Sebastian Visit is Full of Fun

Sebastian is here visiting and we are in heaven. Nathan caught him snuggling with me. He's been playing up a storm and I mean non-stop. Me thinks he is rather fond of his sister, Sassy. He's such a cutie. It's great to have him here as they are making us laugh. So far, Katsuro was rolling around in the big bed with him, Shoshi was doing run-like-hell, Risa's been watching and mommy Wasabi has been correcting. hehehehe

You know that tunnel we have, Sebastian just jumped in mid air on top while Sassy was inside and squished it on her. No one got hurt. Sassy jumped out and I swear she was laughing about it. Where was the video camera then? This all happened while I was typing.

We have had a couple of - 'who is boss' episodes where one squeaks from rough-housing but then Wasabi straightens them out. It's way funny and great timing for us as we needed an infusion of fun. Thanks, Maryanne and Mark. More later as I am positive this duo will keep us on our toes and to me - that's quite nice!

Here Sebastian is taking a time out so he can get rejuvenated. It lasted 10 minutes and they were both back at it - in and out of tunnels, and Sebastian's home safe place is that house that Maryanne brought. Where did you get it?

Tomorrow I will get more video. I got a bit but I am way too busy watching. Something about a camera on your face - well it takes away from the experience - heh but I promise you lots of moments - no worry. Today - well today is just enjoy without worrying about capturing it all.

PS: Sebastians already checked out the bed and has staked his claim. When he calms down, I will clean up his feet from all that run-like-hell through the grass out back.

More later...off to watch the pair.
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COMMENTS:
Mark and Maryanne has left a new comment on your post "Sebastian Visit is Full of Fun": Sebastian's bed came from SuperPet. It's actually a cat bed, but I didn't tell Sebastian that! He'll be sad when he's too big to fit through the holes in it. Posted by Mark and Maryanne to Wasabi's Havanese Adventures at January 13, 2008 9:18 PM

Tux

Many of you have been diligently following the life and times of our Wasabi and her litter: Tux, Remy, Chico, Sassy, Coach and Sebastian. You are therefore aware that all the pups have long since gone to their new homes with the exception of Sassy who we are really picky about who she goes to as she's so special. You all know how much we love each and every one of these pups and you’ve managed to share a little of our joy with us each day through the magic of modern technology, digital and video cameras and Darlah’s writing skills.

Out of this litter, the pup chosen for showing and breeding was Tux. He exhibited traits and characteristics that made him the first pick as a show dog by all that saw him. With delight Rita herself (our Mentor) decided she was going to bring him home and teach him, train him for the show ring and make him a champion. Rita was very proud of this little boy, with just cause. He went home to Rita before all the others (at a few days over 8 weeks) so that she could help mold him and welcome him to the rest of his life. I am truly saddened to announce that the promise and joy, the anticipation and pleasure of Tux was cut short last night as he left us for a better place.

You can’t tell from my words but there was a break while I had a little cry.

Tux caught Parvo! We’ll probably never know how or where he got it. He’d not yet had his second vaccination. This certainly brings home the importance of limiting your interaction with people and dogs until at least they’ve had their second shot but it’s still a fluke that he caught it. As he’d been gone from our home for 4 weeks at the time and we’d not seen Rita or any of her dogs the virus didn’t have a chance to spread to us or to any of our pups or dogs. Same with Yvonne who many of you know has a 5 week old litter that would have been wiped out if they’d been infected. And I want to make one thing clear, Rita knows a hell of a lot more about the health of the Havanese breed than me. I know this was a terrible tragedy but I also know it was a terrible fluke, an accident. I know that if it happened to Rita and Tux it could just as easily have happened to me or you. Rita identified that Tux was ill immediately and got him in to an excellent Vet that we all use. He was able to test and diagnose the Parvo at once and fought to save the little pup’s life for 5 days. A few days ago Rita had plasma protein flown in from California to a local lab and she stood there while they prepared it for Tux, then drove it back to Colbourne to the Vet. She did everything she could. Sometimes it's just your time and we can but appreciate and remember the little we had with him. His loss affects us all. Please join me in extending massive hugs to Rita and if you happen to have an extra, to Darlah as well.

Darlah's note: Nathan needs massive virtual hugs too

We have to believe that Tux has gone on to a better place before us.

Sincerely
Nathan
http://www.talemakerhavanese.com/

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Mark and Maryanne said...
Our thoughts are with you and Rita at this difficult time. We know that everything possible was done to try and save him.
January 10, 2008 9:26 PM

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Anonymous said...
I was so sad to read this today. Please give the dogs an extra hug from us.David and Marilyn
January 10, 2008 9:52 PM

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Michele & Barbara Johannes said...
Guys please know you are in our thoughts and prayers, we know how hard it is to loose a little on at such a young age! Please give each other hugs for us
January 10, 2008 10:00 PM

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Amy S. has left a new comment on your post "Tux": Yesterday I put our beloved Dane, Otto down. It was probably one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made. He had little use left in his hind quarters and was falling down daily. I just couldn't watch him suffer. I am so sorry for your loss. Otto's death re-enforced my belief in the afterlife, for when I looked at his body I saw his spirit had left that he had truly gone on to a better place and that our spirits encompass a vast span that can't be contained to our small bodies forever. I imagine Tux and Otto frolicking somewhere beautiful and free. My heart goes out to you all, as it is obvious how much you love your dogs. Posted by Amy S. to Wasabi's Havanese Adventures at January 11, 2008 10:24 AM

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Thanks everyone and extra hugs to Amy for her loss. We feel for you.

Thaw: Time to Be Careful

We are dealing with a thaw here in the Toronto area and cold weather will again set in. But it's time to say that if your little one has not had 3 of its vaccinations, do not let him traipse through fecal matter or sniff or worse eat it or drink from water found in pools from the thaw. Your little one is not protected yet. Before you say - well, I wouldn't allow that - at this stage, with teething and being a puppy, it's natural for them to mouth, taste and figure things out just like a human baby will. Dogs are fast and it can happen without you even noticing. They need their 3 vaccinations before they can fight off the possibilities that exist out there.

But even with all that, your little one - a winter pup has not had the grass exposure to know what its about. Add extreme moisture into the equation and some dogs plain don't like it. Sassy doesn't seem to mind though the deck was a momentary - what is this funny stuff under my feet but she didn't let it stop her. She wasn't crazy about the wetness and mud and it's futile to keep the dogs clean and I am a person who likes my dogs clean but sanity also plays a part in my life and we will get to it when the weather gets colder. It sounds strange to do that but the mud won't be an issue then and they will stay cleaner longer. Who would expect a thaw in January and I even have green plants outside. Confusing mother nature.

Well, if yours doesn't like it or can't figure out where to go, take him and place him in the center of the grass and give him your command for him to go. Even Shoshi, who hates wet feet goes in the grass in the backyard as we have physically placed her in the middle and she has had no choice. She also eventually figured out it wasn't so bad.

Coach came by with his human dad and the dogs were excited to see him. He couldn't stay for long but really was excited, recalled well and knew where daddy was. Nice! He really enjoyed Sassy and his canine mom, Wasabi. I do believe when he visits again - hoping when Sebastian is here but anytime is fine - we will have to video tape that. Coach was just at a vet and weighed in at 6lbs even. He's in great shape and I should have taken a photo of him as he is turning out to be so extremely cute. What a beauty. I knew he would be. Wasabi really makes pretty pups. Thanks, John for bringing him by.

Remy Comfort, More on Video & Exercise

Here's a photo of Talemaker's Remy that his new owners sent us. He has 3 kids to play with and I am positive that makes him WAY happy. We hear he is fitting in well. There is always that first few days of - where am I - but then they seem to be falling into the rules of their new home and finding their grounding and comfort. We LOVE hearing from the puppy owners and can't wait till the picnic this year. There's nothing like seeing all the siblings together and we will have Risa's crew, Wasabi's crew and some of Paris (Gidget) crew plus Gidget herself as we always watch some of the Paris (Gidget) crew. Plus if we are really lucky we may have some of Yvonne's crew. How wonderful will that be to see so many Havanese.

We start out - well I start out my day taking the doggies downstairs and outside before I do my exercise. Usually Sassy will go back upstairs and kiss up Nathan's face (hope his new owners love a kissy face) and settle back in with Risa who never deigns to get up. Every now and then if we take Sassy out last thing, she does the same but today the crew all came down minus Risa and its wet and rainy as you can see how they look in this photo but I started exercising. I do p90x - waiting to do p90X+ when it comes to stay in shape, keep my energy up and de-stress if I ever need it. I was erratic while puppies were here as they are our focus but now with less pups, I can get back at it and boy the body is feeling it and the dogs love it. Pounce time on me...

During puppy time, the dogs don't get the walks as a precaution to catching anything and due to Yvonne having pups that we visit, we will stay in that head space till hers are vaccinated. It's important not to take your dogs to dog traffic places till after their shots. But you can do many things at home and socialize them with dogs you know well.

Today the crew, while I did Ab Ripper X - well let's just say I wish someone else was up as the dogs - when I got on the floor saw it as an invitation to play and Sassy was draped on my neck, Shoshi was pouncing on me, Wasabi was trying to pounce on Sassy on my neck all while I was doing abx exercises. It was a riot and I needed it as taking a break from exercises, it almost is like you are starting again falling asleep early - trying to get the body adjusted but well worth it in the long run. It's an amazing program and if you stick with it - 90 days later - wow what a HUGE difference in everything.

Now while I was doing it today, I had to set them aside to actually do it but that was after I was done laughing and laughter is the best medicine. Havanese fill you with laughter and to me that is precious.

If you watched Sebastian and Sassy yesterday, did you notice that Wasabi was still playing mommy and corrected Sassy? If you watch where Sebastian went under the couch, watch what Wasabi did to Sassy. These puppies are both potential alphas but siblings work out their relationship and it gives them a lifetime of understanding how to be the politician when one needs to be. When Sebastian comes to visit, I suspect Wasabi will continue those lessons with the 2 and that will be a huge bonus for both and fun for us to watch. Plus, it gives Wasabi a job. Havanese love having a job - something they can get fulfilled from.

Well off to eat, feed doggies and argh work today. More later.

What Makes an Outstanding Havanese?

This morning, Sassy was relentless with Katsuro. He wanted to sleep - she insisted that she wanted to snuggle. It was as if Katsuro wanted to say - 'will you just leave me alone?'

This was the beginning of their social interaction today. Each day it varies on what she learns from each. It's a huge bonus for her to remain with many dogs as she will learn a bit from each and it will help her learn important communication skills. It's hard for us as we bond with them. But as we found in the past and with Sebastian yesterday, when a pup comes to visit and enjoys and is comfie in our home, it means they have good imprints from where they began. Then when they are done playing, show that their new owners are their person, and they go home, it also shows us that this learning, security and love has continued and that lends us comfort as it's all about the dawgs to us more than you can ever know!

To continue on what happened this morning - Then as time went on, they just fell asleep together. Relationships at this critical stage are important as they lay the base for how they will react as adults unless you intervene and immerse them in slow conditioning but why start with baggage? It's best to expose in safe environments to give the best result. Easier said then done at times and things do happen and you 'can' recover.

What that means is it is important to expose them to dogs you know that will give them positive reactions to help them learn how to interact. That's not to say that the growl from Risa as one is getting too close is not a good thing. It is but when no altercation exists but rather communication, the puppy learns.

You can click on any photos in this blog to get a larger view.

Today we are working on a video with Sebastian to show you how siblings react to each other. It's a joy - a true one. But I need to find the time to edit and we have much to do today - am shooting for tonight at the latest to post.

To elaborate on what makes a dog balanced, secure, even temperament and all that you want it to be - is it genetics? I will take a piece out of Kathryn Braunds book, The Joyous Havanese (I suggest you buy this book) that tells what makes a dog be all they can be.

"Your dog is 50% dam, 50% sire however both dam and sire are a product of generations of genes. Each canine mom imprints her puppies with habits she has and the way she responds to their and her human's guardians every action. " (My note: with multi dogs - that includes all the dogs that interact with the pups)

"Ingredients in making a dog be all they can be:

1. Interactions with siblings (other dogs in home)
2. Interaction with the breeder
3. Permanent socialization from 8 to 20 weeks
4. The final touch covers adolescent from 12 to 15 months. Socialization during this period cements all past genetic and environmental happenings in the not so closed brain.

Note that many genes do not come into play unless they are utilized early on such as retrieving. It is why you should be teaching your dog as much as he can by 15 months. It doesn't mean learning ceases after this age but the brain is more receptive till this age."

Puppy relationships start in the whelping box. You as a potential owner should be asking what the breeder does in regards to socialization, relationships etc.

Here, we take it very serious and invest our whole heart and soul in it but it's a learning process and once you stop and become stagnant, it's not good. Life is changing so learning should never end. From 4 weeks to 16 weeks is a very critical stage.

"Let's see what makes a Havanese tick. We already know the Havanese have genes honed into them through centuries of rearing, which makes him loving, exceptionally happy and bouncy. His stereotype is of a sensitive, willing, attention seeking, charming athletic dog.

However each Havanese is an individual and each has been gifted or denied by nature and environment with certain talents above and beyond the breed's basic characteristics., just as humans are. Each Havanese will develop different emotional responses to experiences he meets in life."

It's good to know that the Havanese you own (or will) completes his personality development and his uniqueness through interaction with you and your family.

Sebastian Came to Visit

Sebastian and his human mom came to visit us today and the siblings got right back into it having a roaring good time but neither could figure out who was the boss. Here's Sebastian looking in at Sassy going 'you can run but you can't hide' They have such a great time playing with tunnels. From inside to outside, the pair couldn't get enough of each other and I do believe Wasabi was happy to see him as well. It was an exhausting day for all the doggies but fun to watch. We hope the video turned out.

Then when they finished playing their little hearts out, they started to fall asleep. Sassy is still wiped.

It's going to be amazing to have him visit next time. We can't wait! Thanks goes to his parents for bringing him by. It surely made our day!

Havanese Tug With the Big Ones

Well yesterday we covered Sassy playing with Wasabi and who did you figure ended up being 'Top Dawg' - oh - it wasn't mommy. Sassy usually puts on a good defense with Wasabi but yesterday she won - out and out won even if it was in a mischievous way.

Sassy takes on all comers too. Look at her pulling for all she is worth with Terra. Now Terra knows this game well and she used to play it with Shoshi. She would sometimes let Shoshi win and guess what - she's doing the same with Sassy but all this winning is giving the little girl a big head. Oh oh!

More later...

Tux Sends a New Year Greeting

This is a photo we received in our email from Rita and it looks like Tux is practicing - I am all that look. Got to charm those judges now that Kemi from Risa's litter got her championship this last weekend - you'll have to show them how the males strut their stuff. :-)

We have no doubt that he will - as he was a charmer from birth. ROFL!

Nice - photo, Rita - keep them coming!

Last Bath of Year

Sassy had her last bath of the year this morning. Here's daddy drying her gently with a towel - more patting down as rubbing will create tangles and Louis is looking on trying to figure out if he is next but mommy needs to finish brushing him before he gets a bath. You never bath a dog that has knots as it tightens them. Keep that in mind.

Tips for bathing - always use a whitening shampoo to keep the whites brilliant. I use Chris Christensen and a couple of other brands and they don't lighten the darks just brightens the whites - not bleach - just gives it that nice white and these pups have that white as a driven snow colour - which is nice - most don't and they take after Wasabi for that. I also use Chris Christensen's Day to Day conditioner. The thing about conditioner is it's a must to reduce the tangles but you must get all of it off other than your spray on conditioner like Ouidad that is safe and good to leave on. If there is any residue, your dog is apt to scratch and let you know you didn't get it all. If that is the case, a warm face cloth wiping in the direction of the coat will remove the last residue. You can even do this just to be sure. I forget at times but realize after a few rolls in the snow, they have essentially done the same thing. Some pups are more sensitive than others.

I also use Ouidad spray on conditioner and I use a comb throughout the hair and without, a comb may catch as tangles may be starting. You may feel your little one squirms too much but I have a great trick that helps especially if you have a crate like mine with an opening up top.

I take my blower - which never gets hot but warm and you can use a blower dryer on a low setting but anyone with more than one dog should own a blower, imho. I do not know how I did without it but pricey it is. Place your dryer on a stand or have someone else hold it. You put your pup in the crate like I have and spray and comb and/brush through the opening. This helps me have free arms to do what I need to and the pup is in a safe place but you must brush/comb as you dry to eliminate any tangles. Next bath, I am going to introduce Sassy to laying down on various sides to allow me to thoroughly comb her out but at this point, the key is to get her used to the combing itself which I am doing daily now - not that she needs it at this point but she will end up like the rest of my dogs laying down without issue and allowing me to comb and brush them out. It's all slow conditioning and it works.

Well, off to get ready for our road trip. Mommy has to brush out all the Havanese. They had baths 2 days ago and Louis and Sassy were the remaining dogs. Louis will have to wait till we return.

More later...

Last Havanese Posts of the Year

It's the last day of the year and we have been running around in fresh snow and human mommy took a photo of us through the door - so you sort of see us, sort of not.

Louis has been playing with me non-stop now. At first he would play bow in a way that I thought he was going to pounce on me and so I tried it that way and soon we were running around like banshees this morning. Mommy was laughing so hard she thought she would wake the neighbours. Then she went running for the door hoping we would come but we didn't notice her so she stood at the door waiting - then called and here we are in this picture waiting for her to open the door.

Well, mommy says I am getting a bath today as I go into the vet and then I am going to do some New Year's eve visiting. I can't wait - new adventures, new environments - all good to help me be all I can be.

The doggies are in for a whole lot of fun today and what a great way to end the year - I tell you. It does the humans hearts good to see such fun. Photos will come.

Visitors and Perfecting Running

We have Louis visiting. He's the black Havanese in this photo. We adore Louis as he is one of the most agile havanese we know walking across the top of the agility tunnel last picnic we had. Everyone else walked or ran through - not him on top just like his mom Gidget formally named Paris. Black Havanese are hard to photograph and you have to have a technique - called get them up close that I didn't have here. :-) Sorry...

As you can see, Sassy is running across our safety cover towards Louis. She's been having a blast today. She also had a golden visitor called Casey that was rather cool to have over. We love Golden's around this place.

Tomorrow Sassy gets her next set of shots. She's in for a treat seeing Lex as she likes him and more surprises tomorrow coming her way.

Sebastian at 11 Weeks

We just received a handful of pictures of Sebastian. I thought the least I could do is share one of them with those of you following this blog. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?

Nathan

Terra Speaks Out

I was just reading the latest bias one-sided propaganda from my human Mommy about her Wasabi and all her other darling Havanese. I thought I’d take this opportunity to offer my Golden Retriever perspective.

First of all let me say with all due modesty that I am a smart cookie and easily graduated Obedience school at the top of my class, or at least I would have been first if not for Shoshi also being in the same class. Second is good too.

I know how to heel perfectly and do so when my human Dad walks me, if he asks me too, a few times, nicely. Meanwhile Risa heels perfectly all the time.

I can recall in seconds, if I feel like it, or if my human Dad really wants me to come, now. Meanwhile when Daddy calls Katsuro to come he runs back to him. What’s that about?

I don’t need to be washed every time I go for a walk. My body easily clears the ground. I don’t need to be brushed as often as my Havanese brother and sisters because my hair, unlike theirs, falls off, all the time, all over the place.

I play wonderfully with all the Havanese. I do not step on them. I am always aware of them, especially when Sassy is eating my coat. Yes, that’s right, I don’t wear a coat.

Shoshi and I have been best friends since the day my human Mommy and Daddy brought her home even though she never grew to full size (well retriever size - the only way to be). I understand that poor Shoshi is going to remain at around 12 lbs. and never achieve her full growth and that’s ok because I love her anyway. (Shoshi says - silly that is my full growth, Terra)

I do have one large pet peeve. All the other dogs sleep on the bed but I’m not allowed. What’s that about?! I don’t even require doggy steps but am perfectly capable of stepping right up onto the bed. It’s outright full size dog discrimination, that’s what it is. Luckily I can sneak on the bed with my Daddy when Mommy is downstairs. She’ll never know.

Terra

PS: I have included a picture of me chillin' in one of my four beds. You can clearly tell it isn't the same as sleeping with the pack in Mommy and Daddy's bed. And I have included a picture of me and my Shoshi when she was about the age that Sassy is right now. Hey - she's even wearing that same sweater Sassy was the other day. Hey human mom - can't you buy her something NEW?

Havanese Puppy Changes

Well Sassy had a guest over - Quito - a rather good looking Havanese, I might add. It was only for a short time as it started to snow heavy white flakes and then they left and it stopped - sigh.

Sassy is now sleeping on the bed, curling up to you and if she has to go, she goes down the stairs and goes to her pee pad but last night she was back to sleeping all night but we let her sleep partially each nap and woke her up and played. We found she was sleeping way too much missing the brothers but she's back to being herself. It takes a few days to adjust to big changes.

If anyone is interested in who makes this bed as the Havanese adore it, you can find it at http://www.woodruffforpets.com/funfur.html <-- they make all sorts of beds and you can get anything embroidered on it. We have 'Our Precious Havanese' on ours. They also have tunnel beds and you pick the fabric so its made special for you. They have no clue we are posting this nor do we get anything out of it except to share our experiences and it has been good.

Sassy went out in the snow and got totally soaked. She adores the snow. There's human mommy and daddy's grand kids staying over for another night and then the crew - the dawgs are going to get a bath. They are rather a motley looking crew.

We are reinforcing 'sit' but still finding although when calm Sassy does it always - if she has competition or perceived competition, she can't sit - oh she tries but that bottom wriggles and wraggles so we are sticking with that command through Friday and trying down and then we will video tape both and share.

Sassy is making down the stairs - prefers the foam ones off our bed vs. the wooden ones - yes we have 2 but still won't go down the stairs from upstairs to down but will go up. Down is scarier direction with a perceived open staircase, I imagine.

Coach's parents called - Sassy's sibling and that was way exciting to hear. When he's all settled in we will have to create a play date. We hear he adores his walks. Got to get Sassy back out today.

More later...

Sassy Takes the Stairs

Sassy is now going up the long staircase from our main floor to our second floor. She stops a few times along the way but seems to be going faster each time. Once she makes it upstairs she heads straight into the ‘puppy’ room where she and her siblings slept for 10 weeks. She plops herself down on a pad inside the x-pen which is now entirely left open, takes stock of her surroundings, then grabs a favourite toy and heads into our bedroom. She then proceeds to run right up the doggy stairs onto the bench that sits at the foot of our bed. From the bench she takes a quick hop and she’s on the bed. She finds this much easier when the other dogs aren’t in her way. Then, she waits for her mom to jump on the bed so that she can jump on her mom. She still hasn’t managed to go back down the stairs but it won’t be long now.

We take her and all the dogs outside probably a dozen times a day. She’s right out there with the rest of them and loving it. Tonight Wasabi was trying to teach Sassy to play run-like-hell with her. It was hysterical. I’m sorry I didn’t tape it when Wasabi would come blowing by Sassy and get her to chase her. Then stop once she did and chase her back, then run by her again at top speed and repeat. She was clearly trying to teach her run-like-hell and Sassy was just as clearly getting it. I LOVE this breed in general and I love these dogs in particular. How can you not?
--Nathan

ps: When I went upstairs Risa just naturally tagged along just in case it was time to go to bed. Oh that gal Risa loves the comfort of the bed and she won't do couches without pillows for her to lay down on.

Leader of the Pack

From Sassy Lass: Daddy keeps saying I am a born leader but some strange reason these 4 legged creatures around me - especially that big thing out front - well she has other things in mind. It surely doesn't look like a Havanese so what is it? Well, she thinks she has the right to be first. Just because she's 70lbs bigger doesn't mean she's the alpha around this place. A gal would get a complex if she let them actually believe all those pipe dreams they seem to have.

That's okay, last night I looked off the bed and gave her that look as if to say - you THINK you are and winked. hahahahaha

Then I try to come inside and guess who is crowding me out? Yoo Hoo - Daddy - I don't think they buy those words about me being a born leader. What's a gal have to do around this place to gain some - as Aretha Franklin would say R-E-S-P-E-C-T?

Well, that's okay as I know who got the snuggles and sleep time on the couch here and it wasn't that big yellow thing nor those other Havanese that think they are all that.

Oh - sigh - mommy just told me they are all that too.

Tux's Latest Shenanigans

Just got photos from Rita Thomas, Tux's new owner, 'Breeder of the Year' from Sonrisas Havanese - our mentor and here is what she said....

I think the KING has been de-throned. NOBODY has dared get into Mojo's bowl before.

Now anyone who knows Mojo knows what she is talking about. He is the most confident, I am all that' Havanese and for a good reason. Katsuro spends his days competing. ROFL

Then she sent another with Tux's fave position. (You can click on the photo to see a larger version always)

I think it's called the 'rub my tummy - you can't resist' stance but I might be wrong. ROFL

Thanks for sharing it with us, Rita. Nice to see photos of the little guy.

Does he have the same - look at me thang going on that Sassy seems to have - seems to. ROFL! wasabi sure makes interesting pups - and yeah I am biased but wow - too smart for their own good - hahahahaha

Talemaker's Sassy's 1st Walk (More Added)

Well, we decided that December 25th early was the best day to take the dogs out as no one would be out and we were right. It's icy out there (I had to put my Yaktrax on), way dirty from the sanding and you have to remember to wipe and or wash the paws to get the salt out. If they are biting their paws, you didn't do a good enough job.

Bath times for all mine when I am up to it. Not today...

What we found interesting was Sassy was so much more interested in walking on snow than the cement. Maybe it was the salt - maybe the sand but she wasn't thrilled and we had to use Wasabi out in front to get her to forget about it. It tells me she needs to do this all the time after her next shots and for longer. The cement seemed foreign to her - teach me what I have to condition winter pups to. I am making notes. Then the cars whizzing by - what was that but she was fine. No adverse reactions just a - WHAT WAS THAT? We only took her out for a very short walk down the street and back not even around the cul-de-sac.

We heard her brother Sebastian did fine on his walk.

For those of you in the in between stage on sizing - a sweater is the best route till that next size. As you can see, Sassy has a lot of stylin' clothes as she got Shoshi's hand me downs and she doesn't mind except to say - what is that you are putting on. If it's very cold, we sometimes place a sweater on and a jacket over it.

Well, off to make a sandwich and nap. Walking all these doggies this morning was fun but tiring maneuvering in the ice. Hoping it either snows or thaws. Now to eat then snuggle on the couch with the crew.

PS: Nathan reminds me that although we were allowing Sassy and Wasabi to walk in front of us - Wasabi as a lure - Sassy to gain her comfort level with collar, walk etc - the goal is to get them walking NEXT to you after this stage. If we have Sassy here long enough, we are going to enroll her in 'Who's Walking Who' classes and she will be practicing heel till she gets it right till that squirrel pops by, I imagine. Doesn't every dawg lose its brain when that happens?

Mark and Maryanne said...
Sebastian went out for his first "walk with the dudes" last night and didn't miss a step. He was up for another walk to grandma and grandpa's house this morning where he proceeded to charm the socks off them. Thanks to his first parents, Nathan and Darlah, he is already quite well versed in sitting, buffet eating and using the back yard outhouse. Not to be outdone by his sister, today he has already retrieved several of the many gifts he was able to bring with him to his new home. More firsts to come...Mark and Maryanne

Darlah & Nathan said...
Sassy better get her act together - hahahahahaha

Havanese Bed Shenanigans & New Day

Well, Sassy slept on the bed last night. She was a tad confused on what was what but she's decided human daddy is her security - her thang - she moved around - slept up against Risa and Risa allowed for part of it - wow but realize they do look to one at first and then bond to the others but last night - daddy was it.

We had the usual stuff in bed. I ended up with Shoshi as she was miffed that her spot was taken. The Sassy gal took over but she will get over it. Then Risa did her usual grumpy thang - another on the bed - oh no! Katsuro was on and off the bed snuggling with both of us and Wasabi said forget this and went to the bench at the foot of our bed - its like an extension of the bed but way comfie.

We left our closet light on as we forgot we had given the pups a night light but we were too tired and lazy to get one so the closet light worked.

Today she's not back to her usual but she's better. Human daddy was teaching her retrieve and she's starting to get it. All of you new puppy owners - start NOW as there is a window for easy learning and this is it. Plus those with kids - it's an excellent way to bond. Shoshi is the best retriever in our house and that's due to us teaching her when she was young. It gives her exercise and she adores the game. Your little one will too. Sassy brought it back about 70% of the time and when she didn't, the game ends. They get that if they want to play, you will only play as long as they bring it back.

We also worked on sit but when Sassy is too excited for the treat - well her sit goes out the door so we are reinforcing that by not giving her the treat till she gets it. We find when she is tired, it's much easier to get her to do it immediately and hold it.

I want to start getting motivated to do some videos on the training but taking a break and just enjoying the dogs. Their lives from their usual gets put on hold, to a point when you have puppies as you have to be concerned with exposures for health reasons but as soon as sassy gal gets another shot, we are starting serious walks even if she ends up in our coat as we want to introduce her to our local school, the forest, the trails as we did with Shoshi.

If it warms up - maybe today will be the day for that walk around the block and if its not too icy, I may video tape it. If it's too icy, walking backwards might not be wise to do.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day. More later...on the Talemaker crew.

Different Dynamics Change Everything

We are not sure what this means but today Whitney, our old lady rescue has taken the time to just be with Sassy. It's the very first time she's gone into the x-pen and just slept near her. Whitney is 12+ years - a tad obsessive at times and had lots of babies and almost died from that experience, I am told.

We managed to get 98% of her quirks and behavior issues turned around but last litter we had Whitney just watched but didn't interact that much. This litter was relentless. They jumped in her bed, climbed on her and gave her kisses all the time. Sassy was always one of the first. She would touch noses, allow them to crawl all over her. Sassy was a bit lost today and Whitney took over.

She had her in her bed with her and then she is now sleeping in the x-pen with her. It's precious. It tells me, puppies can often bring that extra something out of a dog who has had a tough life. We have had Whitney for 6 years and wanted the time with us to be what great memories are derived from and here she is creating more memories for us. It's obvious she loves the puppies and it's nice that this old gal just did what came natural.

Now to see how Sassy does in bed. Reports tomorrow....

PS: We heard Sebastian did great on his walk. Sassy says - hey you beat me to the lead - heh!

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