Rockin' & Rollin' Havanese Wet Style

We are rather tired today as Coco (name spelling correction as I found on her collar) couldn't decide - bed - crate - bed - can I go out now? But that happens at times when it's a new place and she will get tuckered out and have her bearings today. She's already playing with the crew as you can see in our bathroom. She even growled boisterous Sebastian away who tends to love the physical full on play that Abs adores.

This is great for the pack as they learn to interact with each dog and read signals. It's a bonus - even with a lack of sleep to have the visitors. Our goal is to help the pack help others and therefore help themselves. it does work.

It's really raining and we are constantly cleaning floors. It's way funny though as I take my foot and shove a towel around the floor and the dogs chase it, lay on top of it and play as if we are in midst of a game.

Here I am snuggling with a few, hair not brushed - soaking wet just enjoying.

I can't imagine what life would be without the dogs. We adore then so and we rather miss puppies. It's an amazing amount of work the way we do it but wow what you get back!

More later...

Fiona's Sister is Here!

This is Fiona's sister, Coco. You can click on the photo to see a larger version of this photo. She's a cutie.

She's settling in and starting to hang out with the crew. She had an overwhelming welcome as the dogs were upstairs and rushed the door. There goes my plan to introduce one on one but she's eaten, (no issue), is starting to get to know the crew and is really doing well. I figure by tomorrow or even tonight she will be doing run-like-hell.

More later as the dawg life unfolds.

Junk Yard Havanese Style

These are our darling junk yard dawgs - well one is ours and one was from our Wasabi's litter and is visiting - Sebastian. It's rain - rain and more rain the next few days and little Fiona said - I don't do rain so she went running back in and started circling behind our table and I grabbed her, took her back out and she actually sighed as if to say - okay - I will take a shower and do my business - if I MUST!

Now the duo here - Miss Abs and Sebastian didn't have an issue in the least with the rain and neither did Katsuro. Our issue with them was getting them to come back in before this human was soaked to the skin. They don't get that I didn't enjoy having water drip off of me. ROFL.

Now that Fiona is getting conditioned to this rain, she's a wet rag and I am trying to get her in too. Can't have it both ways, I suppose!

Later today, Fiona's sister and family is coming to visit and Cocoa will be staying here for a few days till Yvonne comes to get her on Monday - me thinks. She may have to wrestle us for her but hey we are in for some fun this weekend - wet, dirty fun but that's what baths are for and warm fires in the fireplace etc.

Oh - and what is sleep? Sebastian and Abs has decided at every bedtime, it's time to start playing - ON THE BED and full steam, stumbling, tumbling all over me. I have to try Risa's way of dealing with it - a sharp grr and they move away ROFL but she has to keep doing it - kids...what can I say!

More later>>

Stoned Havanese Vegging With Fave Human

It's not a great photo as I was taking shots into the sun but dear Miss Abs came back from the vets after getting 2 of her canines pulled and she is stoned on morphine - chillin' out in the backyard on the deck with her fave human. That's okay as tomorrow she has to get show training busy. Today she has the day off. :-)

If you are getting your dog neutered or spayed, this is the time to deal with any teeth that just don't want to come out like Abs. Hers had roots that were larger than the actual tooth.

We have a great vet who let us bring in our crate so she can feel comfie.

Nathan also dropped over to Yvonnes to hang out and wait for the Abs with a few of the other dogs. He also managed to get a few photos.

Here you can see Rita's Minnie chasing Wasabi's Sebastian, Rita's Opal behind them and Downsey and Fiona behind Opal and good old Terra laying on the deck.

If I have any mistakes in this, forgive me. I will fix it tomorrow. I have a very conked out Abs laying in one arm while I try to type with the others. She never lays here for this amount of time as she is always too busy playing so I am treasuring the moment and dealing with the difficulty of typing.

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

I asked Nathan to take photos so I could see Downsey's colour and to see if she is the same size. She looks like the same size but wow that colour. We are really getting excited to see what Cocoa looks like - their other sibling who comes on Friday. I will have to remember to charge the video camera.

Well more tomorrow. It's way too hard to snuggle and type.

Havanese Deep Dark Secret

Fiona: I have a huge secret to tell you. Human daddy signed me up for a show this month. That means I have to hold my tail up, get manhandled and move when I am supposed to.

Do you think I am going to have fun? Daddy promised me a huge steak if I do well. The bribes have already began. Do you think he'll go for .....?

Should I ask?

Havanese Deck Vegging

Okay, we let the dogs kiss us after they have been known to - fill in the blank and then we lay outside on the deck, reading a book and chillin' with them. Life couldn't get any better.

Nathan is on the deck surrounded by two of Wasabi's 6 month pups lovin' it!

Take a look at their latest video so you can catch them in action.

Nathan always shakes his head at all these moments I capture but they are moments to be remembered and saved always. Ah...nothing like the Havanese!

Video: 2 of Wasabi Pups, Let's Go Crazy

My does time fly when you are having so much fun. Two of Wasabi's pups have been visiting our resident crew of 6 havanese and 2 retrievers. Check them out in action on this video and see how much they have grown.

They are now 6 months old. It's hard for even us to believe. Gad - we just adore the pups. We must have done something right to have them in our life! Take a look....

You should see how Wasabi lights up when they come. Hey - they all do!

Muddy Paws, Sticks & More

Coach went home last night and we got to see Sassy when they came to pick her up. She had a really small incision - much better than when Shoshi had hers.

We woke up to quiet with Coach gone.

I took them out back and even Kat was mixing it up - chasing Sebastian and Abigail. It was great and I only got 3 of them on camera where all of Kat was just a part of him as he tends to run way too fast.

We are in for a meltdown and had much junk strewn all over our floors - leaves, sticks - all in their hair and BLACK feet but I am not washing them as they will be back out getting black again. I will do a waterless bath tonight and wait till then to groom them. There's never a quiet moment with these guys.

Fiona's sister comes this Friday and we are excited. Abs gets a couple of teeth pulled this Wednesday and gets to do handling class. We are into teaching heel and stand and undoing the sits and downs - fun and we are exposing her to all sorts of strange dogs in Petsmart. She seems to do great with the dogs but hesitates with some people that really were afraid of dogs - strange in Petsmart and yes, they said that. Halfway through our Petsmart visit, she was saying hello to everyone. Progress - we think. We just have to keep at it as she is destined to walk the runway. hehe

More later...

Training: The Stubborn Havanese Stand

Well, lots of posts today so scroll on down.

Let's see how this human's life went today and I will be filling you in on the DAWGS!

First thing just before breakfast I clean their eyes. They all get a treat and all it takes is a squirt of cleaner on a face comb and comb the sleep goobers out and that's it and they get rewarded for allowing it. The first time you do it though, they think the comb is going to go into their eyes so they move in a strange fashion but they soon get that it's harmless and they get rewarded at the end. We also do this just before supper too. Yes - everyday!

We also had our brushing in but its wet out so it wasn't a line combing but just a quick brush.

As you will see below, we also played games today. I didn't take as many photos but hey - we were busy.

Then we did training. I took each dog into our kitchen and worked on heeling and standing. What - standing is so natural. Well it is but not after you learn to 'sit'. Sitting is simply more comfie. So, as you can see here, Miss Abs was standing but her tail was half down and everytime I used the clicker, she sat. So did Sebastian. So did Katsuro. argh. But we made progress with each and either I will be doing this daily or Nathan. They actually ADORE the training - seriously! Risa and Coach were so excited about it that it was almost difficult to get them to calm down.

With Coach, he has classes with Fiona on the 24th - we think. We just got our confirmation. He will be learning to 'sit' at first so that is what we worked on. He kept jumping on me. I kept moving back and each time he sat that clicker went off and I treated him. He LOVED the training.

By the way, no issue getting Sebastian's attention. He just didn't get that I only wanted him to stand and heel. Click - down - oh you don't want down - okay sit - what not that either?

You have to have a positive attitude and know that you are helping your dog, stimulating their minds and helping that dog be a dog that everyone adores.

We are going to bypass the 'sit' command with Fiona till after she is finished showing. To undo a 'sit' is time consuming and can be difficult but like I said, we are making progress. We will be doing all commands in stand position.

Tomorrow we will line comb all the dogs - start bathing if it is actually warm - a couple of dogs here and there but if I hear rain is coming, well - I will wait and just brush. It makes NO SENSE to wash to only have them a mess the day after.

Tomorrow I may play 'hide the treat'. We shall see how that goes. It depends on sleep tonight - mine of course. hahahaha dawgs recover faster than us humans and manage to get dog naps whenever they feel the need. We need to learn from that.

Read more of today below in the next 2 posts.

Bloody Gad! Havanese, Snow in April

It's April, folks - can you say that and understand that we had wet, damp, snow coming down on the Havanese crew. Here they are saying LET ME IN!

The photo quality is poor. I was too tired to have the right setting and although it was dark - it appears light but also grainy. So, sorry.

I think Miss Abs is jealous of Sebastian but also smitten with him. What a ball of fur and confusion.

Coach came by today. His pack mate Sassy is off to get the fix at the vet. We send her much love. He'll be staying here for a couple of days so she gets a chance to heal without his help.

The crew has been playing non-stop for hours. It almost boggles my mind how energized they can be but I am waiting for the dry weather and will start filming their craziness and I do mean their craziness.

You can often see them practicing their version of 'Dancing With the Stars'. I do believe they have the moves down. Care to name the dance?

Well - will fill you in later. I may take a nap with the crew but I think if I did, I may feel the pitter, patter of little feet all over my body. Want to put the $$ down on that?

Home Week at Talemaker Havanese

It's been a fun day, today. Here's Abs, Fiona, Sassy and Coach hanging out at the pool waiting for Sebastian to show up.

Sassy is off to the vets tomorrow so she was hanging out, playing and having fun before she needs to rest for a few days. We also managed to give Coach and her a bath and wow do they look good.

We started the bath late but Sassy went out and headed for the mud so I got to do her under carriage, feet and neck again. Now we have them going out on leads to do their business so they don't get dirty just so they can look all so cute for their human packmates.

Check out the Sass after her bath - all spiffy for the vets tomorrow. I fed her treats, gave her kisses and made her feel great about the experience. That is what it is all about. If they relate the experience to a good one, then the next time it will get easier and easier.

Gad, she has such soft and white, white hair. I just adore putting my fingers through it and I hope her human packmates love it too.

The Coach got a bath next and he's a dog that looks great scruffy.

There are some dogs that do and this crew - Wasabi's pups - well that 'just let the hair fall where it goes' looks so great but groom them up and wow!

But Coach decided he was getting off the table. He kept shaking his head for the camera so what you see is what you get. Here he is looking at the camera as if he was saying - are you done YET?

I gave him hugs, kisses and much love but when it came to doing his stomach on his back - watch out but we managed to do it and he looks so boo-ti-full! Yes, I mean beautiful - handsome.

Still, well worth it and each time it gets easier when you groom them - wow, a handsome guy all brushed up but as you can tell, he is not smiling.

You take him off the table and the smile creeps in and he's ready for play.

It's as if he said, okay, I am done and ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

The crew loved the get together and so did Momma Wasabi. She gets right back into that mode of playing, protecting and teaching. She gets way excited to see them too.

As you can see, the crew was ready to go out in the back but Sassy and Coach had their bath so we had to put leads on them and lead them to the snow to do their business.

That worked great. You can tell that they are walked as they did really great on a lead.

Well, we are back again. Coach and Sassy was just picked up. I was in the middle of brushing Sebastian.

It's rather mucky out there so he was rolling around with the best of them but we hear there is rain for tomorrow so his bath will have to wait till sun and dryness arrives.

Sebastian is staying with us for a bit and he is mixing it up big-time with Fiona and Abigail. They are going to sleep tonight. He's so excited, it's as if someone put a battery in him and wound him up and the gals LOVE it!

Coach comes back for a couple of days starting tomorrow morning and Chico may be visiting on Saturday.

I will fill you in more on the antics of the crew but they are having such a roaring grand time that I want to watch so maybe tomorrow the video camera will have to come out. I am charging the camera.

Catch you all tomorrow!

Training, Handling & Stubborness

First of all, when the pups include Shoshi in play, she just adores it. They were having a mad time running, hiding, pouncing and all the things pups should do.

Tomorrow we have Coach, Sassy and Sebastian coming. The Sass is going to get all spiffied up as she gets spayed Friday and we will do the same with Coach just so his sister doesn't look better than him. You know the male ego and all. ROFL!

Oh puppy heaven tomorrow - it can't get any better than that - can it?

Handling Class, Wind & Havanese Play

We captured a windy moment out back filled with much ice and mud and muck, sticks and leaves. These are all things the dogs love. heh

The puppies adore the wind and so does Risa. The pups would stay out for hours if allowed. I want warmer and dryer before I move the portable out there.

Miss Abigail is off to her first handling class tonight to see if we can get her ready for the Lindsay show this month. Human mommy is not going in case I am a factor in her motivation and she's going hungry. That's right - we are starving her. ROFL Well - for an hour later than her usual dinnertime so she eats there with treats - chicken, liver, all good things - yum. We will report tomorrow how it all turned out but no photos as the camera person - the human mommy won't be there.

Today the puppies were really full of it as you can see Miss Abs flying through the air getting ready to pounce on Fiona but don't you worry - Fiona gives it back.

Miss Fiona gave me trouble with grooming again. She's not all that crazy about it but when I really get mad but she does stop. :-) It's that look - you know.

Oh - more later....and videos when we have Sebastian, Coach, Sassy and Cocoa. I promise!

Teeth, Eyes & More

If you have an extra toothbrush around for your Havanese, well put some dawg toothpaste on it and let them chew it especially if they are teething. It doesn't protect you from cleaning the teeth yourself but if you can combine teething with toothpaste - hmm better than chewing some other things. Just a thought.

Also, if you clean the eyes with a face comb, it makes a huge difference but you need to do it daily, imho.

We talked to Remy's parent today and he was going to get a haircut. I can't wait to see how he turns out. Photos - please.

Also, Coach will be joining Fiona in obedience at the end of this month and Miss Abigail is starting handling tomorrow night. Exciting times.

Sassy is getting spayed this Friday so she will be coming over for a spiff and clean along with Coach to play with Sebastian.

Sebastian is coming this Thursday while his human parents go on their honeymoon. Cool!

Cocoa, Fiona's sister is coming next week too - can't wait!!

Human mommy was way too busy today and so was daddy so no walks - that means no energy expelled (sigh) but no cleaning feet and tummies. Can't wait till better weather. We did manage to run out back - rare we don't get a walk in but it does happen especially that daddy who makes sure of it!

Oh..and this human mommy is back exercising at 5am. Try exercising with the Fiona - yeouch - pounce, jump - argh...almost impossible. daddy says put her in her crate. I said sure - and I can hear her barking at 5am. Not her...she wouldn't do THAT - would she? Tomorrow will be telling.

Will report tomorrow. heh

Vets, Weight and Much More

We went to the Big Apple today to see the vet. We also got to see Yvonne, Rita and her crew and picked up our Wasabi woo from Lex's place - the vets. We are excited to have her home with us. Though, I am not sure she is overly thrilled with me as she got a bath today. ROFL!

Me thinks she will survive - don't you? I also have to clean up her feet as she is getting that flipper look on them.

We weighed the duo today.

Miss Abigail is now 9lb and Fiona is 5lb 8 oz. Here you can see them after the vets watching that weasel ball and trying to figure out why its moving on its own.

The whole gang got into playing weasel and it distracted them for hours while Nathan was doing plumbing and tile work and all those fun things that come with a house.

Miss Fiona is really sore after her 3rd shot. Abs just went along to get weighed and Wasabi is now home with us.

Miss Abs starts handling class this Tuesday. We will fill you in on where it goes and soon her first show. Exciting times for her and the handler - Nathan. :-) I get to groom - groom and groom.

More later...

Self Stacking Trouble

Abs Says: Sebastian, you best practice your stacking. Miss Abs seems to self stack. Okay, she has a stick in her mouth but we COULD airbrush that out.

Gad - it's starting to become spring and the pups are - well getting into T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Sticks, leaves, mud. I gave them a bath yesterday and today they are a sticky mess and we haven't figured out how. So, I figured I would have to wash them up before tomorrow's vet visit - maybe just a waterless bath so I gave Nathan the 'go' to walk Miss Abs. She adorse the walks. Miss Fiona is just starting to get that enthusiasm. It's not there yet but neither was Miss Abs at her age. It's going to be a very fun season or lots of work or both.

Weights tomorrow to see how much the crew gained.

Coach & Sassy Visit

Coach and Sassy came for a visit with their human dad, John. We were sorely missing the Wasabi and the crew was not as lively as usual as the pups had baths today. It seems to tucker them out.

Soon Sebastian is coming for a sleepover and Coach is visiting for a few days and we are going to have Fiona's sister for a visit. Exciting and FUN times in my book!

We can't wait!

We - well I am trying and I mean trying to catch the crew in motion. Do you think this 'Dancing' duo could give the 'Dancing With the Stars' a run for their money? - hmm Havanese Dancing competition - nah

I now have Fiona standing on her back legs hopping for a treat. What can I call THAT command?

You can always click on any of the photos here to see a larger version.

The duo, as usual has started to get back into playing heartily since the visitors went home. Here you can see Fiona almost laughing and I swear she does with her body - enjoying and living in the moment.

More later as the day goes on.

Springtime Havanese Moments

You know how they say 'blame Canada' - well this is blame Pat. hahahahaha

Okay - so we stuck some real lilies out in the snow as Nathan is allergic (one son bought them for me as a b-day present) and then took this photo.

What you didn't see is that they then proceeded to attack it and had stamen and leaf colour, a bright green, all over their face. They were quickly placed in the trash (the flowers - not the dawgs) but with Pat telling us her hubby had to mow their lawn - and us with this snow - well I couldn't help myself.

Ah - Havanese love among the flowers!

White Flying Stuff

Mommy groomed us up so nice then we went out and all this white stuff was coming from the sky. Is it ever going to stop?

Ms. Fiona is still in the stage of - get that comb away from me but endures and Miss Abigail ignores and waits for the treat.

Is everyone brushing teeth? It will save you from a tooth cleaning. If you are getting spayed/neutered soon, and the teeth managed to get dirty - this would be the perfect time for them to clean it up. But to save you $$, brush teeth or give them bones that will take the tartar off.

Also, if you have baby teeth that won't fall out but the adult are coming in almost in the same spot, they can also remove them at this time.

The crew tends to not let anything stop them. They climb on a bird bath that I forgot to bring inside. (let's hope it survives) to finding all sorts of branches to chew on. So - this is spring...

Just another slow - no visitor day for the crew.

That's okay as Saturday Miss Fiona has to get her rabies shot and if Wasabi is not done with her heat - well then we won't be visiting Yvonne.

Probably for the best as she has two extra beardies till Sunday. :-) We are not the only crazy doggie sitters.