appeases me to no end and when I fell last winter, she was the first to lick my face and she is the first to see what's wrong if I bang myself and scream an ear curdling sound - that is next to Katsuro.

I also learned to take a photo of a dark haired dog and see their face. I also figured out that messy has more character than just combed but that doesn't mean you should neglect combing but rather that you enjoy that they smoosh their face 2 minutes after you brush them.

As we added dogs, I also understood that each has their very own personality and job within the pack - that is if the pack is a balanced - functioning one. I also figured out if it is not, the visitors overnight would not work. I am thankful that although they have their quirks, they are indeed that.

I also learned that it took a puppy - Abigail to get Shoshi playing fully with back feet planted on the ground and paws up as if she is dancing. Shoshi has learned a great deal from the pack and they have helped her find her spot, her balance and her play. Yes, even a puppy can do that.

If you pay attention to your dogs - you can learn a great deal.

Havanese Puppy Play: A Taste of Heaven

Every one of us needs the play that a puppy possesses. Here Miss Abs is saying to Fiona - come get me. They played back and forth like this for over 30 minutes then drank a ton and came inside and dropped.

I need that enthusiasm and play and most of all that energy. Know where I can get it? Is it contagious? I surely wish it was.

When everything is too much to handle and I feel like overload city, I sit down for a moment and watch these two and for that moment in time - all is right in the world. If they did nothing else with anything else in their life - they have filled a need - at least mine of laughter and we all need that.

Today I took a fab photo of our son and grand kids. None that I am overly pleased with the dogs but I am learning the camera. I am so jazzed with it.

No matter how much work the dogs can be when you have many dogs like we do, well they are work if you do it right and we muster up sick or well for them - well they are a bit of heaven on earth. Everyone should have some of that.

Mom & Son: Havanese

Today is a rather gloomy day but we are playing recovery from extra grooming done on a visiting dog. So - we are hanging out, getting caught up on things and soon the grand kids will be here.

Havanese come in all sorts of colours and this is our Risa and her son Katsura who just sired pups with Lola to have absolutely gorgeous pups. He's biased but how could they not be cute. Kat is athletic but he also has that cute face and we can't wait to see these pups develop.

If interested in pups, send mail to Yvonne Poole - our dear friends. The pups are up and about now doing all the fun stuff they do when they are mobile and very fast in doing things.

She also has pups from Kat's relative Maggie who also has Risa as her mom.

There's nothing like a Havanese or two...nothing!

Fiona Rain Style Havanese

Here's a dawg - a Havanese that doesn't seen to mind all this rain we are getting.

Well, Cleo and Apple go home tinight. The human's grandkids come tomorrow till Friday and then a few of Wasabi's dogs are coming for a visit.

If it is sunny tomorrow, we may see Otis. Now how cool is that?

We promise photos and fun times.