Meeting of the Noses

You meet all sorts of friendly faces at all sorts of places. Here, Treasure was touching noses with a Beardie. This is a correct meet and greet and if you notice, both were ever so relaxed.

Treasure and Abigail was at handling class and tomorrow it will be Fiona and Abigail's turn.

It gives them practice but it also gets them out and about.

We have a busy week - and a show this weekend.

Then we wait and find out if the Wasabi is pregnant and with all the ties, I would be very surprised if she wasn't. But we won't know till the very end of the month so stay tuned...

Kat and Lola puppies will be making their debut any day now. We can't wait!

Tomorrow....rain...sigh or so they say...

Visiting Friends: Havanese Style

Remember Lil' Man? He's now known as Milo!

Well we went to see his human pack leaders, Helen and Suzi and Milo of course and then lo and surprise, they got a Bichon called Hugo to keep Milo in line or is that keep the humans in line or???

Well, you know these precious little ones. They tend to wrap you around their fingers and look at you with those eyes, and it's all over.

Here, Treasure was hanging out on Helen's shoulder doing her neck warming job of playing, cuddling and standing on high and Helen was kind enough to accommodate her.

Isn't it wonderful to spend time with like minded people who adore their dogs?

Milo just had the snip, snip so he gave us loving but he also was a tad more subdued than usual.

Wouldn't you be if you were snipped, snipped?

I know *I* would be....

Milo couldn't wait to introduce us to his new pack mate, Hugo. We have a feeling Hugo is going to be a delightful playmate for Milo who is a dog who just adores mucking it up with him. It was really nice to see.

Of course Suzi and Helen was way too generous as usual offering us pastries that were delightful and fruit and coffee. Oh my - will my stomach ever fit into a bathing suit.

Then Nathan just had to stop to get that fatty, smoked meat sandwich that is to die for - oh well - tomorrow is another day. Besides - if Wasabi is preggie - who has time for such things.

Shows, puppies - gracious puppy lovin' friends - how much better can it get? I know - a crazy partner (husband/wife) that loves the dawgs as much as you do.

I'm Going to Get You Havanese Style

Who says big dogs can't play with little dogs just fine? Treasure just adores her Terra and I can understand why. She has the patience unlike any others despite Treasure acting like the puppy she is. She yanks on Terra. She jumps at her till she says okay, I will play and I do believe she loves it!

Are two dogs better than one? You bet but 2 Havanese can do that famous run-like-hell game unlike any other but still the Terra tries - and oh does she try.

The weather is getting better and it's time to take photos. Look for photo opportunities. You will be glad you did!

Havanese Communications

More dogs die as a result of behavior problems than all preventable medical problems combined. Frustrated owners simply give up, and their untrained dogs often end up in animal shelters with uncertain fates. Luckily there is a Havanese rescue but the answer is to find a way to make it work - not give up or you will be wondering why things happen as they did.

Part of the problem lies in miscommunication. It's easier than you think to teach your Havanese the wrong thing. Well meaning owners do it all the time. We've all seen owners yell and yell for a dog to come as the dog blissfully ignores the command, madly chasing squirrels instead. When finally the dog comes, the frustrated owner may pop the dog on the nose and yell some more. The message? Would you go to somebody who might hit and yell at you? Consistent training and positive reinforcement with treats and praise work a lot better to enforce the right message.

Teaching a dog proper behavior means knowing how to correct him when he does something inappropriate. There are both good and bad ways to correct your Havanese. Owners should avoid spanking, kicking, rubbing his nose in it, or yelling at a dog. Besides rarely communicating the message the owner intends, this type of correction can cause even more behavior problems.

If you spank your Havanese for going to the bathroom inside, the message is, don't do it when I'm looking. Havanese are intelligent but they need to know what you are asking.

A common history in dogs with behavior problems is that they are not walked regularly. Owners may have difficulty walking a dog that pulls or barks, so walks become less and less frequent. A Havanese that is not exercised regularly will find other -- often destructive -- ways to vent his energy. That's why teaching your Havanese to walk calmly on a leash is so important. If your Havanese pulls on the leash, change directions suddenly. Whoever determines the direction has leadership. The idea is to interrupt the bad behavior and praise the good.

Learning to communicate with your Havanese is complicated. But when it comes to your Havanese, a little patience and consistent training will earn you years of enjoyment. Enroll in a local training class to master the communication tools you need to make the most of your relationship with your Havanese. You will create a bond and learn how to achieve the 'desired' behaviors you are looking for.

Not all schools are equal. Ask others that have attended or visit an ongoing class and then join. If you practice what you learn, you will end up with an amazing Havanese doing what you want it to with personality thrown in.

Teeth & the Havanese

I am a puppy so my teeth are still coming out and new ones are coming in. My teeth are rather white but what if you have an adult with plaque? What should you do?

Someone who follows the blog mentioned that they took their nail and scraped it off - well you can do that and many a show person does. It surely beats going to the vet to be put under.

The tartar can be irritating to the gums and can cause an inflammation called gingivitis. This can be seen as reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It also causes bad breath. At this point it is necessary to remove the tartar with a special instrument called a scaler - that works much like your fingernail does. Problem with this method is it works but it also doesn't polish the teeth. If plaque is bad, you may still want to have it done at your vets office. They not only clean them but polish them.

But if you are simply trying to stay on top of the issue, you can brush daily, use a scaler to take off minor plaque and/or use a product called Leba. Leba works but it is pricey.

What else can you do? Bones - chewing on bones helps scrape the plaque of naturally and most times it does an excellent job.

Well, today was bath time for some - hang out time with daddy outside but now it's raining yet again.

Now where is that sun? The lack of it surely didn't stop this play.

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!

Handling Class: Socialization

When you go to handling classes, you meet all sorts of dogs, from big to large to SUPER large. It's a great way to socialize and slow condition your dog to all sort of breeds.

It takes time to do classes with your dogs but it can be ever so rewarding. It doesn't matter what type of class - from obedience to tricks, to agility to handling - it's all fun but you do have to practice in between.

Today, I did day 2 of exercise, planted plants in the rain and the dogs got muddy and wet. Then had a backup and cleaned out the laundry room - wow - huge mess then handling class and oh yeah I did lots of work too. I know Fiona has knots from today so guess what I am doing next...sigh --- and that bed is calling me - and you?

Craziness at Talemaker Havanese

I woke up and exercised today as I need to get back into that groove - the you know - nothing fits groove so I have no choice and it's HOT and why did I wait so long. But that's okay - Nathan is doing the same running around the backyard like a banshee with the pack and walking the entire pack two by two - the usual.

We have a weekend home doing nothing but dawgs and gardening, I suppose.

Running with the dogs is grand fun. Why don't you give it a try? Maybe all this exercise won't kill us and we will become healthy - yeah - right - and you?

Talemaker Havanese Brags

We had a busy weekend this week with good company and fun moments - like Fiona's sister getting her first 2 points this weekend.

We are excited for Yvonne BIGTIME! Fiona thinks her sister is so fabulous dahlink!

Treasure and Fiona and Nathan had a fab weekend - Fiona finishing her championship - which isn't all that easy to do - it just looks easy to some, I might add and Treasure collecting enough points now to put her halfway to her championship at 6 months old.

You can't show them till 6months and Treasure just turned that.

One thing that has become evident that this showing is a roller coaster ride. You are excited as everything comes together or you are shaking your head wondering what went wrong or you are realizing you are always on a learning curve or all the above. There's more to show handling that putting a lead on a dog.

You have to do classes to perfect your skill and just when you think everything is perfect, the real show comes around, a balloon pops - the judge doesn't see what you do, your competition leaves a show early so you don't get points needed - and then some.

Then of course there is the grooming and that's a learning curve unto itself. It's not easy. You make a lot of mistakes and learn from them. But you get there you think and then you learn some more and you are always perfecting and that is what is true in the ring as well.

What is evident in this photo above is Nathan has a good time with his dogs. He laughs in the ring, he has a great attitude and it shows.

None of this is easy and not all dogs are meant to be show dogs. Some are meant to romp and be dawgs - perhaps get into rally or agility and just enjoy life but some dogs - well they just think this runway stuff is all that. I don't get it but it's true. Not all dogs in the ring have that something extra that makes you smile but some are born with it - some grow into it and some have better things to do. None of that is right or wrong. It's just life.

Thank you for allowing us to brag as we are so very proud of Nathan and his gals. They are everything to us and they make me proud.

Now that Fiona is a champion, I can woo her over to my side. tee hee... I can hear Nathan saying - not likely but we shall see. It's hard for me as I have to love them, care for them but try not to allow them to get too close as a bond with a handler and their dog can make all the difference in it all but when they achieve that championship, you can decide to go on and special them or be proud and find another passion for them and have fun.

I just adore the Havanese and those that do not have one or two in their lives (we have 7), well you don't know what you are missing. It's hard to explain but it's truly amazing.

Thanks again - and now for more shows and more challenges and more ups and downs and on to perfecting our skills I gather. That's life!

To Crate or Not Your Havanese

Some people think of crates as a cage and I guess as a human we perceive it that way and some dogs do not like it but maybe we are impressing on them our own feelings? We make sure all our puppies are comfie with crates by putting one in with them with an open door early on. This way if they ever have to stay over night at a vets, they have their comfort level. We also leave them open under our desks and use them at dog shows when I am doing two or more dogs. This way, one can sit safely while I am grooming the other but I don't walk away and leave them in it.

I will never feel safe just walking away at a show and leaving them in one. I would rather walk them around with me. Pros with many dogs have to but we will never be at that stage.

But what if you don't do dog shows? Well, I find with toys in it, my dogs LOVE their crates but I use it as a bed - a retreat and they rather like that. You will always find one or two hanging out in one just because they want to be close and have the cushy comfort.
Our dogs sleep on our beds, lounge on our couches and chairs and enjoy all the comforts but we owe them to get them to feel that a crate is safe. That way, if they are ill and have to stay in one, well a crate will be comfort not stress.

One hopes they never get ill but you never know.

Fiona Gets Her Championship

Just had to share that Nathan and Fiona got their championship. I say that as it was Nathan training her every step of the way and making that connection with the Fiona.

I am truly proud of this duo. Now Fiona gets to be a dawg and only be taken out to have some fun - when she wants to.

PS: The bad parents that we are - well we indulged her with chicken and part of a milkshake. She deserved every bit of it - so did Nathan.

Huge thanks goes to Yvonne of Chicadoro in entrusting us with this delicate beauty. She certainly has a mind of her own and that lovely scat, scat is - well it's precious. Thanks for letting us brag...

Katsura's State of Mind

This is what happens to a male Havanese that has lost his mind as his gal Wasabi is in heat. Boys - what can we do with them and lord knows we certainly can't do much without them. Besides - they are so bloody cute.

Okay human - isn't it time to brush this cutie?

Well, we had a day - the human daddy was painting. I was getting ready for a show and doing much online work.

Tomorrow - baths for the youngsters so they can look pretty at the show. Wish us luck...

Playing Havanese Wet Stylin'

With all these wet times that spring brings - I should be going - oh no - its raining but I get my camera out and click away and enjoy and worry about the dirt and muck later.

They come in wet and mucky, I take towels, put them in my lap and brush away unless the mud is so thick that I have to dip their feet and underside in water.

Dogs have to be allowed to be dogs even when you have show dogs. It makes the process harder but it does our hearts good to know they are emotionally balanced and having a grand time.

Havanese can and do swim - not all like it but many of ours do. We tend to make sure the pups swim if we have a litter in the summer to get them lovin' it. But at this time of the year, they run on top of our safety cover - all of the dogs and create this trampoline effect. It's fun to listen to and watch. Nathan even walks on it so we know if its safe for him, it's safe for the dogs.

This will be Treasures first summer. I can't wait to see if we have another swimmer. Are you in that summer state of mind? I can't get into it - yet! Shows to do - championships to achieve - and much more exciting times are in store.

Pack Leader: Havanese

Treasure and her sticks - oh my - spring begins and will my garden ever survive?

Here's an interesting philosophy of being the pack leader. Some believe that you need to calm your dogs, walk in front - not allow them to play or jump or act crazy on a walk. We tend to control the walk but we also allow them to enjoy. So - who really is in charge?

If you have a dog trying to pull and do everything they want but not what you want - try this.

If your dog is pulling or acting out while you are walking, stop and just stand there calmly till they calm down. That first walk may take a long time especially if you have to keep standing there till they calm down but eventually they will 'get' that if they want to go anywhere, they must do so in a calm and relaxed state. Why do it this way? It beats struggling with them and by leaving the frustration behind you, you convey to your Havanese what you expect and it puts you in charge - as it should be. I am not saying don't allow them to sniff but do so when you want - when you have the time.

Back to stick eating Talemaker Havanese style - and how do we stop that!!!!! heh

Neutering Your Havanese

Why neuter your Havanese?

Some say - why should I do such a thing but there are many reasons you should - least of all having to lock the raving maniac up when a gal is in heat - well not literally but they stop eating at times - their tongue is down to their knees - well it looks like it but it really isn't and you really need to know what you are doing. You also do not want to be around a male that has only one thing on his mind - do you? Plus - if you do it right - between health testing, training, showing etc - well there's only love in it.

Wasabi is in heat so Daddy gave him steak juice on his food or he would never eat today. He's on a mission but Wasabi is not ready and he knows it - he just doesn't want her to go anywhere - so he follows her around like he's in love.

It's okay. In a day or two he will get his wish and we will mate the two. Then hopefully in a couple of months - puppies - and we can't wait to smell that puppy breath. Dreamin' Talemaker style!

Shows, Oster Dryers & Conditioning

Fiona had a good weekend. She didn't start out liking the shows but she now sees the benefit of going and being the only one. She used to not like the noises but with slow conditioning - she's past that.

We came home today and fell fast asleep - well I did. Will I sleep tonight - who knows but I was WIPED! Shows are very tiring.

I also bought an Oster dryer tabletop from Rens and the prices went up $45 but we got it for the price we ordered it from when we pointed out it was still on the site at the cheaper price. I would have said forget it and tried to get it elsewhere though they toted they are going up everywhere as Oster increased the prices - cute in this economy.

Look at Fiona's face - now she's happy in the ring and that's the only way we would do this. Our dogs - well how they feel matters.

Wasabi is also in heat so we are crossing our fingers we will have puppies this summer. We are hopeful!

So, next week when I am doing two dogs - ooops this week for the show - well I will be drying 2 sides at once.

It seems my boarding $$ goes to helping the dawgs one way or another and helping me but any dog likes to be finished faster when it comes to drying and now they can be. I am jazzed!!!

Having Fun With Your Havanese

We just got back home and we had a judge that said they enjoyed Nathan enjoying his dog in the ring and this says it all. If you can't truly have fun - what is the sense of it.

We got to see Sylvie (wish we had more time to talk) and then she disappeared or maybe we did - not sure which. We did have to go into town and Fiona got WAY dirty so now it's time for another bath and do this all again tomorrow.

Well of to make bubbles in the tub...and hoping we are home early enough to enjoy this beautiful weather.

Havanese: Do They Have Memories?

Ever wonder what your dog remembers? There used to be a school of thought that dogs lived in the moment and the only way they remember how to do things is from repetitive acts but many scientists have dispelled this thought. Many a Havanese owner have always thought that their pets not only remember people, places and things but are emotionally intelligent as well. I am one of these and I will tell you why.

I can teach a certain set of commands and not use it again for a year or two and suddenly, depending on the dog, they will do it again perfectly on command especially if we had fun with it.

I have a theory on this. I believe that a dog remembers things that put an imprint on them. This is why you hear stories of remembering owners years later.

When our puppies come back for boarding, we find they are highly attracted to the upstairs whelping room and seem confused on why the pen is not up next to my desk. (It's only up when we have puppies. Is it smell? Or did we somehow make an imprint on them that they want to remember? You tell me.

What makes us thoroughly happy is when a puppy goes to a new home and they get very excited to see us and then when their new owners come to retrieve them, they get so excited to see them too.

We are asked over and over - but will he still want to come home after playing with us and our crew? We equate life here as a holiday for the dogs. They have an amazing time but when all is said and done, just like us, there's no place like home.

But then that old memory - imprint thing happens and they come again and get excited for their next visit.

What's the point of all of this? Well - think about creating memories for you and yours. You will be glad you did!

Wasabi is Miffed

Well that Daddy I hear went to see Yvonne and here I am waiting to go into this heat state that I need to be in to get preggie. Well, I am in it but still early.

I do love to go to Yvonne's too!

So, maybe I will throw everything into a fritz with these dawg shows my parents are going to and Daddy will have to learn how to groom. Oh boy - are we in for interesting times and all due to little old me.

We will let you know how that works out.

Now that I am all clean - thanks again, Mommy - I will try to help Mommy plant some plants that preggie Lola's mom gave us.

Fun Havanese Style

Treasure really is a treasured soul and likes to eat her human daddy's ears. She does it in a way that makes that human laugh and laugh.

How does one try to watch TV when your little one is doing this?

Today was a wonderfully warm day for spring and the last of our visitors went home - Milo. Sassy and Coach went home the day before and Louis as well. We had a full house - a delightful ball of Havanese fun.

Before Milo went home, he rolled 5 ways to Sunday with Treasure to make sure he didn't appear clean after I bathed him. That's what life at Talemaker Havanese is like and hey - would you want it to be any other way? Not us.

Have fun - let your havs help with the gardening. You will either laugh or pull your hair out. Let me know which one.