Simba & Scruffy & a Hairdo

Rox & Simba's New Hairdo

Simba's mom was worried about Simba's new hairdo. She asked for a trim and she didn't recognize the dog that came out. It happens.

Although I like the puppy look or longer (Scruffy has that puppy look) this hairdo is actually not bad.

It's easy care. You can see he is a tri colour boy (eyebrows) and silver brown in his face. You can see he has nice structure. I think he is a cutie but I understand the shock of getting a hairdo on one of your family members that you don't expect.

But if you don't like it - well it grows. That's the good thing about hair and you may decide you do like it. It's just an adjustment to have a new look.

Well in a minute Scruffy is getting a bath and will be picked up and Simba will be going home. Roxie played up a storm with both but I thought you may enjoy the boys - one is a Teaser pup, the short do guy is a Fiona pup. Both are cuties in their own right and I got some really great shots but no hard drive still and its a hardship to do this on Nathan's machine but I am hopeful tomorrow (hard drive should arrive) I can get to last week videos and photos on the Wasabi and Abigail pups but till them enjoy this spectacular display of what two puppies do best. Check it out.

Socialization Havanese Style

Well, we have had a busy day. I have been sick so ignore the disheveled look but we decided it was time to get the pups out today seeing we didn't have rain. We went all the way to Petsmart, Solutions and Canadian Tire and socialized bigtime. This also means that we walked along a very busy street and NO reaction for a couple of hours. We had more of a reaction in a parking lot when the cars were too close for even my comfort.

Miss Fiona needs more work but so does Miss Abs. This was Fiona's first big outing out other than to obedience class and walks in the neighbourhood. She now has her rabies shot so socializing will be on our plate bigtime.

It's funny what they react to that you do not realized they haven't been exposed to.

This appeared new to Abs: cars very close by, doors opening and shutting at stores that make noise, a dump truck, a flying bag.

This is what was new to Fiona - all of the above and other dogs in the stores, strange people giving her treats, petting her, busy street sounds, cash register. Fiona did well considering it was her first exposure but needs much more work. She is still reacting to other dogs, people walking by and lets Abs do the initiation before she trusts. We think she is still in her fear stage but these are all positive exposures. It's funny that she is fearless in an environment she knows but the unknown still needs work. It proves that socialization is important.

On Tuesday both Fiona and Abigail will be going to handling class. Nathan will be doing the handling with each but with my help, we can expose both.

Then we came back and walked Chico (this morning I trained him out front - was way distracted so training will continue out front), and Wasabi, Risa, Katsuro, Shoshi, Terra and Whitney. Nathan did an extra longer walk than I with Shoshi and Terra while I meandered around the block with Whitney envisioning I may have to carry her. She barely makes it and now crashes hard asleep but still wants to go. I guess that comes with old age.

I am going to wash her up after I eat lunch if she wakes up in time. :-) I also have to wash a couple of other dogs as we had wet days and muddy times. Nathan said they don't need it but the 2 retrievers do and so does Katsuro - bigtime.

Be sure to check out our slideshow of the puppies antics below.

Another Show Day Down

Abs was too distracted today by all those treats in teh ring and on an empty stomach - oh my - what's a gal going to do? Well, another blue ribbon but no points but we will see what tomorrow brings.

Abs even fell asleep on the table while grooming her. Me thinks - and she showed us - she wouldn't mind playing with big dogs and little dogs alike. This walking around the ring is not as fun as playing.

Videos to come on Monday and more tomorrow. Today - we are chillin'. mom is grooming and then eating then finding a couch and Havanese to cuddle with. Ah...life couldn't be better.

Training, Handling & Stubborness

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

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

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

Self Stacking Trouble

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

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

Weights tomorrow to see how much the crew gained.

Coach & Sassy Visit

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

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

We can't wait!

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

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

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

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

More later as the day goes on.

Mushy Havanese Day

What a difference a day makes.

All our paths this fine 5am morning hour were starting to get mushy.

Poor Abs and Miss Fiona climbed the piles to do their business out of the way and sunk into the wet snow. You could almost see their face saying - what was THAT! But they persisted, trudged on through and one wonders how they will react when all the snow disappears as this will be their first experience with grass.

The duo was at it again in the birdbath. They seem to really like this spot. It lends them that bit of height on more solid ground than melting snow.

Last month, Miss Abs had the start of little mats and I had to use a brush with long tines and follow up with a cat comb (movable teeth) as her hair had some undercoat growth. This month I can brush her once a day and hardly anything where Fiona is 7 weeks behind and I am now dealing what I went through with Abs and she's not crazy about it.

Now, Miss Abs has always been easy to wash and to brush. Even when she's not so crazy about it all she will do is try to wriggle away. But Miss Fiona will try to bite the comb, the brush, you - whatever to get you not to do it. It's easy when dealing with a pup that is dominant to allow them to get their way but mats are a serious thing. They downright hurt the dog. Pull your hair tight close to the skin and leave it that way and see how it feels. So, I hold her firmly. I growl -yes, I growl like her canine mom would do. I even stare at her pretending to be all upset and she stops. When she behaves calmly and you will hear that release of breath as if to say - okay - 'I get it' then this is when you say "good girl - way to go" and give a massage or snuggle and continue on.

If she was my first dominant want-to-be-alpha dog, I would probably not persist but I know I must, knowing what I do about mats. I do know that after you do it daily for a certain period of time, even the dog that hates the brush will eventually just allow it. They may not run to you saying 'my turn' but they will put up with it and with some snuggles - not all growls in between and a treat at the end and perhaps a massage where those mats were - well they will finally get the idea that you are the alpha and good alphas take care of the pack by keeping them healthy - body and mind, groomed and fed. You will have achieved their adoration not by brute force but by a positive but firm correction. Would you allow your human child to go to school with unbrushed, matted hair?

Okay - enough about mats. It's a new day - and have you played retrieve today? What are you waiting for? :-)

White Flying Stuff

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

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

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

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

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

Just another slow - no visitor day for the crew.

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

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

Chillin' Talemaker Havanese Day

From the Dawgs:

Well, we are having a chillin' Havanese day. Mommy, don't you dress up for these photos - yikes. I know - you are too used to taking all the photos that no one never sees how much you are crazy about us. Still - that hair - those clothes - you should be stylin' as someone said this was a special day for you.

Did I hear that all you want to do is play with Photoshop or crawl on the couch and watch TV - oh my and snuggle with us. I like the 2nd choice best as it includes us.

Well, mommy whispered she really likes this day. Daddy went and got her lunch, the youngest human son is getting her dinner. Another son and his wife sent her beautiful flowers that daddy is allergic to.

Daddy took Risa for a very long walk and she was dragging her ahem when she got back. She had a sweater on but she was still full of sand and crud but get this - daddy cleaned her all up. Wow - mommy is having a great day!

Mommy thinks that is quite special and it surely saved her. She told me no grooming today and it looks like she took that seriously to heart - human and canine alike. Ignore how we look and concentrate on the fact that we are having grand fun as this snow disappears.

Well, daddy went outside with us to play retrieve. After Risa and having to clean her - well the decision to play out back seemed more logical - especially today - now especially to daddy too.

Risa wants to know why that retriever, Terra doesn't need a rinse and brush out.

Daddy was running around with us fast and furious, throwing the ball. I think he thinks he's part Havanese but we can out run him any old day. We try to pretend to let him win sometimes.

Then that strange 'ring ring' happens and he's suddenly talking to the air. The strange things humans do with their ears - I tell ya!

Risa is fast asleep now. One wonders what she is dreaming about. It's time for couch, eating and snoozing and TV and not necessarily in that order. More tomorrow!

Busy Havanese Sunday

We are sorry but we almost let this daily addition not be a daily addition. We simply had a busy day. The human female type here has a b-day tomorrow so the oldest daughter and kids were over. Also, Benny's mommy came home early as she had a ski accident - a real yeouch (broken arm).

To lighten all these excuses, I placed a photo of Fiona looking adoringly at her human daddy.

Fiona was playing nonstop with Benny today in Jonathan's room and out in the yard. They played so wonderful together, it was really great to see.

Jonathan also played with them with Benny's favourite toy. Benny had the best bed in the house - with Jonathan.

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

Well, we have a rather empty house now- for us. We are down two visitors, down our Wasabi who is visiting Yvonne. We miss the Wasabi madly. Still, she's snow bathing at Yvonne & Alex's and having a grand time with Beardies galore.

I promise tomorrow photos of Sebastian stylin...honest!

Havanese Moments

There are moments that take place where you realize life no matter how difficult it becomes - well a snuggle with a Havanese makes everything alright.

Well, we are off to bed. Louis has gone home.

We promise pics of Sebastian tomorrow stylin' and we will tell you how those gorgeous eyes are showing.

Sleep well and snuggle with a Havanese or two. You will be glad you did.

Grand Dam Risa Plays

Risa is usually stuck in that mode of playing protector, controller that she often doesn't just invest the time in play.

She usually spends so much time correcting that she doesn't let loose but today is different for whatever reason.

Click on the photos to see an up close look at anytime.

Today, with Louis, she got riled up. It was great to see and it was also great to see that Louis found that play in her.

Then as the equal opportunity dawg that he is and his dawgie mom tends to be, he started in with Abigail and she just adores all the new dawgs.

Miss Fiona does too but doesn't play initially - right from the start with wild abandonment that Miss Abs does with all new comers but instead, watches and then plays.

I call Miss Abs the mediator - the one that pulls the group together with play. She's always the first to engage the new dog and always the one who ropes them in to relax and enjoy themselves.

Louis is really a black Paris (Gidget). Hard to explain but his mannerisms, his sense of play, well he absolutely takes his genetics from his dawgie mom. That means he's rather a truly fun filled dawg.

We have yet another addition today, one of Risa's pups who is Katsuro's brother. Nathan is out walking the duo (the siblings) now. If you ever have a dog that is unfamiliar with his surroundings, showing any hesitancy - well a walk is the best thing you can do for them.

Now he is back out walking Benny with Louis. Benny or Nathan will either or both be totally exhausted but in a large pack, all it takes is connecting with one dog and the rest always come.

We try to create that via the walk. It helps them to achieve their balance. It's like medicine in motion. We expect that Benny is in for a fun filled 5 days.

We expect to have more photos as the day goes by.

Lost My Brain Dawg

Well dear old Wasabi is in heat again and she will soon be taking a holiday at Yvonne's. We can't show a photo of Katsuro as he looks worse than that sandy photo. Those boy dawgs lose their minds at this time and that's an understatement. They don't eat, they don't sleep - nada if the gal is around.

The moral of this story is get your dogs fixed and you won't have to deal with such craziness.

We are going to take him to Remy's class just to get his mind off ...well ... maybe a cold shower?

We will fill you in when we get back. We also have a CD of all our last 2 classes for Maryanne. Drop by and get it.

Havanese Comic Relief

Well folks, turn up your audio as half the fun is the comic relief you will get out of the human (Nathan) trying to get his Havanese to do a 'down'. Check out our latest video. The rest is our Havanese and retriever subjects.

This video follows the Abs doing 'down' on her OWN time, to Fiona saying not me, to well you will see. Training should be fun - you know but it certainly comes with its challenges! Enjoy! Leave comments especially if you have had this type of fun!

Then read about the Havanese Rescue Auction below!

Katsuro's Brother Was Over With Olga

Benny, Katsuro's brother and his person, Olga came to visit. Benny is getting reacquainted with the crew and will be staying with us a week from Friday.

We are excited and are positive Benny will have an amazing holiday while his person has hers.

Benny loves to pose for photos. It's nice. I don't have to worry about when this camera will actually click to shoot the picture. He waits for the camera. Can't ask for a better subject.

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

Then we have Sebastian and Louis coming - different dates but sleepovers none the less.

It's always a crazy Talemaker Havanese house around here and we love it!

Havanese Action Shots

It's really difficult to get a good 'action' shot with a digital camera that is not a digital SLR but if you persist and shoot, shoot, shoot, by accident eventually you 'will' get some. Due to the way that the pups bounce around, I may get an action shot out of 100 photos taken that I like. Either get a better camera. (Eventually I plan to) or if you can't afford to, keep at it and click even when you think its not a good selection. By the time the camera clicks, it may be. The best part about having a digital is you can delete even before you put them on your camera.

This was Miss Abs jumping at a toy and I was the one with the toy coaxing her and trying to click at the same time. Multi-tasking - I tell you.

We also took a walk today. Actually Miss Abs got 2 walks - one with the Fiona to motivate her and she did wonderful and one with Terra.

If I had the right angle, you might even see a flash of paw. Miss Abs prances on her walks. Now to see what she does on her last obedience class.

Just looked out my window and that means more snow photos today. Yikes, it's snowing YET again.

We have Risa's son coming over again today and we are hoping to get photos of him. We had Coach and Sassy over last night, Benny over earlier but we were too focused on Benny to remember to take out the camera. For shame on us!

More later today. Keep clicking/shooting!

Havanese Puppy Play & Visits

What a day - what a day - fun filled days - what we live for - what the Havanese live for.

Okay, human mommy is playing in Photoshop and the pups are playing full steam this morning too but off the computer and all through the house.

Remember you can always click on the photos to see a larger view at anytime.

Fiona really keeps the Abs busy trying to deak her out. Here she is 'thinking' she is hiding but really she isn't. She does hide under the couch and ottomon that Mis Abs can't fit under any longer. Fiona's days are numbered. It won't be long till she can't fir either. She's growing in leaps and bounds.

Looks like we may have Benny for a visit today and tonight Sassy and Coach. Wow - fun times.

More later today.>>

Creative Havanese Times

Get Inspired

Have fun with your dawgs inside especially in this messy weather. Do something for your body like Nathan is - doing push-ups off the ottoman and playing with the dawgs at the same time.

Imagine if you did this for 10 minutes daily how sculpted your arms would be and how distracted you can get playing with your Havanese at the same time. You may actually find you like it.

Hmmm....I need to get back to that exercise thang too. Got some Havanese - good for your body inspiration for me? If so - send it my way. I need it!! My dawgs do too. They just adored those 4am wake-ups - hahahaha - well some did.

Havanese Living With Too Much Snow

Well, the storm is over but the snowbanks is high. We got a couple of feet of snow it seems and the snowdrifts and the shovelling gave us magnificent snowbanks for our Havanese to hang out on, climb up and down on and plain have fun.

We are still working on a video of the Coach & Sassy visit. We are hoping it will be up tonight but it's time to walk the dawgs. They need it but I certainly don't. heh.

The things you do for LOVE - Dawgie love that is!

More later>>