Springtime Havanese Moments

You know how they say 'blame Canada' - well this is blame Pat. hahahahaha

Okay - so we stuck some real lilies out in the snow as Nathan is allergic (one son bought them for me as a b-day present) and then took this photo.

What you didn't see is that they then proceeded to attack it and had stamen and leaf colour, a bright green, all over their face. They were quickly placed in the trash (the flowers - not the dawgs) but with Pat telling us her hubby had to mow their lawn - and us with this snow - well I couldn't help myself.

Ah - Havanese love among the flowers!

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!

Sebastian Stylin It

Here's a photo of Sebastian, one of Wasabi's pups. It took me so long as I am learning how to mask properly and had some feet on both sides to take out. One of his packmates feet and one of the human kind. I still need some practice so forgive me.

Sebastian has some All Systems invisible gel in so he can see and he has gorgeous eyes.

All you need to do is stick a face comb in it, shake off the excess and comb it back or where you want the hair to go. I use it with Katsuro as his hair is growing out. His hair is already starting to go back that way without the gel as it trains to go in a certain direction. I will continue till it totally falls that way.

Sebastian is going to be visiting us next for a sleepover - fun in the Talemaker house and we can't wait. It's sort of a let down when the guests go home as the pack tends to chill and get in a more quiet mode - even the youngins' that usually run around like banshees in the morning. They are doing it less today. The party left...and we are BORED mommy so get creative.

More later...

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.

Havanese Benny & Canine Mom Mixing It Up

Just had to share a couple of photos of Risa mixing it up with her son Benny (Katsuro's Brother). They were playing non-stop.

Benny came to us way hesitant with mixing it up with the pack and that's unusal around here so we were hoping by pick up, his owners could hear how great of a time he had with us.

We strive to give the dawgs the very best time while they are here. Having them find their balance is really important to us. If they are happy - well it surely makes us happy.

Yesterday Abigail was mixing it up with Benny and this fine morning, Miss Risa - who doesn't play unless she really feels she likes the dawg was having a roaring good time with him.

Here's a shot of Risa pouncing at Benny getting him to engage in play. She's flying through the air at him. They did this nonstop and it was a back and forth and I do believe Benny was really having a grand time, as was Risa.

It's hard to get good photos with my camera with lots of movement but we try so ignore the blur and enjoy.

Did you ever get that camera, Beth? If so, gad I envy you. To get clean photos in action...ah well. Nathan's going to tell me to stop whining and I deserve THAT! ROFL

Well, we try. These are Nathan's attempts at capturing these really special moments and they are to us. Woudl have loved a closer photo of Risa in mid-air but you still get the point.

Here you can barely see Benny reciprocating doing a play bow back. He was full out and out playing with the grand dam - his canine mommy. It was fun to watch.

Rememember you can click any photo to enlarge them.

This photo of Benny was taken by Nathan through our window. We had just came back in and they wanted to stay out and then the play began and we didn't want to interrupt it. So, we got the photos we did and the memories - well are keepers.

So, some play last night - Jonathan becoming his person and Risa engaging him in play. All is right in Benny's world and therefore ours.

The Havanese Day Begins

The trio is at it and the rest of the dawgs are sleeping in including Benny and his dawgie mom Risa, Benny took a real liking to our youngest son Jonathan. He's actually still sleeping in late with him as we so type. Something about Jon, he just wanted to be with. All the dawgies love Jonathan and Dennis.

Soon we will be waking the rest of the crew up, feeding them and going to the 'All About Pet Show' while Dennis watches them.

Louis goes home tonight or tomorrow, Benny is with us till the 25th - the day after the human female's b-day. Another day older...no smoke meat sandwiches from Center Street Deli, dear. ROFL

Will fill you in more as the day goes on and the camera clicks away. We even will post a photo of Sebastian stylin' where you can see his eyes. What eyes he has!

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.

Training Never Stops

If you think of it, if you add something new at least once a month in the lifetime of your dog, can you imagine how you could wow your friends and you too?

Here is Miss Abs looking quite smashing getting ready to do some one on one lead time outside. What that means is she has to stand on the correct side, walk beside and not everywhere she wants. We have stopped doing long leads - play and do what you want. Next week or two handling classes will begin.

Fiona is a tad more reluctant to do the heeling practice but she is younger and has less practice. She has yet to get really excited about this lead business stuff.

It tells me how important it is to be consistent. Life gets in the way and we often don't make the time to do this daily but we must.

Here's an idea:
Let's teach our dogs to do a wave.

1. With the dog in a sit position hide a treat in your hand. Hold it down low.

2. Encourage the dog to 'get it' and give the command 'wave.' Reward the dog when his foot comes off the ground.

3. When the dog starts touching your hand with his paw, stand up and start moving further away each time.

4. Once the dog is doing well, stand far enough away so the dog can't touch you. Give the signal and command then reward when it is done right.

Let me know how it goes.

Big Dawg Play

We always manage to mix it up each day and make sure the crew really get their one on one time and play. At times we even manage to catch it on camera. Nathan was good enough to capture this shot this fine, chilly morning.

As I am standing outside, the thought - this is spring chillingly comes to mind.

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

Then I turn around with the camera now in my hand and Nathan is telling the Abs to STOP eating the plants.

Come spring like weather, those lovely shrubs that Nathan hates but really needs to be there to have some backdrop to the pool - well they won't be there.

Risa and Fiona was out riding the rails of the fence ignoring the rest - perhaps scavenging for hidden treasures. argh

As the snow melts, make sure you clean up as the snow fell fast and you may have missed something. We tend to always go out with ours, praise, clean-up and plain just have fun.

Today we have Louis till Saturday night late or Sunday. Tomorrow Bennie comes. It's exciting times. We may even go to the Pet show for a short jaunt. (hint hint to Nathan)

Louis has really found his nitch with the puppies. As usual, Abigail always persists till they relent - in a good way. Here you can see Louis on top of Abs. They have been playing for hours already.

We had mushy snuggles last night in bed where Abigail tunnels under the blankets and Fiona pounces and now Louis pounces too. What fun...and we love it. Someday I have to remember to bring the camera to bed with us - hahahahaha

More later as the day goes. Keep warm. We have training, heeling and all sorts of things to do.

A Louis Havanese In Our Life

We just adore having Louis visit. As you can see, he adores being here too. One should all have a little Louis in their lives.

He's going to be with us till Saturday late or Sunday so we will have a lot of tales to tell.

Louis is a Paris' (now known as Gidget) son.

Do dogs smile? Oh yes and they can smile in different ways to mean different things. The photo below is Fiona's - oooh am I going to have a bit of fun trouble here - and gee I relish doing so.

While out back, Fiona was seen smiling her mischievous little smile waiting to pounce on the newcomer - wanting to play her heart out. She can't help herself - lending delight to the moments we derive from the Havanese antics.

Nothing like more than one and if you pay attention...wow!

What - Havanese That Reads Ahem Paper

Really mommy, I am a treasure - really! It's 530am when I took this photo - (in the dark, I might add and that's why it's so flash exposed) of Fiona doing her part in digesting the newsprint. We want her to bring the newspaper to us but funny thing, it just can't seem to make it.

Havanese ADORE paper and sometimes we indulge. If a toilet paper or paper towel is down to the cardboard - we sometimes throw it down to let them have fun in tearing it apart into millions of pieces. We also throw down an empty water bottle as they like the noise that makes. It's funny the ones that they naturally like and others they don't.

I know it doesn't feel that way but the thunderstorms will be coming and I truly believe in 'slow conditioning' so I will be finding storm bytes online (just search on Storm sounds in google) and playing them low in the background and slowing raising the level. You probably think that's nuts and how could you stand doing such a thing or how do you have time? Well, not every dawg is sensitive to storms but those that are - well, I do not believe anything should be trapped in fear. If you can slow condition it out, well, you've done a great thing, imho.

More later from the stormy, paper strewn Talemaker Havanese home.

Visit to Chicadoro's (Yvonne's)

Well, the siblings got together and I will have to let Nathan fill you in on that.

He did tell me the snow was almost at the top of their fence - yeouch!

We hope the Wasabi woo isn't missing us as much as we miss her already but Katsuro is calming down and soon we shall see her.

Here's a picture of Fiona's sister taken today at Yvonnes. Look at those colours. I hear tell she also has Fiona's personality so watch out!

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

Wasabi Goes On Holiday

Miss Abs likes to mix it up with Fiona every chance she gets. Take a look at this face in midstream of doing just that.

The duo has gone to visit Yvonne with Nathan and Wasabi but Wasabi will remain till she is past her heat. It became intolerable - yet again - sleeping separate, whining, crying for her and panting, not eating nor sleeping. It meant I didn't get a heck of a lot of sleep. Next place we live, there has to be a live-in solution - such as a different wing - ROFL. Get that lottery ticket, dear!

I asked daddy to take photos of Abs, Fiona and her sister so I could post something. Good thing I called as he was about to leave and not take a single photo. Men...I tell you. Well, I am hoping I see a good photo out of what he takes but I suspect I get what I will get.

It's back to being quiet again after 98 minutes of panting, searching, jumping, whining and now he is sleeping. It's much quicker than the last frustrated time for him. Perhaps he is improving or getting conditioned - sigh. His time will come. ha!

Well, more later after we hear about the visit hoping Yvonne is feeling better than she has in the last 2 weeks. You are a gem for doing this, lady!

Wasabi and Kat

I was just flipping through a few pictures we've accumulated over the years and I came across this one of Wasabi and Katsuro when Kat was about 5 months old. They are both lying on the security cover we have on top of our swimming pool, which is bolted down in about 50 places. I can walk on it. When there is no snow on it, the dogs bounce over it as if they are on a trampoline. For those of you with dogs and a pool I strongly recommend you get this kind of security cover for the winter.

Nathan

Remy Graduates

Well, we just got back from watching Remy at class but they finished early. Arrrgh - wouldn't you know it!

We were told he did everything perfectly and we expected he would. I do believe that Wasabi is proud of the little ones and we are too!

It's amazing hearing and watching their milestones.

It was great seeing the entire family. It was also great to see Katsuro out and about with a distraction.

We will have to connect after Wasabi comes back from her lazing in the snowdrifts at Yvonne's place. Maybe we can convince John to bring the fierce-some twosome over as well.

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.

Last Class Results

Well, this was the last class of this round for Miss Abs and Sebastian.

The results are.... well click on the photo here to see a larger one and you will see 2 ribbons and his certificate for most improved. I have to say, Mr. Sebastian really brought it home. If Miss Abs had to lose out, well it couldn't have been to a better dawg.

We are so tickled to death when we see our dawgs go to homes that put their all into them and get them to be all they can be. Bravo - human and C-bass the dawg from the Talemaker crew.

We will fill you in on Miss Abs later. She did down and MOST things but heeling, running - :-) Miss Abs will be starting handling soon. We are thinking *I* may be the problem having mommy there.

We get to see Talemaker's Remy tomorrow on his last class. Can't wait.

More later and have you checked out the auction yet?