Are Two Better than One Havanese?

What you see here looks like a mass of hair and it is. In this photo is Shoshi, Abigail and Fiona.

We started this Havanese journey as our daughter has a Coton du Tulear and we loved to watch her Coton play with our Golden Retriever.

We are truly glad we made the plunge but there are days we check our sanity at the door.

When Shoshi came to us, she was too young, in my opinion and missing what the dam usually teaches those last critical weeks. Shoshi has been playing catch-up on how to be a Havanese since day one. She seems to have finally fully arrived.

Our Golden played with Shoshi wonderfully that first year placing her snout in the snow and throwing a spray of snow at Shoshi and soon Shoshi was doing the same in return. I have pictures of that memory that are truly precious. Terra and Shoshi fast became best pals.

Then we saw Shoshi playing with her sister with that run-like hell game and said - oh we need another. So our journey began to find a playmate that didn't fall on their face when Shoshi stopped on a dime - which often happened with Terra. Terra had longer legs but Shoshi could just outrun her by cutting corners and it was endearing.

Then Risa came into our lives and she just wouldn't play with Shoshi but she took a liking to me and would follow me around like we were connected at the hip. So, although she didn't play with Shoshi, well, she was ours. She is now Nathan's dog through and through since he sat and helped her through her last whelping.

After that, Paris and Wasabi came to visit and Wasabi alone played with Shoshi but with Paris - well Paris was her focus. I loved the antics of both Paris and Wasabi and when it came to picking between both to add another to our home, Wasabi won out due to her play with Shoshi. Paris only wanted Wasabi. But Paris was amazing - so difficult to choose. Paris could jump straight up on my hat box to an amazing height and curl up like a ball to sleep. But after we chose, Wasabi got in a funk without Paris and stopped playing with Shoshi.

Now if you are following this story - we got 2 dogs to play with Shoshi and neither would play with her. Now how did that happen? Then Kat was born in our home and well, he was Risa's and he was the one dog that climbed over everyone saying PICK ME - PICK ME and he took no backseat to his mom or to his grandsire, Mojo. He was one of the very select few that got away with challenging the Moj. Now Fiona also gets that designation, Risa's grand daughter, Mojo's great grand daughter. Something about that line and their personality. In their minds they definitely think they count the most.

Then we were lucky enough to get Abigail, to show and to bring some puppy life around this place. After 2 litters - we were really missing puppy-hood. Abs is an old soul before her time. She has this magic where she calms those around her and unites the pack. She has a delicious unbridled way about her in her play that all the dogs tend to gravitate to. They all want to play with the Abs - perhaps due to her being so accommodating.

Then we added Fiona, who has that 'pick me' attitude that makes you laugh. She also has that pouting thing going on much like Kat - no patience for taking too long and sees nothing wrong with walking up your body to get you to pay attention to her vs. anyone else.

The pups adore each other. To answer the question - are two better than one - absolutely. More work in training but once you get past that - and even while you are in the midst of it - the memories they create are priceless. But you have to invest time in spending one on one time with each so they bond to you not just the other puppy and that has happened here.

As you can see in the photo, due to Abs, Shoshi finally has a play partner that we were looking for when we started this journey. The introduction of the pups has helped Shoshi become the dog she was meant to be.

Shoshi and Abs are now playing wonderfully together. We started this journey for her to get her a playmate. She came to us at 7 weeks – way too early and it has taken her years to learn how to act like a Havanese from the pack. It’s hard to explain but she mounted Abs and I celebrated – not for Abs but that Shoshi finally has some perceived backbone in her mind. It’s a wonderful relationship Abs and Shoshi are developing and I have Abs to thank for that. Shoshi has made the entire circle to acceptance and becoming a critical part of the pack that has a job. No one should let dogs go at 7 weeks – as they miss so much learning from the dam.

That Abs…she is a heart dog – a calming force that reels them in and gets others to feel relaxed, loved and wanted. That’s a special quality she has.

So, are two dogs better than one... heh - do you now have the answer?

Wild Child Fiona's Play Method

Every Havanese has similar and unique styles of play. I call Fiona's method 'wild' and thus our nickname calling her the 'wild child.'

I can comb Fiona's hair and 2 seconds later, it looks like it was never combed at all. part of that is it has a wild abandonment thing going on with her waves. Yes, there goes that wild word again. Another issue is she sticks her head and scrunches it up immediately and another is she just has this real joy about playing with her packmate Anigail - her most fave Havanese.

Fiona pounces and hops and scats and has this way funny way of showing excitement and 'attitude' that we adore.

each Havanese has their very own personality. Abigail is an old soul in a young body. Oh, she plays her heart out but she has this real calming thing going on where Fiona's personality is a bit more frenetic. if she doesn't get her treat after performing fast enough, she scats her back legs as if she is kicking dirt to tell you that you are too slow or you are not paying attention or she is excited. It's funny as some dogs do this after doing their business but she has incorporated it into her communications to you. You can't help but laugh.

Fiona and Abigail balance each other out and although having 2 pups is walking two, taking two out to train etc - well what you get in return is non stop craziness. I am not sure how we ever did it without 2 pups at once in our lives.

Fiona is now off by herself with her human daddy doing handling class so she can do her first show. Abs is home with me taking a break but getting almost daily training.

but the human around here has been working too hard and the human dad is taking up the slack. With no air - crankiness was setting in. I think we went 5 days without air - yeouch. Don't believe air guys when they say they will come. they may not.

The dogs are happy with the coolness. They may get back into bed with us instead of laying on the bathroom tile. Will we be able to swim this week? Time will tell.

Visiting Dogs in Heat

What do you mean? What's this heat business about? What you don't see is the gang is all at Rita's house and the girls - not mine - hers are all inside just coming out of heat. Our intact male is at the door peering in and Mojo - who thinks he still has it - well he's doing the same.

You never know what you are going to get when you have 2 males and girls in heat. It could be an explosive situation but it wasn't here.

Kat and Moj seemed to have an okay relationship of mutual respect and as long as Kat didn't go inside and sniff up the girls - well life was good. Perhaps a week earlier it may have been an entirely different story.

Well, it has cooled down a tad. We still don't have air and we are making the best of it.

Fiona is off to handling class tomorrow and daddy is going to work on her scat? What's a scat? Well, the funniest thing you ever did see but we won't tell till it's perfected and we can get it on video.

More tomorrow...

Heat, Visits and Rain

Darlah has kindly allowed me to post today. Toronto continues to experience a heat wave. It's hot, humid and raining. And our air conditioner, naturally, broke down.

After the excitement yesterday, seeing Lola and Kat's puppies, now 10 days old, Maggie who is huge and very pregnant, Flora, Downsey and Britney at Alex and Yvonne's place and then Ali, Opal, Mini and Mojo at Rita and Willard's place today was a huge contrast. Both Yvonne and Rita have huge fenced-in backyards perfect for Havanese running games. Today it is raining non stop so our visits outside are more like dashes to do our business and quickly back in again.

However, we did have two visitors as Kat's litter mate Bailey and Abigail's half brother Dickens came by to visit and brought Duncan and Monica with them. They have recently returned from an awesome trip overseas and it was a pleasure to see them again. But, Bailey and Dickens are boys and boys will be boys. No, not that! They marked, everywhere, and every chance they got. And of course Kat marked over them because after all, it is his place. We still enjoyed the visit in the heat and humidity but we sure did wish it had been nice outside.

Whitney hasn't been feeling well today and I suspect it has something to do with us leaving her and Terra behind yesterday and only taking the Havanese. The stress of being left behind has upset her stomach, another added bonus when it is raining outside. If you'll recall, Whitney doesn't do well in rain and thunder so that's not helping. Yesterday we just didn't want to take the chance of the Golden Retrievers upsetting Lola. I do recall the time Whitney and Terra came cautiously and politely close to the room in which Risa had her pups and Risa growled at them in such a way that both Retrievers hit the ground instantly, on their backs, in complete submission. I know that Risa assured them both in dog talk, which we know is straight and to the point, that she would rip their lungs out and feed it to them if they came any closer to her pups and they believed her.
Nathan

Lola & Kat's Pups

Kat got to see his pups today and was he excited. Okay - he was excited to see LOLA but he did look and was impressed. heh Lola and Kat make really nice pups and Kat agrees. ROFL

Check some of the photos out below:

We were visiting Yvonne and got to see the pups. We managed to get a few photos and check out the Chicadoro site for more. I am sure once Yvonne catches her breath - she will add some there - if she hasn't already.

Tomorrow we will be posting photos of Willard and crew - Rita popped in at the last minute back from breeding Opal. Willard got to see Kat that he hasn't seen forever and got to see the scat of Fiona which he laughed at - as we all do.

We will also be posting photos of Yvonne and our crew having a grand time. Watch for those tomorrow but till then, check out some of the puppy photos we took. What you can't see is the colour that is coming out on a couple that look black and white but seem to have grey and beige - ah time will tell what they end up like. They are gorgeous but can't wait til they are doing more than eating and crawling and snoozing.

Road Tripin' Havanese

I hear tell that I have really small offspring and anyone who has been following this blog knows I adore the little ones. I get to have that human mom take some photos so she can share them. It is my first crew you know and I am the proud papa.

Well, we are road tripping today and will be getting a ton of photos of the little ones. We promise and posting. So exciting!

More tonight about our adventures of no air, seeing pups and well sweating Havanese style.

Abigail, The Flying Havanese Squirrel Dog

I had to share this one.

Kat is playing with Abigail. Abigail runs up the stairs, does a dash around the upper deck, turns and launches herself off the two steps onto Kat.

Darlah captures Abigail in mid air. What a shot.

Abigail, the flying Havanese squirrel dog.

Nathan

Darlah Here:
What Nathan doesn't tell you is the crew was an amazing amount of fun and he missed it all. He was working. Our air conditioning is not so I took the portable outside to work and clicked away.

Be sure to click any of the photos to see a larger view.

Wasabi had just become extra comfie in her viewing slot in the very best spot to watch these antics. I will only share a few but gad I just kept laughing and trying to hold the camera still.

One day I a going to have a camera with a stabilizer and that takes fast shots so these shots aren't the kind of clicking before it happens.

None of these photos are staged. If they were, I would have to brush them first. ROFL

As you can see the two stooges are doing their Wrestlemania shtick and Kat's looking on. Oh - he got into it too!

It's why he looks a tad disheveled.

The boy once he gets into it just has a way of adding something to the mix.

Yep, the Kat was having a free for all with Fiona who was loving it and Abigail was running to save Fiona?

Nah..she wanted to have fun too or maybe she wanted to play with Fiona herself - nah couldn't be - its usually Fiona that wants Abs to herself.

The gals just love it when Kat joins in and it takes it to an entirely new level of fun that I would categorize as delirious.

There is something about more than one Havanese.

They love - they live and they play like none other with such a zest for life. We could learn from that!

When all was said or done Havanese style, Fiona had her tongue hanging out with satisfaction...

(Hey Fiona - mind your manners and get that tongue in - hahahahaha)

We don't call her the wild child without a reason.

...and Abs...well she found the bowl of ice and chilled out.

From the Talemaker crew to yours - we hope you manage to have this much fun and are staying cool somehow - someway this weekend.

Posing the Darling Havanese

Taking photos with a slow camera is a fun adventure. We figured today we would try to get 3 of our Havanese posed on the bench after their bath and to say it was difficult - well that's an understatement. It's sort of like taking photos of a large family and there is always one sticking their tongue out or doing something equally distracting.

I had the camera most of the time and Nathan had the treats. I think we got - how many decent shots? I think one. You tell me.

The idea of this is one dog is easier. Three dogs or more can be interesting hint and starve them - well not really but do it just before they eat and it MAY work or get a faster camera.

Saturday we plan on taking lots of puppy photos so watch for those Saturday night.

Havanese Bug Catching

Oh yeah - you have that right. The bugs are out and the dogs think they are going hunting - yuck!

Wasabi caught a bee in her mouth mid-air and ended up injuring it and Fiona is fascinated with the ants.

Havanese are known as companions, circus entertainers at one time and therefore they are easy to train to do all sorts of interesting things but hunting for bugs? I didn't train them for THAT!

I am amazed at how very fast their reflexes are. I just wish their targets happened to be something other than bugs but it was hot as you can see in Fiona's face and she was close to the ground and action was happening and mommy - I couldn't help myself.

Oh my..the things they try to eat.

Here's a perfect opportunity to practice - LEAVE IT!

Well, mommy had to work too hard - she's still working and daddy is outdoors playing with Remy and the crew.

More later....and does yours retrieve and know the 'leave it' command?

Havanese Style: Got Your Back

Where is our head - no photo of Sebastian leaving today. Gad - he is missed already. Do send photos. Can't wait to see him after he is bonded. There are some that just are so lovie and well, he will have a grand adventure.

Last night the siblings came over - a couple of them and here you can see Sebastian rough housing with Coach as if to say - I got your back, Coachie.

Fiona's a tad bit of an adventurous troublemaker and as you can see, she's up on the table behind John's back trying to get at the flowers on the table and Sassy is checking it out. Wish Nathan had got all of Sassy in that photo but you can get the idea of what was going on.

Havanese can leap tall what have yous in a single bound if they think they can get away with it. I caught Abigail jumping on one of the kitchen table chairs the other day after Risa went into the doghouse on her little table trip and she thought - hmm they are cooking - better get up here and wait. I corrected her and she hasn't done it since but it surely gives you an idea how intelligent they are and how their minds work.

Well, a good time was had by all as you can see on Sebastian's face. He does adore the play - human and canine alike. Wish more photos had come out last night but they were moving so fast many were blurry.

Life is an adventure that takes us down roads for reasons we often don't understand but when we arrive where we can get that one on one attention, feel loved, stimulated and cared for - well we have arrived where we need to be.

More later...

Dog Shows Are Ruff

Well, here I am hanging out in the car as someone sabotaged our tent last night. Yes, you got that right - they cut the cords, stole our tarps and damaged it beyond repair. How nice of someone. I was rather fond of it too as it allowed us extra shade in the backyard and human mommy loves the shade rather than the sun like human daddy. The tent was brand new and I gather we will have to buy another and could use not having to.

Then today, in the ring for Best in Breed, with one other dog, one of the top Havanese in Canada, handled by a professional, they started to run right in front of me and everyone knows we don't run like that in the ring but I thought he was playing the run-like-hell game that I love and I started to run too. Daddy couldn't get me to walk properly after that. People do the darnedest things to win but I guess I should feel good that this handler thought I was competition. One day, soon, I will be. Look behind you, buddy. I'm coming.

On our return home, we stopped at the new Pet Supply House location in Guelph and got a new brush or two. Mommy is always looking for that ultimate brush and she rather likes the ones she got so far. Someone held me and I snuggled with her as I am a dog that can tell when someone likes me. She just adored how soft I was and mommy does too as she is really finding that perfect combo of clarifier, shampoo/conditioner etc that make me look good. It's been a ruff road but she has finally arrived at what is right for me.

Well, I got lots of ribbons today but the only thing I care about is that I have no baths for a bit and I can play my heart out. Coach and Sassy is coming over to play and we will have photos tomorrow. Sebastian is going to his new home tomorrow and he gets to hang out with his siblings tonight. Then we get him back after his transition while his family goes on holidays and he gets to go to Rita's Havanese get together in August. Fun!

Soon we will have Remy sleeping over and Zack and Coco. talk about a Havanese love fest and with no shows it will be relaxing and enjoying life time. Can't wait.

Oh my tons of barking as Coach and Sassy just arrived. Off to have fun!

PS: Saturday we get to see Kat and Lola's pups - can't wait!!

Sebastian Stylin! Lola Puppy Photos

Sebastian had a bath today and Nathan was giving him some snuggles. He looks so good all cleaned up. Gad - he's a cutie!

We were excited to see him smelling ever so good and feeling so silky. He cleans up well.

BREAKING NEWS: Lola had her pups 5 boys - oh my - photos here of pups less than an hour old.

Mom - Lola - human mom and pups are doing ever so good.

Maggie soon! - Meaning her turn to have pups.

Click on a photo to see an upclose photo of him.

Anyone who has bathed a Havanese knows that after it, they end up being way frisky.

Watch this crew in mid-air having some delicious fun.

More later...>>

Havanese Jazzy is a Social Guy

Our friends at Eye on Fashion (cool store in Richmond Hill) take their Havanese to work with them each day. As a single dog family, this works well for Jazzy as he gets to be exposed to all sorts of noises, people and even other dogs.

When we have puppies or want to get our dogs exposed, Jazzy comes here or we come to their store for a little socialization. It really makes a HUGE difference plus its plain fun for you and them to have playmates.

We just adore Jazzy and so do they - and you can tell.

Jazzy loves his visitors and loves his walks. He is quite the character and when you meet him - if you never saw a Havanese before or even if you did - you want one after getting exposed to him.

They all have their own unique personalities and looks and colours but they also all love the run-like-hell game, the mischievous antics that do remind you that they were circus dogs at one time - ready - willing to make you laugh.

We thank the 'Eye on Fashion' folks for allowing us to be in Jazzy's life and sharing these gorgeous photos of him.

I didn't post this to get you to go to their store - but you should. Rather - it was a way to tell you that a Havanese is a social dog that really needs to be socialized so they can be all they can be. The 'Eye on Fashion' people are an excellent example of finding ways to be creative with socialization.

More later...

Flash of Paw: Havanese Style

Okay - is that a flash of paw from me - the Fiona or am I sucking up to daddy for something.

Don't believe for a second that I don't know how to wrap you around our paws and if one way doesn't work - well another may.

Well, the humans are winding down from the show this weekend and back at it this Saturday.

Busy times but mommy has to do dinner with some pals so sniff I get to stay with daddy. Well, I have to say that cause shhh she might think I can't live without her and hey - I like to have her think so. ha!
More later...perhaps tomorrow!

Boots for Havs and Swimming

What the %^&* is that on my feet, mom? Well, if you are a show dog and you have to go in the wet grass - these booties are the very best. They stay on. She can walk in them and it does what you want but she's so low to the ground, her undercarriage gets wet so we are going to start bringing a rain jacket and putting it on backwards so it covers the belly.

No points today but hey we get to do it yet again next week and that's 2 hours away. Are we nuts? YEP. We have to be.

Mommy is getting really good at washing, blow drying and doing all sorts of interesting techniques to get my hair to do what she wants it to. We stopped in a garden center on the way home and a woman said - oh my her hair is to die for so reward enough.

We are looking into a full body Lycra suit - wrapping the head hair - keeping Sebastian away from her ROFL as he loves to rough house - not conducive to hair being all flowing and all. Too much bleepin' restrictions for showing and hey I told mommy that if I don't play - I will lose my spirit and I think I convinced her so she is doing all this crazy stuff to allow me to have fun - fun - fun like dogs really should.

Well, Sebastian is - well not a total swimmer. He tends to get way too enthusiastic in this paddling business so we are going to keep taking him in and when we find him a home - they will have an expert swimmer by then. He likes it - just has to calm down about his strokes. Will take a photo soon so you can see.

Now who is a swimmer? Well, we know Katsuro is but little Fiona - who is related to him is turning out to be so much like Kat in spirit that she wanted to dive - didn't but boy did she swim and swim and swim.

She then climbed up on top of me on the raft and laid down and rested - as if to say ah..now thsi is grand - mid pool rest - cooling and laying on my mom - what coudl be better? Well having the camera to capture it would be. Well, we did get photos of her swimming.

More tomorrow...

Motley Havanese Crew

We had Yvonne and crew over and we had a blast. Yvonne stayed in till she shrunk up and disappeared and I was the only one that decided this was not for me today - well almost - Maggie also decided such.

How do you get a Havanese to 'like' swimming?

Well, dogs are like humans - some love it - some tolerate it and some have no desire. But it does matter how you introduce them. We have the entire gamut when it comes to the water.

Katsuro is our jumping in fiend who adores it and can't get enough of it. Abs likes it but well she has her days when she says ENOUGH and Fiona well can I lay under the chair instead? Wasabi loves it but not to dive - swim and swim - yep.

So, how do you introduce a dog to swimming? Well, first thing you gently hold them, talk to them while you are in the pool with them and then show them the way out by guiding them. This is critical. You can also create a game after they gain their comfort level and that is why Kat loves it so. It's purely a game for him.

You can use lures that float. You can swim with them. The key is make it a game - go slow - and keep a positive attitude and it will come together.

Check out pregnant Lola (Kat's the dad) on top of her human mom's back.

Havanese love to sit on high spots and in the water - well for Lola - the water is no exception.

Wet - comfortable and chillin' Havanese style. Get wet with your Havanese.

Havanese Visitors

We had Linda and John over and her crew of dogs. Linda managed to swim a little and I was combing out Kat from after his swim when they arrived.

It was a nice relaxing time.

Check out Risa who thinks she has the very best seat in the house - and she does. No one ever said she wasn't quick. She jumped in that chair faster than anyone can blink their eyes.

Risa is on a starvation and exercise diet - well not really - diet yes - exercise yes but not starving but in her mind - hehehe but she can still move FAST!

Her granddaughter, Fiona got the cheap seat in the house - or maybe not depending on how you look at it.

Fiona is cooling off or maybe warming up on the cement after getting wet herself. Gad does she need a brushing!

She's been an outright pistol these days.

What's that you called me mommy? Not I!

Sebastian is visiting and here you can see him in his haircut. The boy is gorgeous but the hairdo does him no justice but it will grow.

We have been taking him on walks encountering many people, dogs, noises etc. He barked when about 12 people came down the walkway at once all together but I said no bark - placed him in a sit and voila - he was soon meeting a greeting all the humans and their dogs. He is an amazingly well behaved submissive dog who has yet to figure out how to totally placate Kat but he will. He's also fully house trained.

He's been in our pool twice and not on purpose so we are training him to understand the pool and how to get out etc. Gad - he loves his walks. I do too when life allows me to.

Here's a couple of photos of Linda's dogs that came to visit. She even took them in for a swim and gave them some lessons about how to get out of a pool. Good one!

More later - visitors coming!

With Just My Daddy Havanese Stylin'

Am I dreaming? Am I off to the show with just my Daddy. I get him all to myself! Oh my, how lucky for me indeed!

Looking at me at in this photo, mommy says - but I just brushed you - well showed Daddy how to and I look a disorganized mess but Daddy will primp me all up at the show, I am sure.

We are only doing this show alone and then on Friday, Saturday and Sunday that lady mommy will come too and she will hog that human - I just know it. She will also brush me like an insane woman. Daddy is a tad more balanced, I suspect but we shall find out and we will let you in on that bit of news later.

Well, more later!

Alone & the Show

I hear Daddy is off to a show tomorrow with just Abs. I am miffed. What about me! Oh - she has to have that greasy junk all over her and then get a bath and blow dry?

Heh...well then I can pass.

Well, not much to report on but I had a walk tonight with one of my kids and it was fun.

A no stressed day without Mommy in the equation tomorrow. So - do your best and forget the rest, Daddy.

Wink - you will shine - just call us right after - will ya. Mommy will be difficult to deal with otherwise. hahahahaha

Socialize Your Havanese

Last night I was walking Shoshi and Terra (our retriever and our - had no backbone - but a heart dog Shoshi). I tell you this as it has relevance. I got to the French school about 10 minutes away from the house and a guy with 8 dogs got there just before me and proceeded to let the dogs off the leash. It is not an off lead area. It's a school yard. Granted school is over - its night etc but still 8 dogs.

Well, we had no time to see that he released the dogs and I should have went another route but I actually curtailed it as I was also going to go through the school yard and out through a park but couldn't now.

The dogs - all shapes, sizes and breeds rushed Terra and Shoshi and Terra started drooling (stress big-time) and one of the dogs this guy had started growling. Terra continued to drool and Shoshi started to growl back in a vicious voice as if she was serious. The guy yelled from across the yard - he was a distance away that all the dogs are friendly and not to worry - they will say hi and leave. Well, one was not friendly but the rest seemed to be. Shoshi - who never had backbone has become slowly empowered by the pack - her pack. For her - who came way too early to us - she has found her spot and become better for it. Not that growling at a dog is a good thing but in this circumstance it was communications and was necessary. Often people do not understand the difference betwewen aggression and communications and a dog must be able to tell another - ENOUGH!

Well, Shoshi told the other dog 'enough' and the dog did listen and leave and Terra was relieved. It was not a fear growl but a protect my pack growl and I have thus over time realized and can hear and see the difference.

You could see it in her body and Shoshi then strutted like - mommy - see what I did? It's the same strut we get when she chases the ducks and is so proud of herself.

When you have a pack that is so tight knit like ours - each with their roles, it's interesting to watch. A new visitor that comes in throws the entire pack off and it takes days to adjust fully - hours at times with some and immediately with others. It all depends on the visitor and if he/she is sending out signals that the pack doesn't appreciate.

Shoshi - who hid under the chairs at obedience class and was frightened of the world walks with confidence on walks now. It took time and many situations where she learned to feel empowered but it happens so anyone who has a skittish dog - don't give up.

Keep giving them exposure and experiences in a positive way and they will get there if you don't give up. Shoshi is still the heart dog we started with but she is not the same dog as she was. She may have been without the pack, I imagine but we will never know.

Socialize people - it's well worth it!

We are on a mission to expose the Fiona to all sorts of dogs and situations and did this with Abigail. It makes a huge difference - Home Depot you can bring them in and they hear all sorts of noises and PetSmart and any garden center etc. Do it EVERY day for weeks and you will see a HUGE difference. What's 20 minutes out of your day?

I have way too much work - been working from 5amish to 11pm many, many night and its getting old but I take breaks - get dogs walking, me walking and then I can code again without mistakes. It's called balance but oh I wish I would win the lottery. I would quit working - invest my time totally in the dogs and get de-stressed!