Talemaker Havanese Immense Fun

We had Hugo and Milo join us for the day. Teddy also came for a couple of days. Daisy has been here for a bit and Shanty is here till Sunday. It was a TRULY fun day today.

I got a ton of photos but I am only putting up a few that turned into a slew but still not all.

Check the photos out here.

I also placed up a video with Penny, Shanty, Daisy and the Treasured one. Tomorrow I will put up a video of the rest of the visitors. I just ran out of time. Sorry.

Teddy brings such fun to the mix and so does Hugo and Milo. You already know Daisy is a play monster.

We had such a fun crew that I spent less time cropping 247 files - yeah that's right. I have 247 photos getting uploaded and I am only putting up a sliver.

Treasure is getting back to herself. Fiona is almost done her heat. The crew was playing hard and long and delightful. Watch for today's videos getting uploaded tomorrow. Till then, wish me luck with sleep tonight as we have the moms joining us for zzzzs.

Yeah, Saki is coming for a few hours tomorrow. FUN!

Havanese: The Natural Look

Ripley is visiting us and is having a grand time but I brush him and voila he looks like I haven't done  a thing.

He has this Rastafarian thing going on that I adore.

He just LOVES Treasure and he can't understand why she has to wear big girl panties.

But he loves yanking on them to get her to do what he wants. hahaha

Treasure is in heat but almost finished. Still, we find it easier to put them on and not have to worry about her teasing all the boys. Yes, she teases them all and she loves the attention.

But she is not her usual bubbly self when she has them on.

No one is intact here except Kat so do we really need the big gal panties?

No, but they look so cute. hahahahaha

Doesn't she look so cute?

Well, it's been a cool day and it's time to walk dogs and snuggle and play and Ripley is a class act in the snuggle department.

Ooops, there goes Ripley and Treasure again. I do believe they are smitten with each other. heh

More tomorrow!

Before the Windstorm: Havanese Fun

Jay & CoachToday has been an interesting day. We went to a seminar while our son watched the crew. He helps out with the dawgs and is walking the crew as I type before teh big windstorm hits. The subject was BODY LANGUAGE: YOURS, MINE AND OURS.

It was enjoyable. I haven't got out much lately as it's been dawgs and more dawgs so to get t a show and a seminar was a treat but then you get home, you snuggle with the dogs and you play catch up but it was worth it.

Nathan took a few photos today. Check them out.

Everyone is playing so well together.

Dawgs got groomed. We had play sessions. They are walking now and soon I wil be snuggling with them at bedtime.

I go from one to the next all giving them their own time before I close my eyes to go to sleep. That's what makes it truly special - that extra time just before we all catch some zzzzs.

The Havanese Dance

Jay & TreasureIt's fun to watch the play - what I like to call the Havanese dance. Treasure loves it when the boys pay attention to her like this. Jay is heavily smitten. What will we do?

Today Cesar won the retrieval toy more than Treasure did and it drove her crazy. It was so silly - this game. You swear you are watching pre-teens.

Tonight Coach and Sassy arrived and Friday Louis comes. Tomorrow Yvonne's crew wil come for a visit. It's going to be a crazy house for sure but a fun one. Watch for photos tomorrow.

We moved the puppies downstairs so we had a lot of moving and changes so it was moving, playing, walking and fun but not much time for photography but I promise tomorrow brings more dawg fun!

Chasing Games in the Yard

Cesar Got the Ball & Treasure & JayUsually Treasure gets the ball but not this time. Cesar beat her to the punch. Any game that is played, Treasure plays to win. She should just play to play. She's learning.

It's great that Treasure learns the game of fair play. That's the bonus of having boarding, she gets to deal with a variety of personalities and more exposure for any of them equals a better dog if done right.

Socialization is important. I believe it is key to a balanced dog.

Today we played ball a number of times. We did the grooming thing. Someone asked me how long it takes to groom a dog. Well puppies about 5 or 10 minutes but the more dogs you do, the faster you become. It used to take me over 2 hours to do a proper bath and blow dry but I can do one in just over an hour depending on the condition of the hair, of course. I line comb them completely looking to see if there is a knot I missed.

Now if a coat is going through the 'blowing coat' stage and I had 3 visitors here this year that was doing so at once, I have to brush and comb several times a day or you face a huge job and I try to avoid this.

It's warm weather, dried what have you is yanked through the house especially if you are us and you don't do a proper fall cleanup. That increases grooming time but hey, it's warm and who is going to the All about Pets Show? Don't know what it is about? Check out the Events page. Then check out some dog action with ball seeking fun on our visitors photo page.

Playing Ball & Much More

Playing Ball Talemaker StyleIf you ever wonder what we do around here, well here's what our day has been like so far.

We woke up and took the dog's out. Nathan gets to pick up the deposits. We go out in front and get the paper, make cofee and get the breakfast ready for the crew. Nathan is the one who prepares the meals. I just do it when he is not available.

Then we watch the crew to make sure everyone gets their own food and nothing more and then take them back out. Each time we go out, either Nathan (more him) or I get to clean up.

We come in for a bit of play and go out maybe 40 million times - well not really but we are in and out all day long through the evening.

We do walks, 2 at a time and I do groom each and every one of them.

When we go out, we just don't clean up but we play games. In today's photos, you will be able to see how much fun they have going after the ball. It's a riot to watch and truly fun to play. We do this one a great deal as they love it so but we do running and hiding and all sorts of silly games including laying on the ground. Why? Well we believe if the dawgs aren't having fun, we shouldn't be doing this.

Hope you enjoy!

Dog Butts..and All That Havanese Stuff

You never know who you are going to meet at handling class. Last class we got to see Havanese puppies from someone we know that kept them in her car for safety. She just wanted us to have a look see and we appreciated it.

As the crew went around to practice their stuff, I kept capturing our small ones and all big dawgs. If it wasn't for us, it would be a big dawg class.

Treasure has to be going through a fear period. Oh, it's not your typical and they all go through it so you have to still get them out there and socialize. But...she started growling at the big dawgs..not in a bad way - more of a vocal chorus to let the others know who is in charge. This can happen when there is a sea of large dogs and one or two small dogs. It's how you handle it that matters. Exposure - conditioning and correcting if their response is inappropriate and proper meeting and greeting. Not all dogs are meant to get up close and personal with your little ones so it is enough for your little one to have its comfort just walking close by as you do in handling classes. To be able to walk in a sea of huge things is good enough and not all dogs in handling class want to play with your little one. One may see your small dog as prey especially if it starts to get into a game of run-like-hell.

You have to assess each situation despite what the owner says and either allow the meet and greet or allow a close proximity without the meet and greet. Both are fine and how YOU react matters. If you are fearful, your dogs will pick up on it and go into protection mode. Then you are left wondering why your dog is not friendly. You have to figure out what emotion you are sending down the lead.

Not all dogs are meant to be your little one's best of pals friend. Some - if you pay attention are sending out signals that are anything but friendly. You must learn what other dogs are saying. Not all owners understand that the reason dogs are reacting to it is what their own dog is saying to others and how you are feeling about the situation. Despite it being fun to 'get' what the other dogs are saying to yours, it's a wise thing to learn.

Think about it..would you be comfortable with everyone invading your personal space?

Moody Havanese

Mommy gave me a reprieve - no bath till Friday - ROFL So, I am a tad messy but I rather like it that way...hahaha

The weather is gorgeous. The dogs are hanging out and we enjoying it before the rain comes...yeah rain yet again. Oh well, the garden will grow.

At Talemaker Havanese, we have a house filled with girls in heat and 1 male. Only Wasabi is getting bred so it's interesting times. This too will pass. Let's just say - it's keeping dogs separate - washing tummies and just lovin' them. They tend to get a tad - please just love me during this time and I rather enjoy the moments. I do not enjoy separating them. Good thing there is two of us so we can manage it easily and this is just twice a year - remind me of that - will ya?

Soon, Kat/Lola pups wil be born and we can't wait to see if we get Wasabi/Kat pups. I want to have puppies swimming this year - oh how fun!

Comments are welcome

Reading my wife's daily posts it occurs to me that we'd love to hear from you all. We get comments in email, even on the phone but rarely does anyone post a comment in direct response to something Darlah has written. I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to post comments please, when you feel you have something you'd like to share with us. I know from the statistics that a lot of people are reading every post each and every day and that's great but really, we'd love to hear your thoughts on our thoughts. Don't be shy. Join in please. Thank you for listening.
Nathan

Havanese Fanciers Rescue

Here's the dog Rescue (Havanese Fanciers) is sponsoring. We just picked her up a couple of days ago. Just thought you may want to see a picture of her.

An elderly lady purchased her a year ago and is in no condition to care for her. Her name is Kooba.

Although we were told she didn't do well with a number of things such as other dogs and in our home - well that doesn't work, we are finding she is making very positive strides. Much to be proud over the strides with Kooba.

Dear old Abs works her magic again. That girl - well Beth (the breeder who kindly gave us Abs) - you have much to be proud of over her. I know I have posted her touch but she reels them in persistently getting them to relax enough to play. Check it out.

If interested, Havanese Rescue Chairperson, Paula Martel. She's staying with us for a bit.

Good Times Come to End

This is Cleo. She's been staying with us with her packmate and goes home tomorrow. She has a super thick coat like our Shoshi.

She got a bath today as she has been mucking it up with the gang.

Can you say they will be missed - YEP!

More later when we are down dogs. ;-) The dogs get us FIRST!

Visitors & Sadness

Jazzy has been visiting us for a few days and is awaiting his owner's pickup. Jazzy has glorious hair and had a grand time mucking it up with the rest of the guys.

He's just had a bath and blow dry so he can go home smelling and feeling great. Yes, he got rather dirty but we allow that as they have great fun.

Whenever a visitor comes, the pack changes and whenever someone leaves, it changes again but it seems when they do go home, the pack tends to have a period of non play missing the one that left.

It's nice to see that they welcome another in. Even the meekest dog has been roped in by Miss Abs and made to feel welcomed. All it takes is one dog in the pack and the rest follow suit. It's why we introduce one at a time and then allow for pack play and human play.

Jazzy is a regular here though and he's adored instantly. He will also be missed too.

But Jazzy has the high life with his owners and you can but all hear him say - well it's fun here but it's excitement time to return home.

But there is nothing like the dawg fun here so if he gets excited to see us when we visit - well realize he's just yearning for a holiday.

All the dogs that visit get excited to see their owners but also get excited to come here too after they get to know what is in store for them. That's what it should be about.

More later and back to work and dematting. It may be a pool day if the weather cooperates.

Havanese: Stress & Fun

How can you tell your Havanese is under stress?

There are many signals through which you may spot this condition before it becomes out of hand or critical to performance.

Common things that can indicate stress are:
-Yawning
-Sleeping Too Long
-Arching the Back
-Stretching
-Drooling
-Tense body
-Barking
-Whining
-Runny bowels

Why am I mentioning this? It is normal for humans and dogs when exposed to unknown events or things to feel some stress. It's our job as a human to enable them to find their coping skills.

How can you do this? By slow conditioning NOT avoidance.

Slow conditioning is exposing your little one to things that they feel uncomfie with consistently till it is not an issue.

Recently, we had our roof done and one of our pups started growling at the men on the roof. This was foreign to them and anything lauding over them so high up is perceived as something in charge but also not touchable or attainable. Instead of keeping this particular dog in, I kept taking her out over and over in small doses and correcting and saying a keyword which is 'silly girl or silly boy' and I say it in a really silly voice as if to say - gee there really isn't something to be afraid of. If your dog trusts you, the key words will help. How do you gain trust? You have to be consistent, give rules and boundaries and you must not give them the idea that their behavior is valid. Never hug when reacting this way no matter how much you want to feel you need to. Hug when they sit, calm down - whatever positive coping skill they use - reward BIG time and eventually that is what they will rely on when faced with an unknown.

You are their teacher - their pal, their leader of the pack and the reason they attain a balanced state of mind. Don't get frustrated. Stop and get your emotions in check if you do.

Here's a photo of Fiona who did her first show. She showed minor stress by yawning and sleeping. But as she keeps getting exposed to so many people and dogs and people prodding her - that will disapate. Between shows we will take her to handling class and get her 'slow conditioned'.

Fiona got 2nd place in her first show. She did well. She is an alpha dog through and through but even alpha dogs can feel stress.

Pay attention to your dog and act accordingly. You will reach an amazing relationship with your dog when you do always!

Sibling Lovin, Good Friends & Havanese

According to Google (Blogger) this site is blocked by mistake and they are working on correcting this one as well as MANY others. I hope it will happen soon as you all know - I never miss a day of letting you know about our home and giving you tips on how to get through life with this loves.

Here's a photo to share: It's a sibling tango. Oh, what a riot it is to watch the entire crew.

We had Linda and John and their dogs over. Remy dropped in for a week. Zack and Coco go home tomorrow and Mary brings her two. Wow - crazy dog house and we love it.

It's late. The dogs need loving and I still have some work to do.

Controlling the Food Dishes

Food time is an exciting time around here. After the group goes outside to do their duty, they come back in and wait for the human daddy to feed them.

One would think with so many dogs that a lot of invading other dog bowls would exist but it doesn't.

The crew really tells any new comer that we simply don't try to steal the food from others - of course when they walk away - they all think it's open season.

It wasn't always so easy. We used to feed in different parts of the room or even put others in different rooms or stand between those that don't know how to tell another please don't touch my food from the one that thinks they can eat and eat and eat and that means everyone elses.

You can teach them to respect the space by standing between the bowl and the offending 'I want that food - dog' but you also have to tell them it's not agreeable. After awhile of that, I won't say they will never attempt to eat someone else's food but I will say they will keep a healthy distance till the other is done.

It is up to you - the human to set the rules and follow through on making them follow them in positive ways. Even if you think they are cute about it - you have to say - these are the rules and just because you look at me all adoring like - well you can't have 'x'.

The crew is out swimming and I am inside working. Who's having fun? Not I but the doggies are and Nathan is the 'excitement coordinator'. They can't get enough of the games he plays with them and the pool. It's nice!

One day I am going to film them all bombing out the door in excitement. It's so nice to see.

More later!

Teaching Retrieve: Get it if You Can!

Who says an old dog can't be taught tricks? heh

Actually - no one is old here except the Whitney so she just watched and who can blame her.

You can teach your Havanese to retrieve and its a great game if you only have one. It allows you to do something fun together and get some exercise on your dog in mind and in body.

As you can see, all I did was throw a toy and the first one to bring it back gets a treat. You may think that we would have fights over that toy but no. They just try harder the next time plus I play it in such a way to give an advantage to one that isn't as quick - otherwise what fun would it be?

You say yours won't bring it back? Well no treat. Just be sure when you start that you throw it close extending the distance as their consistency with bringing it back sets in. They should know if they don't bring it back the game ends and you also don't cuddle, play or give them the idea they don't have to play by the rules.

If they still do not get it, find a hallway with just one exit and you sit blocking that exit. Start throwing it down the hallway. In smaller quarters, it's easier for them to 'get' it. Reward by click, treat or voice but be consistent. They should think this is the best game since EVER.

Nothing like plying with your Havanese.

Turning an Ooops Into Training

Well, Zack fell into the pool not once but twice in excitement so we taught him how to jump in and how to find his way out.

The point is, we turned it into a positive training process and he LOVES the pool. He is an excellent swimmer too. Though Kat went - hmm I WAS the center of attention - as Kat had been in and now I have competition. heh

Any ooops that you have, if you think about it can lead to a training session that ends positive.

How did we do it? We stayed upbeat - positive and then showed him how to get out over and over and then when he wanted to jump in, we showed him how.

We never just let the dogs out so we are not afraid of them falling in accidentally but we will spend the rest of the week showing him that he doesn't go in unless invited.

We will fill you in as that occurs.

Right now Abs and Zack are playing up a storm and after a good brush out - well he is air drying. More tomorrow....

The Antics of Havanese

This fine - should be sunny Monday - bright and early - Fiona thinks she is holding court. It's not like the rest can't get up but she thinks she can hold them all at bay as if to say - hahaha - this is my top of the mountain.

Havanese play funny games.

Well the crew all needs to be washed but our visitors will get a waterless bath and come the day they are going home, they will get a bath.

We hear that Miss Mags pups are doing so well 1 gal - 2 boys. Well boys are such huge lovees anyways so if its the lovin' you want - well the boys are amazing!

More of their antics later...

Havanese Play With Interesting Toys

If a toy holds the Havanese interests long as this one does - well it has to be cheap. I tell you - they love empty bottles. Throw in some water into a bottle half way, throw it in the freezer then when it is good and cold and has ice in it, throw it on the floor and watch the fun. Just be sure to take it away if they happen to puncture it. It's a cheap fascination.

Here you can see Zack and Coco (Zack is one of Wasabi's that we used to call El Blanca Grande and (Coco who is Fiona's sister) and looks like her mom Maggie who is about to give birth to more little ones in a matter of days.

Well, here they are trying to bat this ball around. What is this toy? Well it's a cat toy and can be found at any Petsmart or any other pet store that carries cat toys. It usually has a wad of paper in the middle so the cats can scratch it. Your Havanese will bite it into a million pieces so if you don't want to sweep a million pieces of paper up - well throw that section out. The real fascination is the ball and why they can't get it out. Zack and Coco spent an entire 98 minutes playing with this thing. I timed it so I knew how long they kept at it. I think they hold the record of being fascinated the longest.

Today Kat and Abs is down on Queens Quay meeting and greeting people that want to know about Havanese and they will be there tomorrow. The rest of the Talemaker crew waves paws at those that are there!

There's NOTHING like the Havanese - I tell you - except 2 is better than one. ROFL!

Havanese Tips on Wet Feet

We have Coco and Zack over and as you can see in this photo, Coco is smiling about the play.

We have had a busy day today. We went on walks. Everyone was groomed and we had some crazy play sessions.

ALERT: Check out the latest puppy photos on Yvonne and Alex's site at Chicadoro. All the pups are getting colour other than the colours black and white with the exception of one. Oh - and Mags - well she's still eating so no pups yet!

Then tonight Nathan played the guitar and Tal sang under the gazebo while the dogs hung out - Coco kissed my ear and Fiona couldn't figure out why Tal was singing or Nathan was playing a guitar. It's been too long.

Tomorrow Kat, Abs, Nathan and Alex are hanging out somewhere downtown to talk about Havanese. Me - I am going to catch up on work seeing I couldn't after grooming and getting stuff ready for this thing they are doing tomorrow.

Maybe I will get a quick dip in and it won't rain like they say it is supposed to or maybe I will be doing extra grooming with the rain.

If yours hate wet feet like some of ours, pick them up, put them smack dab in the middle of the grass and tell them to go. More times than not - they will. Years later Shoshi still hates her feet wet - funny for a dog that loves to roll in the snow but she deals.

More tomorrow...