Can We See Them Too?

We had a couple over to see the pups and the crew is not allowed to be around them when they are out and about loose.

Today we had Kat, Treasure and Abigail but always just 1 or 2 at a time.

The pups are too small and we wait to integrate them in with the full pack over a period of time to avoid any of them stepping on them inadvertently.

The crew was hanging outside saying - hey what about me?

But this couple brought a toy for them and they are STILL playing with it. It's a keeper!!! Marlee even stopped sniffing to join in the fun!

Casual Brace

Some people don't buy into the stuffiness of showing as you can see in this brace.

Usually people are dressed up - suits/dresses - etc. But not this guy. I have no idea who he was but I laughed and clapped and had to take a photo.

I am not sure he won any prize topless but he sure attracted attention.

At least he wasn't stuffy and hot!

Well, we have Louis and Teddy visiting and they played up a storm as soon as he hit the house.

Teddy makes himself at home immediately. Sorry mom - he really has a grand time.

We also have Marlee and Jazmyn and Jazmyn looked for Nathan - he's her fave next to Treasure but when he wasn't here - I was second best and Marlee slept with me right beside my head. They already figured out the treats at grooming time ESPECIALLY Jazmyn but they have been here before. Oh and I have to get a photo as Marlee leads the crowds with keeping the duck at bay from everyone where Jazmyn is satisfied to snuggle and play and snuggle and play.

Well, we have puppy people coming to visit so have to get off. More tomorrow...

Explaining the Win

I promise - I will move on to something else but too many people asked us to explain this win that I took Nathan's words to a puppy owner of ours and posted it here. It will be easier. Hope you understand.

Here are some of the dogs in the group ring. Sorry I didn't have a wide angle lens - teach me.

Nathan's explanation:
In the Show ring dogs are separated into 7 Groups. Havanese are a part of the Toy Group. In order for Kat to come first in Group and go on to compete in Best in Show he has to beat not only all other Havanese but all other toy group breeds which happens to include some of the top dogs in Canada. Yesterday Kat was judged the better dog over both the number 2 and the number 4 dog in Canada. They have something like 8000 points. Kat has 54. It was surrealistic. ;-) He’s such an awesome dog

Katsura Group 1 & Championship

Something told me I had to go to the show today. I wanted to relax - play with the pups and catch up with work. Tonight I am doing work - getting Treasure bathed and going crazy but in a good way. I got to see Kat in the ring the first time and I got to see a group 1 win and his championship.

Kat not only had wonderful puppies but now Daddy is a championship with a group 1 and group 2. What a way to get there and he only had 1 day that he was shown before this show.

I am sooooooooooo very proud of my men.

The way the puppies wagged their tails when they saw us...I think they are too!

Tomorrow we have 3 visitors coming. I can't wait but Nathan will be away til the evening at a show and me...carrying the load til he comes home and him carrying it out there but I am up for it. I may be tired but this cloud 9 stuff gets your adrenaline pumping!

More tomorrow....

Bracebridge Show Group 2

Usually I do not place a post up twice - only on special occasions but had to say congrats, Nathan and Kat and Judge Doug Windsor for recognizing the potential of this duo. Kat got Group 2 today.

We are truly excited. It was worth the wait of letting his hair grow back in after puppies gnawing on him and an unnamed dog chewing off his top knot giving him a Joe Dirt look for too long. But the hair is growing and Nathan is enjoying showing - well most days.

Two points away from making this our 4th championship with those that reside with us full time with Nathan on the lead and me bathing this year and this one was born in our home.

Thanks for letting us brag.

Can't wait till they get home. (I didn't get to see it - sigh but hope to see him in the ring maybe tomorrow). I am waiting for them to arrive so I can bathe Kat yet again...

PS: Fiona - well I lined combed her and have yet to wash. Maybe tomorrow. Sooooooooo unlike me. Lined comb everyone else too... and even combed all the puppies...who are delish!

Bath Time

Abigail is my dawg who dislikes the bath the most. Oh she doesn't mind the drying or even swimming but stand her in the sink and she just stands there stiff as a board. Is she afraid - well that's a good signal that she is but no - she doesn't shake - she just says - get that soap out of me.

She used to shake - arch her back and hide on me but she's over that stage now. They do get better and not all of them act like that. She's one of two that has - the rest doesn't seem to mind.

The point is - just do it as a matter of fact - give them kisses - keep your voice upbeat and cutsie pieish and give them a treat when they act like you want them to.

When I have a guest that is frightened, I give them treats and cuddles and play with them as I am washing and drying and it actually gets them enjoying.

The point is, help them find the fun. By helping them - you find your own fun.

Talemaker Havanese Kat Swimming 2009

Kat's swimming again another season. What a guy...

What's different? He's running in between and he has more in the peanut gallery lending their barking support. Even our visitor Louis gets into the supporting cast!

We do love his passion for the swim! Enjoy...

Choice of Beds

Louis is visiting and as most visitors, they gravitate to this double layered high bed. What's interesting is all of them yank out the cushion to lay on the base and hang their head out using the cushion for a head rest.

It proves to me that there are beds and then there are beds. This one happens to get more use than most of our other beds with a couple of exceptions.

Tomorrow Nathan is travelling for 3 days - only home late at night and it is me - the puppies - our son and the crew. Friday night he will come back to the land of the living - Talemaker Style. hehehehe

We had the puppies out for the first time. Check out the photos on Talemaker Puppy Life!

Now to wash a dog - help Nathan pack and do some work. Puppies are fast asleep from a 20 minute stint outside. They sleep and sleep after such.

Pool Time or Not?

The crew is excited that there is no rain this afternoon. They are totally confused about it - as am I but excited. I swear this is the summer that wasn't.

Daddy's going to hang out with the crew and I am going to hog the puppies and catch up on work.

He's busy this week so he needs to get it and so do the dogs before this weather changes.

How are you coping with the rain? Better yet - how does your Havanese like the rain? Some want to get sopping wet - others don't want their feet wet. Yep - just like people. hahahaha

Treasured Pups

Treasure ADORES the pups and they seem to enjoy her too. We are just starting to introduce them to the pack. Can't wait to take them outside but it won't be tomorrow - rain - rain - and more rain.

Well, today we gave baths to Kat (greased him up) and Abigail. Tomorrow Wasabi and maybe the pups. It's not that they need it - but it's part of our conditioning. We shall see.

We had a cancellation in August for boarding. So - we still have a couple of spots open. Let us know.

We are hoping August is hot, hot hot so we can do the pool with the pups. I bet you Treasure will be jumping in for that!

What can you do when it rains? Play hide and seek with the dawgs - games of fetch - find the treat - learn a new trick or a new command. Get creative. We have had a LOT of rain so take advantage of it and get your dog to enjoy the rain. I know the puppies will love it but watch - no rain when we finally get them out - you just watch!

Treasure Visits Flurry

Treasure was at a show today and although she didn't place (she's our star always), we always try to reward her with something fun. Today it was visiting Flurry at Yvonne's house before she went to her forever home tomorrow - not Treasure - Flurry.

Boy did Treasure have a blast.

Today was the first day that we left the pups and all the dogs in the care of our 20 something old son. He did an amazing job. It was thanks to him that we were able to visit Yvonne, do a dog show and visit Penny and her pups. Penny's pups are 4 weeks Monday and ours are 4 weeks tonight and early Sunday.

We came home to many kisses - exhausted and knowing it's almost bedtime - well not really but it sure feels like it. Can't wait to snuggle and sleep with the entire crew except Wasabi who tends to stay watch on the pups. Pups..well we will fill you in on Talemaker Puppy Life.

Havenese Silly Talk

Did you know baby talk that dog owners often use when speaking to the family pooch allows the animals to be "socially stimulated" -- just like kids.

So all you men who think us females are a tad crazy when we talk to our Havanese in that cutsie fashion ought to try it themselves. I do know for a fact that when you do talk that cute talk to your dogs and forget about what others think, your Havanese reacts in such a positive way that it makes it easier each time.

When we started showing dogs in the ring, it wasn't until Yvonne took one of the crew in and started talking silly talk to her that we saw a huge difference in the way the Havanese was receptive to what you wanted them to do. Suddenly the whole body was showing happiness and that tail wagged like no tomorrow.

They are each different but dogs do benefit from 'silly' talk and so do you whether you like to believe it or not. Just releasing your silliness allows laughter - lifts your mood and gets your Havanese looking forward to spending more silly times with you. The bond is like no other.

One day I was in an obedience class with a bunch of dogs and one of our Havanese and I did my silly talk - saying how great mine was for doing what I asked. My voice was different than normal. It was a different pitch and it was totally distracting to the dog next to us. He wanted to participate in this silliness. The owner, who is one of our puppy people recognized it.

So - don't discount silliness. Humans and Havanese both need it in their lives. Laughter extends our lives and allows us to put aside all the seriousness that life has to offer. Find your inner child and enjoy life. It's about time. Your dawg and your spouse or significant other will thank you for it!

Besides, men who are able to connect with their dogs this way - well us females find them highly attractive.

When Nathan steps into the ring - rain or shine these days, the dog that is with him knows he is enjoying, relaxing, being silly and enjoying the dance with it's Havanese at the moment. So, wouldn't you want to be in the ring if that was the dance partner you had - one that found it to be fun?

Grandmotherly Times & Pups

Little by little I have been taking the pups out and letting the other dogs sniff. Risa (the grandma to the pups) has a huge fascination and knows what the pups are about.

Treasure is in awe. Fiona - when one attempts to lick her jumps back. Abigail - well she thinks wow.

Today, it rained and rained and so instead we had quick times outside getting soaked and brushed and inside times getting acquainted with the pups. Its' so nice watching the reaction.

Are we going to have fun when they are 4+ weeks old. I can't wait and neither can the dogs here - waiting till they get old enough.

It's a Dawg Day

How do you teach patience? We are still trying to do so. When it comes to eating, Treasure does flips waiting for her food. The gal adores eating. She's never first getting her bowl. She's actually one of the last ones to get hers - on purpose.

That's okay. It works to our benefit in the ring.

Treasure has started noticing Kat these days and is busy trying to tear his hair out. That's a no no on a show dog so we practice 'no bark' and 'no bite' more than the usual. The thing about Treasure is she is a dog that tests you.

You say 'no bark' and she lets out one more bark. You say 'no bite' and she grabs one more time just to say she can. She's called our 'step over the line' dog. If you like this personality - it's a true joy. If you give her rules and boundaries - she thrives but she also tries to get her last bark in - so to speak. She heels perfectly. She shows beautifully. She makes you laugh till your sides ache at times but if you didn't tell her and remind her what the rules are..she may not be so cute.

Dogs thrive with a clear understanding of what the rules are. Letting them be in charge of the house is not a wise thing. But when we see dogs of size and they are doing cute things - it's easy to laugh and ignore but you shouldn't.

I call this the two c's. Consistency is a must and courage to ignore the cuteness factor. hehehe

Messy Havanese Times

Doesn't mom ever groom us? Okay, she groomed me oh 3 minutes ago and I can't help but try to not look groomed the 2nd she finishes. It's my job, you know.

What do you do if you have this type of a dog?

One that likes to shove her head into things and tunnels all to give her that 'do that's less than ah...combed?

Well, laugh about it. It's one of the many things that you will find delightful with the Havanese.

Today the crew was playing like crazy with Louis. He has this way about him. It's a chase me game and he is good at it. He does it inside and out. At times all you can hear is the pitter patter of feet all over the house. It's a riot then they do it outside - under decks, up and down walks - every which way. They do believe in having fun!

Where's the Pups?

Terra would really like to see the pups but at this point, the usual around this place at this stage is Mom puts out a call of - I am stressed by barking when someone comes over and the troops rally around her or go into a mode to protect the pups. This is rather usual when you have a pack of dogs. They each have their supporting roles.

As the pups are not as vulnerable and walking around, Wasabi will relax and not worry they will get hurt. It's the new mom syndrome to protect her kids (pups).

After 5 to 6 weeks, the pups have been out daily, they will see various people and have had a variety of experiences and mom relaxes. Remember your own getting older and you relax more? Well, pups grow up much faster than the human kids so the process is faster.

It's going to be funny to see Kat watch the kids swim. About 7 weeks or so - we will begin the process. It's going to be fun. To learn more about the crew and their weights, read Talemaker Puppy Life.

Tail End Havanese Daze

It's the Tail end of the day. Mom has been busy washing 2 dogs before they go home - doing my usual grooming of each dog. The Zack and Coco are gone and it's a quieter place around here with just Louis and our usual crew.

Pups are growing - getting cuter by the minute. The weather is lousy but next week heat stroke time - yeah right.

But next week - maybe by Sunday we will take the pups out. Now that will be fun...in the backyard of course but still new environments.

Shhh Treasure thinks she is all that. She told me. ROFL

Shoshi just lies down and sighs...the young whipper snapper - she thinks...

News, Grooming, Photo Taking & More

Louis says to Kat - did you hear Treasure took breed in her last show? Did you hear Downsey got more points today - exciting but Mommy had to stay with us and the pups. She had to do this crazy hair tie on my head - groom all the dogs, clean the pool, do the poop patrol - yuck, pull weeds and practice 'no bark.

We have recently had many dogs introduced to the neighbourhood and if caught early with a gruff voice, you can get them to not bark but they may test you each time they hear a dog from afar. Today I practiced it throughout the day that by afternoon they looked at me pointing a finger and stopped. I don't accomplish it by anything but a gruff voice and catching it early but most of all being consistent. When I reach a level where all I have to do is point, I need to practice it when the door bell rings. I suspect that will be a tad tougher.

Our issue is Wasabi has pups so when folks come over - new dogs come in etc. - Wasabi calls the pack to protect her. How do they? - barking. I get why they are doing it but its not agreeable, So - we are practicing. Are you?

This evening I fed 12 dogs all in the same room without anyone stealing. Oh, we had dogs that tried by looking innocent and stealing a morsel that fell on the floor but beyond that - they waited in hopes I went away. I don't. I just tell them to get back to their own bowl - and yes they listen. You too can do this if you have multiple dogs.

How? By being consistent. It's human nanture not to be - so it takes work...sigh.

Havanese Louis Visit

Louis - an old time boarder came over with a new haircut. I think it looks smashing. When Fiona is done showing...hmmmm They are about the same size. What was interesting is Louis has a lot of grey overtone and grey on his face.

Louis tends to get along with everyone. He is so highly socialized that he knows how to react to all types of dogs. His parents take him to the park daily.

Louis is a Tiny/Paris pup and perhaps he will get to see his mom while he is here. He will be here til late August 2nd.

Louis is always a wonderful addition to the crew no matter who is here visiting. He's one of those calming dogs.

Treasure is off to a show this weekend just for Saturday. Nathan is taking her for one day events just to keep her feet wet before she heads to Chicago in August. She decided to jump in the pool. You got that right - jump in the pool. She needed a bath but NOT this early.

Internet Down: The Havs Life

Well, someone attempted to send Nathan a HUGE file and it brought us down. No Internet all day. We are finally back up and collecting mail and responding as fast as we can.

But that's okay. We got pool time in - loving time with the dawgs and we are enjoying the puppy breath and the pups walking better and better as each day goes by. They are also growing leaps and bounds.

Tomorrow is a busy day. Louis is coming. We have Treasure getting washed for her show Saturday. Nathan packed for the trip. He's gone late Friday till late Saturday. Zack and Coco going home Sunday...sniff.

I looked out across the pool today and said that bag of weeds and clippings HAS to go. It's been sitting there for so long - well okay just this week but that's our priorities. Plus...shh I think it's rained so it may have to be rebagged.

Check out our slide show on Talemaker Puppy Life for the latest pix of the pups.

Kat's demeanor is now as if he has had the best massage in the world. He's relaxed. Nothing to worry about - no gals in heat. Ahhh...life is back to normal...whatever normal is.