Havanese Puppy Education

We are practicing our growls. You say WHAT - yes, our growls. When our dogs bark at the door, we find the leader, say no bark and growl but you have to sound like you mean it. Consistency helps. A quick bark to warn you is a good thing but not if they continue - well at least for us.

We have a dog in the neighbourhood that howls all day long and our dawgs think it's their job to warn us about it.

Daddy was out this morning getting chicken to make for us and the doggies - spoiled lovees that they are.

Miss Abs is adjusting to the leash and daddy has been going out with her once a day. Let's see how she does in class in TWO days. Will she remember. Will she shine or will she forget it all?

We hear that Remy is now in classes - bravo! Here's a photo that his parents shared with us. We miss the precious guy. Nice to hear how the crew is doing.

More later...

Windy Havanese Moments

The dawgs need baths - the wind is blowing fierce and our dawgs are loving it.

But for some, the wind is an unknown and when it is this strong, it may throw them off a bit creating a fear. Be sure to not make an issue of it if they do react and be creative on ways to make the experience positive and a fun one.

For our old dawg - it throws her off but we offer distractions, act as if it's an enjoyable thang that is going on and it all works. Realize your dawgs react from your state of mind. If you are tense, they are. Practice your yoga chants - if you must - hahahaha and stay in that healthy state of mind for you and your canine pals. It helps them and therefore helps you. It's all in the head - you know.

Havanese Abigail Adjusting to New Home

Rarely do we get to see an inside look into our dogs going to someone else's home in the formative puppy stage but every now and then we get blessed with someone entrusting us to help their little one be all they are meant to be. Here's a small snippet of Rockhurst Abigail at Talemaker in her first few days finding an effective way to communicate and where she fits in with the pack. Thanks goes to Beth Obrecht for sharing her with us. We now know daily they make strides in fitting in, finding their place and really bringing laughter to your life. What else could you ever ask for... Look for another video of Abigail playing at Yvonne's with pups soon.

Havanese Video Comes Tomorrow

Well, it's getting late and as you can see in this photo, Wasabi and Miss Abs are waiting for me to go upstairs. You can find them close to each other an amazing amount of time. I do believe these two are bonding the deepest thus far.

More tomorrow>>

Havanese Monday Blahs

Nathan and Miss Abs did their class homework. Did Sassy Lassy and Sebastian? We will find out come Saturday - hahahahahaha

Just to update you, I am a bit under the weather. Not sure why but feeling chills. I usually only feel that in other places. We are still working on the video of Abigail making her transition and the video from Yvonne's house but it may take me till tomorrow. Still hoping but want to crawl on the couch. Also, Yvonne will have some photos up on her blog and I will put a pointer here when she does from the weekend. Look for it soon.

By the way, Miss Abs has totally made the bridge. She stole a tug toy from Risa and played with her. She plays with Wasabi and Shoshi every chance she gets. She hangs on Katsuro's back and on and on. But for those that know Risa - stealing a toy from her - well the gal has guts and she has made it completely. ROFL

Wasabi even plays with Abs just like she did Sassy so that gal has real get up and go. Oh my! What fun to see.

Where's All the Havanese Excitement?

Here's the wet duo wanting to come in this morning. As you can see, Katsuro's hair is growing in from Opal yanking it off short on top but now Abigail thinks she can do similar so we will be spraying Katsuro's head with fooey. Not the best texture but better not to have it never come in - I say.

What we noticed is after a very full weekend, the day after - the crew needs to relax - even Nathan, hahahaha. So, they are all up in bed - I am working and they are vegging. What a life - I tell you. Nathan will have to play catch-up but the dawgs won't have to.

It's important to give your dawgs downtime as well as exciting, fun times. Balance is an important thing. You can still play retrieve, do walks, play but also find the time to snuggle, nap and enjoy the comfort of each other. Miss Abigail has found her way to the bed every morning after she wakes up much like our Sassy Lassy did. She comes down to do her duty, yank at Katsuro, jump on Wasabi, listen to Risa grumble and get Shoshi running. Terra just looks at all this shenanigans with a grin - I tell you and Whitney won't go out till after she eats - plain and simple.

Then Abigail will run upstairs and all I can hear is the pitter patter of paws running across the floor looking for daddy who is usually in the shower by then. If she can't find him, she barks - oh my.

We are working on videos of our crew - of Yvonne's crew and more so check back with us. I am trying to get it done inbetween work.

More later>>

Talemaker Sassy & Sebastian's Playdate

Thanks goes to Sebastian's Human Dad for sharing these photos with us. We do appreciate it!

The Trios First Class, Visit to Yvonne's

Havanese First Class, Yvonne's and More

Well, Miss Abs, C-Bass, and the Sassy Lassy had their first class on Saturday. I heard great things about it but I was out in the car with the rest of the motley crew. Miss Abs was a tad nervous when all the large dogs came in but soon got over that. Daddy knew what to do introducing her around in a way where she got her grounding. We find the Miss Abs gets a tad nervous with new experiences but recovers FAST.

C-Bass and Sassy looked around, did fine with the environment and Sebastian remembered the Miss Abs as a playmate. As you can see in this photo, the trio was having a Havanese sniff-fest.

I will let Nathan (daddy) fill you in on the rest as I was hanging out with the other canines. Next week it will just be us and the Abs and maybe I will get to see the Talemaker crew for a tad longer. Gad that enthusiasm of C-Bass and oops that bark like Miss Abs and that strut of Miss Sassy. Boy does she strut and prance with an air of - 'I am all THAT - you know'. Shh - C-Bass knows she's a gal and let's her believe she is. ROFL! Wise guy!

Then we went off to Yvonne's and had a sleepover. The crew knew where they were going other than Miss Abs who walked in the house - went hmm where am I and fell in playing with Flora Dora. Here she is in this photo trying to find Flora. They ran around this chair jumping on each other that one can't help but laugh and laugh.

You can always click on any of these photos to see a larger view.

Then they would catch up with each other and play and play and play. Miss Abs ended up downright exhausted.

The best part of Yvonne's house is first their company but also the heavy amount of socialization the dogs get. Our Shoshi was a timid dog and no longer is. We owe that to not just letting her nervousness be and the amount of socialization she has had. it really works in giving your Havanese a balanced and secure feeling with new things when they have had positive exposures.

Talking about exhaustion, Whitney, Terra, Katsuro, Shoshi, Wasabi and Risa all got their full play in. We have a ton of photos that I am hoping to put in a slide show. We also saw puppies and Miss Abs got to play with them too and loved it! It was great to see.

As you can see, Wasabi was totally exhausted and wet from all that snow. She was drying all cozy like in a blanket in total comfort.

When a new pup comes into your home, there is always a period of adjustment between the humans, the pups the other dogs etc. Miss Abs has been continually getting more and more comfort to the point that she is looking forward to new events and the dogs are really connecting with her. She has found her place in the pack and they have accepted her as a part of it. There is a difference from day one to now and it is nice how it evolved - naturally with all. She's won our hearts even with that wolf howl - just like the C-Bass but his is a tad different sound. Still - puppies sometimes like hearing their voices. As long as we direct it to using it for things you want to and not use it when you don't, it all works. we are a work in progress in this regard.

Now we went through a period of Risa being withdrawn when her pack left and Wasabi was starting to do the same and not totally ignoring but not connecting with Miss Abs and she has made that bridge with her - doing 'run like hell games' under the deck and just a few minutes ago, snuggled up against each other on the blanket next to my desk. she has also used her charm to get to Katsuro, Shoshi, Risa, Terra and Whitney.

It's nice to see Miss Wasabi Woo (as we so fondly call her) getting connected again with puppies as she adores them. I tell you, she was so excited to see C-Bass and Sassy Lassy that it did our heart good! We were too. :-)

The usual exhausted stance these days is a snuggle in the arms, on the couch, on the legs - wherever she can get close and enjoy being with you - nice!

Well, seeing we were on holidays, the dawgs got wet, messy and just plain had fun and we also get wet, messy and had our own fun. Good food, good friends and puppies and our dogs having a grand time. How can it get any better?

We have a video that we are hoping to convert and put up in the next day or two. Please be patient as we are exhausted from our trip. We are chillin' watching TV, relaxin' and playing catchup. More later....

Training Class, Sleepovers & WHAT!

Dear old Abigail already ate and here she thought she could just edge herself in without Wasabi even noticing. When that didn't work, she tried Shoshi and then Risa and Risa said no one eats my meal except ME!

This is Miss Abs first class and she is looking forward to seeing her half siblings in class - sassy lasy and Mr. C-Bass as he is called.

It's already starting out fun. We couldn't find the lead we usually use so had to find something else. We aren't packed totally yet not are dishes cleaned and mommy is sitting in her PJ's. Oh my - and we are late.

Miss Abs now decided that if you do not listen IMMEDIATELY, she will bark to get your attention. Things like - bark, bark I want to go out now - so what if its the 40th time in this last hour. HAHAHA and Katsuro adores that she is doing it as he is getting away with the in and out. We need a doggie door, for sure. Still, we like to go out to see what they are doing and if their tummies are alright but can't wait till it gets warmer.

After our class and sleepover - Sunday night we will fill you in on al the antics. Till then....Mommy has to get her act together NOW!

Havanese TV Time & Dreams

Well, I am just finishing up getting things ready for tomorrow - charging cameras etc. and I couldn't resist putting up Miss Abs laying on our long leather ottoman that sits up against the couch. Do you think she is worried about anything?

I sat watching TV grooming and she was already done and decided to conk out. Well, I will tell you a funny thing about what happened while Miss Abs was snoozing. She must have been having one heck of a dream as she had her eyes closed, making noises and her tail was wagging but she was indeed sleeping. I would LOVE to know what fun dream she was having. It had to be a good one.

Well - off to bed myself as we have a full couple of days. Miss Abs and all of the crew except the Shoshi and Katsuro is up in bed with daddy.

One more update tomorrow morning then not again till Sunday night.

The Havanese Miss Abs Vs. The Leash

Well tomorrow is class time and are we ready? Do you hear mommy laughing hysterical? The strong willed Miss Abs has decided even with daddy treating her, well - you want me to do THAT!

Me thinks daddy is going to have a challenge tomorrow but by next week, she'll be more than fine - just watch. Try to get lead time in, getting acquainted with the house and bonding time in and expect amazing things - well good things come with those that practice patience.

Let's see what she has accomplished so we do not concentrate on what she hasn't. She's only been here now for the 5th day. She runs up and down the stairs now and when she first got here it was as if to say - howl - you want me to go down all those stairs? No problem now.

She wriggles her entire body when Nathan or our youngest son Jonathan comes in the house. She swan dives off the deck out back and I mean swan dives right into the snow. Strangers come to the house and she is WAY friendly to them.

She plays retrieve nicely and does it 100% correct. She also comes to her name.

She will settle for a bed on the floor in our family room but she prefers the couch and gets it. She loves the beds under Nathan's desk.

Nathan closes his office door with him in it so she can eat in peace and quiet and she howls to get out. That howl is way funny too.

She prances and I mean prances when she walks - way nice! She's also a MASSIVE snuggler and we noticed a significant difference on day 5 on how relaxed she has become as if she now knows this is her house to rule. HA! Let's see if Miss Risa allows THAT!

We have a busy day of getting things ready for class and a sleepover at Yvonne's. We promise another update tomorrow and not another till Sunday night filled with photos and fun things we did including revealing tidbits about how the 3 Havanese did in class.

Yvonne still has 3 pups available and they are now already 8 weeks old.

Oh - and Coach's parents made us a banana bread and it's 3/4 gone - YUM and I mean YUM!

We are really getting excited about seeing Sebastian and Sassy Lassy. Can't wait!

Hoping Chico and Remy are having a grand time. Ah puppies - miss that Wasabi crew and she does too.

New Havanese Puppy Transitions

Well Miss Abs is getting her comfort on. Today she was playing full on with Wasabi but couldn't keep up with her like the Sassy Lassy but we suspect if she keeps it up, her round little belly will fade. Such a cute belly too as that gal loves to eat. I don't blame her - me too. Wasabi is rather relentless in her play holding on for hours. Sassy was too.

But much to the delight of Terra, Miss Abs played tug with her off and on and Terra was even squeezing the pull toy to make noises to attract her. She was indeed delighted that she has another Havanese that isn't afraid of her size and will play with abandonment.

Then if that wasn't enough, Katsuro, as wet as he was from rolling outside said - hmm this one is staying around so let's play with her too! This is a cute photo but poor Katsuro with that hair growing out from Opal yanking it out - is something else - it's long enough to point straight out now. ;-) I think I have about 50 shots of these two rolling around in all sorts of angles even next to that lovely box that has teeth marks on it - hmmm I wonder who did THAT! Some were much better than this one but this shows the comfort level that these two have and they let me shoot and click over and over.

Miss Abs also found the tunnel play today. At first sauntering on up to it, peeking head in and slipping right in. Then she ran the lengths, poking her head out and making all sorts of noises. It was a riot. The Havanese just adore these hiding devices and for me - the more the better.

Right at this moment she is sitting on a pillow under a table that we have to give our dawgs comfort and fun places to relax in. They really enjoy this craziness and we don't mind having a dawg house of sorts. Some may but I find the more comfort you give them, the more they make you laugh and that's what life is about - laughter and dawgs!

More later.>>

Havanese Love-Fest Class Time

Miss Abs is signed up for class in Ajax at Who's Walking Who for 11am Saturday in the Family Dog - Beginners class. Even though the site says its full - we were told there is one more opening. We will be seeing Sassy Lassy and Sebastian in this class too. Wow.

Now they will be far ahead of Miss Abs as she has never had a leash on so get busy, Nathan or expect a bucking bronco. ROFL!

Havanese Changes

The crew is a bit off today as Sebastian is not here and neither is Coach but they are working it out.

It brings up our observations that whenever there are changes, there is always an adjustment. When we have visitors, the dogs get so excited and then when they go home - they go - now what?

Havanese are a highly sociable dawg. It's not that you can't just have one but 2 play differently with more enthusiasm. It's just a fact.

Now one would say but you have all those dawgs - but puppies bring a high level of enthusiasm to the mix and that's what the crew is missing. We know this is a temporary thing but as we are so in tuned with our dawgs, we watch and digest what is going on. Changes are always a 'good' thing. It helps your dog adjust to life as life is not stagnant.

We suspect by tomorrow, the crew will be back to themselves and Miss Abs will find her own needs met by the adults learning what she can get from which.

On Saturday, we are going to visit Yvonne's crew and stay over with the dawgs this way Miss Abs can really mix it up, deal with another change, have yet another car ride (we are giving her as many as we can) all with the goal to be very balanced so she can deal with anything life throws out at us.

For now, Miss Abs is playing with Nathan, trying to play with the Shosh and Katsuro and even trying to get Terra going. They play but not with enthusiasm. But as we know from experiences in the past, this too will pass and we will be back to crazy Havanese times.

So do, follow our journey.

Coach Came to Visit, Sebastian Goes Home

Well, here is the trio out in the snow. We have (from right to left) Talemaker's Coach, Talemaker's Sebastian and Rockhurst's Abigail at Talemaker. Coach's dad brought Coach over to expel some energy and Sebastian's mom came by to bring him home - his new home. Let us know how he did with the new surroundings.

They had a roaring great time. Coach was seen jumping up and off the couch with ease without issue playing with his canine mom Wasabi and Katsuro. Some of the photos were blurs and others came out.

Sebastian was excited to see his mom and then his best friend, Denver - his pack mate. He's in for a new journey - new home etc we are sooooo excited for him.

We heard all about Coach's travels and expect by next year he will be skiing. Don't let us down. heh

Huge thanks goes to both for allowing us time with your canines. It really means a lot to us and hope to see you soon. We mean that!!

Fresh Bathing Havanese Fun

Sebastian just had a bath and wow what an incredibly soft and fluffy coat with no knots. He wasn't overly crazy about the blower but plying him with treats helped. He looks so good and feels and smells good.

Well, after a Havanese has had a bath, they suddenly get excited and do the run like hell thang and acting all crazy. I had tons of blurs but when they calmed down, I got the two doing tug of war and I did get a ton of photos. Terra just watched the duo though she was getting involved out back.

Havanese really love the snow and Wasabi - well she is the most creative in her play. She has already taught Abigail to run and play hide and seek under the deck. tsk tsk Sebastian already knows the tricks but she's learning much more and catching on too fast. I only had to correct Sebastian and Abigail too many times on eating sticks, plants and what have you but you say - why so many times - well they would stop to indulge me, I would turn around and they were back at it. It finally stopped but those 2 were almost saying nah, nah, nah to me - I swear and laughing all the way.

Earlier today, Wasabi decided to show the little ones our downstairs patio. It's an area we had dug out and faced with stones on 3 sides to give us an exit in the basement and create an interesting garden that lends you privacy.

The dogs love it as they have these stairs that are easy to navigate but Abigail is not used to stairs so Wasabi has been teaching her how to navigate. Sebastian has long since learned about many stairs in his early life - heh - early life. Abigail, we figure lives with only a few stairs from what I can tell and wasn't totally sure of them so Wasabi is teaching her that all you have to do is not think about it and plow on down and she is. It's nice that Wasabi, even when it's not her own still gets into that teaching mode.

Here Wasabi is showing her - just do it - plow on down and run up and down and do it again and that's exactly what they were doing. What a fun time was had by all in the yard.

When looking at the photos, realize you can click on them to see a larger version.

Well, I am off to bathe Abigail now as she has had an interesting time under the deck. Just think - no snow, wet, gravel but dirt that is starting to soften and you will understand. Then I will have to keep them out of it or poor Sebastian - well his mommy won't see him looking fabulous. I am also cleaning the 5 million items Sebastian's mom sent to make sure they aren't given back with that lived in dawg look which they were getting. More later....

Havanese Antics With Two Pups

There's really nothing like two puppies playing. Here you can see Sebastian and Abs playing tug and they have been already playing for hours. She will miss him. Sebastian goes home today or tomorrow morning. It all depends on plane, automobiles and timing. He has been a true joy to have.

There will be an extra few inches in the bed that we will have to fill up somehow. ROFL

Sebastian - as soon as my work quiets down is going to get a bath, fluffy grooming and smell ever so good. It's a must after all that activity - sweaty paws and all - hahahahahaha Dogs sweat through their pads and feet but they get friction in their armpits and therefore that's one of the areas they can get those fine knots - on their bum too - not fun for us or them but most grow out of it. It's rare that I take knots out of armpits from an adult - only when Risa plows into the snow and gets sopping wet but hey - she is having fun.

Coach may come over to play with the pups tonight. Hoping he gets 2 for the price of one or Maryanne is here to see it too. Ah...havenese puppy play - nothing like it!

Well more later.>>

Hanging Out Without Daddy

The crew is really having a great time but missing dad. He's away on business today and won't get home for a bit. He's going to be glad to get back home. He's missed so much but although it was cold, we were in and out the back tons of times. It was fun. Mommy goes out with us and Abigail now barks to go out.

Sebastian has been playing who has the toy THIS time with Abigail. It's a real riot. I can see Sebastian going, oh no, not another female that steals my toys - argh.

That toy in the photo is Sebastian's and somehow Miss Abigail ended up with it, That's okay though as later in the day, Sebastian took it back and I swear he had a Cheshire grin. It's mine - all mine. Abigail best enjoy it as Sebastian leaves us tomorrow night. (sigh) But that's okay as he has a play date with Sassy Saturday and we are dying to find out how THAT works out.

As you can see, don't get these two wrong. They have been playing non stop and just a few minutes ago, Sebastian had a toy he took from Abigail away and she was playing the 'speak to the paw' stance until the camera came out. Speak to the paw is back to you mister. It actually works when your dog is doing something like nibbling and he won't listen. Putting your back to them and ignoring them gets them to understand that you didn't like it.

I think Abigail likes sticks and those sticks are attached to - well they ARE plants and trees and....and I think Sebastian taught her that. tsk tsk. I remember this crew trying to annihilate the coveted Japanese maple we own. Oh well, we had a lesson in 'no' and they kind of listened. I have to learn not to laugh when they are doing funny things even when it is truly funny. Control - thyself - lesson 101.

Well more tales tomorrow and watch for a fluff job on Sebastian and cute photos to follow with all that beauty time results. We are off to bed now....

We Welcome Abigail to Our Crew

Nathan and I welcomed a new and wonderful addition to our home, Abigail from Rockhurst. She arrived last night and we promise we'll have photos up shortly. She fit seamlessly into our home. When the time came she had no issues finding her spot to sleep on the bed.

She is having a really fun time with Sebastian. They were born two days apart, same sire/father.

Sebastian started playing with her the second he saw her. :-) After a few minutes of dealing with Risa, Shoshi, Wasabi, Terra, Whitney and of course Kat, which can be overwhelming, she settled right down and away they went. She is bringing much laughter to our house and that's what life is all about - enjoyment too.

You will have to drop in and follow the antics of this one as she brings joy to our home and we share with you all.

Here's Abigail checking herself out. More photos later of Abigail, Sebastian and the entire crew.

Can't believe it is almost Tuesday and Sebastian will be adventuring in his new home. But he will soon be having a play date with that Sassy Lassy. Now those are photos I want to see. :-)

COMMENTS:
Anonymous said...
Welcome to your new home "Sis" I hope you are having as much fun in your new home that I am in mine.Lov, Lil Red Delilah
January 21, 2008 7:52 AM