Leader of the Pack

From Sassy Lass: Daddy keeps saying I am a born leader but some strange reason these 4 legged creatures around me - especially that big thing out front - well she has other things in mind. It surely doesn't look like a Havanese so what is it? Well, she thinks she has the right to be first. Just because she's 70lbs bigger doesn't mean she's the alpha around this place. A gal would get a complex if she let them actually believe all those pipe dreams they seem to have.

That's okay, last night I looked off the bed and gave her that look as if to say - you THINK you are and winked. hahahahaha

Then I try to come inside and guess who is crowding me out? Yoo Hoo - Daddy - I don't think they buy those words about me being a born leader. What's a gal have to do around this place to gain some - as Aretha Franklin would say R-E-S-P-E-C-T?

Well, that's okay as I know who got the snuggles and sleep time on the couch here and it wasn't that big yellow thing nor those other Havanese that think they are all that.

Oh - sigh - mommy just told me they are all that too.

Tux's Latest Shenanigans

Just got photos from Rita Thomas, Tux's new owner, 'Breeder of the Year' from Sonrisas Havanese - our mentor and here is what she said....

I think the KING has been de-throned. NOBODY has dared get into Mojo's bowl before.

Now anyone who knows Mojo knows what she is talking about. He is the most confident, I am all that' Havanese and for a good reason. Katsuro spends his days competing. ROFL

Then she sent another with Tux's fave position. (You can click on the photo to see a larger version always)

I think it's called the 'rub my tummy - you can't resist' stance but I might be wrong. ROFL

Thanks for sharing it with us, Rita. Nice to see photos of the little guy.

Does he have the same - look at me thang going on that Sassy seems to have - seems to. ROFL! wasabi sure makes interesting pups - and yeah I am biased but wow - too smart for their own good - hahahahaha

Talemaker's Sassy's 1st Walk (More Added)

Well, we decided that December 25th early was the best day to take the dogs out as no one would be out and we were right. It's icy out there (I had to put my Yaktrax on), way dirty from the sanding and you have to remember to wipe and or wash the paws to get the salt out. If they are biting their paws, you didn't do a good enough job.

Bath times for all mine when I am up to it. Not today...

What we found interesting was Sassy was so much more interested in walking on snow than the cement. Maybe it was the salt - maybe the sand but she wasn't thrilled and we had to use Wasabi out in front to get her to forget about it. It tells me she needs to do this all the time after her next shots and for longer. The cement seemed foreign to her - teach me what I have to condition winter pups to. I am making notes. Then the cars whizzing by - what was that but she was fine. No adverse reactions just a - WHAT WAS THAT? We only took her out for a very short walk down the street and back not even around the cul-de-sac.

We heard her brother Sebastian did fine on his walk.

For those of you in the in between stage on sizing - a sweater is the best route till that next size. As you can see, Sassy has a lot of stylin' clothes as she got Shoshi's hand me downs and she doesn't mind except to say - what is that you are putting on. If it's very cold, we sometimes place a sweater on and a jacket over it.

Well, off to make a sandwich and nap. Walking all these doggies this morning was fun but tiring maneuvering in the ice. Hoping it either snows or thaws. Now to eat then snuggle on the couch with the crew.

PS: Nathan reminds me that although we were allowing Sassy and Wasabi to walk in front of us - Wasabi as a lure - Sassy to gain her comfort level with collar, walk etc - the goal is to get them walking NEXT to you after this stage. If we have Sassy here long enough, we are going to enroll her in 'Who's Walking Who' classes and she will be practicing heel till she gets it right till that squirrel pops by, I imagine. Doesn't every dawg lose its brain when that happens?

Mark and Maryanne said...
Sebastian went out for his first "walk with the dudes" last night and didn't miss a step. He was up for another walk to grandma and grandpa's house this morning where he proceeded to charm the socks off them. Thanks to his first parents, Nathan and Darlah, he is already quite well versed in sitting, buffet eating and using the back yard outhouse. Not to be outdone by his sister, today he has already retrieved several of the many gifts he was able to bring with him to his new home. More firsts to come...Mark and Maryanne

Darlah & Nathan said...
Sassy better get her act together - hahahahahaha

Havanese Bed Shenanigans & New Day

Well, Sassy slept on the bed last night. She was a tad confused on what was what but she's decided human daddy is her security - her thang - she moved around - slept up against Risa and Risa allowed for part of it - wow but realize they do look to one at first and then bond to the others but last night - daddy was it.

We had the usual stuff in bed. I ended up with Shoshi as she was miffed that her spot was taken. The Sassy gal took over but she will get over it. Then Risa did her usual grumpy thang - another on the bed - oh no! Katsuro was on and off the bed snuggling with both of us and Wasabi said forget this and went to the bench at the foot of our bed - its like an extension of the bed but way comfie.

We left our closet light on as we forgot we had given the pups a night light but we were too tired and lazy to get one so the closet light worked.

Today she's not back to her usual but she's better. Human daddy was teaching her retrieve and she's starting to get it. All of you new puppy owners - start NOW as there is a window for easy learning and this is it. Plus those with kids - it's an excellent way to bond. Shoshi is the best retriever in our house and that's due to us teaching her when she was young. It gives her exercise and she adores the game. Your little one will too. Sassy brought it back about 70% of the time and when she didn't, the game ends. They get that if they want to play, you will only play as long as they bring it back.

We also worked on sit but when Sassy is too excited for the treat - well her sit goes out the door so we are reinforcing that by not giving her the treat till she gets it. We find when she is tired, it's much easier to get her to do it immediately and hold it.

I want to start getting motivated to do some videos on the training but taking a break and just enjoying the dogs. Their lives from their usual gets put on hold, to a point when you have puppies as you have to be concerned with exposures for health reasons but as soon as sassy gal gets another shot, we are starting serious walks even if she ends up in our coat as we want to introduce her to our local school, the forest, the trails as we did with Shoshi.

If it warms up - maybe today will be the day for that walk around the block and if its not too icy, I may video tape it. If it's too icy, walking backwards might not be wise to do.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day. More later...on the Talemaker crew.

Different Dynamics Change Everything

We are not sure what this means but today Whitney, our old lady rescue has taken the time to just be with Sassy. It's the very first time she's gone into the x-pen and just slept near her. Whitney is 12+ years - a tad obsessive at times and had lots of babies and almost died from that experience, I am told.

We managed to get 98% of her quirks and behavior issues turned around but last litter we had Whitney just watched but didn't interact that much. This litter was relentless. They jumped in her bed, climbed on her and gave her kisses all the time. Sassy was always one of the first. She would touch noses, allow them to crawl all over her. Sassy was a bit lost today and Whitney took over.

She had her in her bed with her and then she is now sleeping in the x-pen with her. It's precious. It tells me, puppies can often bring that extra something out of a dog who has had a tough life. We have had Whitney for 6 years and wanted the time with us to be what great memories are derived from and here she is creating more memories for us. It's obvious she loves the puppies and it's nice that this old gal just did what came natural.

Now to see how Sassy does in bed. Reports tomorrow....

PS: We heard Sebastian did great on his walk. Sassy says - hey you beat me to the lead - heh!

Remember you can always click on all pictures to see a larger version.

Remy Welcomes His New Family

It has been a tough day for us. When Remy’s new family showed up I got choked up. I think it had more to do with Sassy being the last after Remy leaves. The two of them were snuggling and sleeping on one another at the time.

But thinking about it, poor Sassy doesn’t have it so rough. She now gets individual attention from Darlah and me, not to mention Wasabi who is all over her, Kat, Shoshi and even Terra and Whitney.

When we came back inside from having Wasabi and Sassy out with us, all the dogs, even ‘Queen’ Risa, touched noses with Sassy. I don’t know how we are supposed to handle this aspect of breeding, watching the puppies we love leave, but I can say that it is hard for us both and I suspect it always will be. That is why it is so important that we see the puppies as they grow older, so that we see how very happy they are. (All you new puppy owners need to be paying close attention.)

Remy is an excellent match for his new family. Their youngest walked in the door and said “can we take Remy home now” after they’d been here 5 seconds. When the girls approached the wide open x-pen where Sassy and Remy were sleeping Remy jumped up and went running into their arms. I swear it was spontaneous and just perfect. Join me in wishing Remy the very best as he joins his new family. He’s going to get all the love he can handle and then some.
Nathan

What is THAT?!!!!

The crew is all gone and it's just the Sassy Lassy. We took her out on an errand with her Mommy Wasabi. We just kept human daddy company and had the experience of looking about. We were going to start doing some minor walking out front to get her used to the idea but it's still too cold so in we came. Shoshi wore this outfit when she was about the same size.

Sassy is looking in the mirror trying to figure out who that dog is staring back with that funny outfit on. Now she's snoozing and we are cooking and we will soon settle in to blankets, watching TV and chillin' with Sassy sleeping on the bed tonight. New adventures for all...

Picture of the Dudes

My new family has allowed me to post a picture of the four of us hanging out. I call this 'Picture of the Dudes'.

As you can see, I’ve already wiped out one Lab who crawled into Daddy's lap for protection and after I take a short break, and pose for my picture, I’ll get on to the next one.

I have peed and pood outside and have already picked out my own spot. Soon I'll be lifting my leg so high that the Labs will stay out of my territory altogether or maybe, if they are nice to me, I'll share it with them. We'll see.
sign me - Sebastian

For anyone who doesn't know what this leg business is all about and calling cards - well read this.

Sebastian's New Family

It was 8 degrees (Celsius) today. It rained off an on for most of it. The snow has been melting so much that steam was rising from the ground. The dogs came in from playing in the backyard soaked to the skin. Kat couldn’t care less. He’d have happily stayed out all day.

Now the temperature has dropped dramatically and the wind is howling outside. The temperature tonight is supposed to reach -6 not counting the wind chill factor. In other words, it’s going to be freezing and the roads are going to be totally iced over and treacherous and so are our backyards. If you don’t have to go out, stay home! And please don’t spend too much time outside with your dogs or puppies tonight, just enough to do their business and get back inside. Dogs can get frost bite too!

Sebastian left us today. He is the sweetest little boy. He’s going to a home where they know dogs! I’m told he’s already met his two new four legged companions, both Labrador retrievers that only outweigh him by 90 lbs. Knowing Sebastian he’ll have no problem establishing dominance, licking his way to the top of the pack. I’ll post a picture of Sebastian and his entire new family as soon as I can get it. In the meantime those wee Labs better leave room on the bed for the new king. I taught him martial arts for nights like this.

Nathan

A New Havanese Journey

It's wonderful to hear how it all unfolds. It helps this crew here immensely. What can we say - we love the little ones...

Chico's new family (2 of the members of his new household are in the photo here) said...My eldest is still saying "pinch me. I must be dreaming"

It's so hard to say goodbye to the little ones you nurture, comfort and fall madly in love with but nice when it all comes together. We look forward to visits from Chico's family and Chico, of course.

Precious that they found time to share and we appreciate that!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

For those that celebrate the holiday - Merry Christmas from the Talemaker Crew, Nathan, myself and all the canine crew and for those that don't, and those that do - may next year bring you and your Havanese an amazing year filled with special memories. Be good to each other and great things will come from that.

For those that have our Havanese, give them extra hugs from us. Send photos that we can share and post.

The 3 remaining were quiet for a bit and so was mommy Wasabi but that Sassy gal got them all playing again and all was well. They all have to take a bit to adjust to this change but they will and then when they come to visit, they will have a roaring grand time then be ready to go home again. It all works...and we get to see them. Stay in touch...

Sebastian goes home tomorrow - Remy Monday and then I start doing serious training with the Sassy gal that I will share - the good, the bad, the funny - all of it so you can get inspired too.

Coach Goes to His New Home

Coach left today for his new home and family. They are wonderful people and clearly dog lovers. I understand in a few weeks Coach will be going skiing and snowboarding. I look forward to seeing him on his very own snowboard doing nose and tail rolls, a natural for a pup!

Did I mention the very best part of Coach's new family is that they live 5 minutes from here? :-)

I know you will all join Darlah, Wasabi and I in wishing them congratulations and best wishes.

By the way, please feel free to comment on this or any other post we place on the blog. I notice that Darlah posts every day but rarely does anyone comment. Please don't hesitate to do so.
-----Nathan

Two Goes to Their Forever Homes

Well, the Coach has had his bath along with Chico. They have been fluffed and dried and loved and played with and soon they will be on their new adventure.

Here's human breeder daddy giving snuggles to Coach and canine Mommy Wasabi is looking on.

She's done well getting them ready for their new adventure and we can't wait to hear all about it.

We will be filling you in on Chico this afternoon.

New roads to travel, many new experiences and lots to love them...nice!

Last Week Toronto Havanese Pups

The pups start going home tomorrow and this is our last video of them being together. One Sassy Girl Available to the Right Home. She's an amazing dog. Watch as we train her after the boys leave the nest.

I hope you enjoy it as we have enjoyed them!

Havanese Big Dog Socializing

Here the pups are hanging out from just coming in. What you can't see is the other retriever is on the other side hanging out with the rest.

Two of the pups are going home tomorrow - 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon. Another is going home Sunday and another Monday and then Sassy Lass or Sassy Fraz or whatever her name will be will get dragged to our bed begrudgingly - yeah right. You think she'll go kicking and screaming?

As you can see, the dogs have no fear around the big dogs and good old Tux that is at Rita's now was the one that used to ride on Katsuro's back like a horse and he would allow it. They have really had great socializing experiences - great memories imprinted and soon they will be on a journey to make even more solid memories to imprint and remember - new relationships to build.

We are attempting to find the time to do one more video before the crew goes with Tux and then the rest. We are hoping it will get done today. In our packet we want to include all the photos - good the bad - the what was that - ones along with the videos to CD so the new owners can treasure their start and watch the changes. This crew - and I know you think we say that about all - but really we do not - is the quickest crew - ahead of the usual development - fast to learn - an amazingly easy crew that we will miss - so you all best come and visit and let us watch them when you go away - or even visit while you go shopping. Yes, we want to see you but most of all - well we want to see Sebastian, Coach, Chico, Remy, Tux and Sassy Lass (when she goes) and we mean that. We want you to come to our yearly picnic and lean on us if you need anything.

We are going to miss these guys. After they go to their new home, we will continue to add things to this place to help you with your dog and hope you send us photos and tidbits so we can post and share so the siblings can see what you are up to.

Well - back to puppies and getting ready for tomorrow. It all comes way too soon but I imagine not soon enough for you. That, I truly understand. You are going to love these guys. I know, we do.

Havanese Tunnel Stylin'

Today we are hanging out in the tunnel and had 5 dogs - count them 5 in this tunnel. We just adore the flurry of activity that goes on with this thing. Here Sebastian is just sitting - posing right on top of Coach and Coach doesn't seem to mind a bit.

On the other side you have Chico and Remy and Sassy gal ran into the cube - the tunnel plowing right under them all. What fun they have with this fabric toy that can go into the wash and look fresh and new.

The crew was playing with Momma Wasabi and Katsuro and in a flash - after much back and forth wondering if he could do it, Coach was up on the couch after Katsuro. Oh my, two dogs that acquired that skill and that tells me how Chico got up on the couch the other day. I thought hmm climbed - had to be but no, jumped. Wow, what athletic abilities this crew has. I guess when you are motivated.

We didn't manage to catch him jumping but here Coach is on the couch playing without and appearing fearless.

We also heard from Rita that Tux is doing wonderfully and snuggled right up to her in bed the first night. Nice and no accidents. He's a smart one and glad he is adapting so well. We figure in a month or so, he may be giving Minnie a run for her money and having a grand time as the best of pals. It's hard for the pups to go for the humans here but great when you hear how they are adapting. We can't wait till our picnic when we gather them all together. Counting the days...

Well, we have visitors. This is Gidget watching the pups. She has cleaned them all, played and snuggled with them - nice to have her drop by.

Well human daddy will be adding more later.

Comfort Seeking Havanese

Well, another day gone by and already they are playing their little hearts out and Coach decided it was time for a nap. They do like the comfort of softness - I tell you.

The dogs will be getting fluffed and dried and smelling wonderful before they go home but in the meanwhile, with all this melting going on, well they are 'mucking it up' and getting that lived in look but despite the whiteness of their coat, they don't get dingy - just look at Coach in this photo and see what I mean - nice and their mom is like that too. She's got that lovely silky hair that seems to let it all glide off and that's a good thing seeing Wasabi likes to play 'catch me if you can' under the deck. heh

Yesterday we had them out of their xpen most of the day between play sessions and company coming (Linda with all her help - thnx) and Alex - well another guy that just adores the pups - nice - well they were busy.

This morning they were back out doing their duty and coming into play. Chico stood at the door to go out so he could do his duty. He's a good candidate for bell training as he sits and looks at the door and you have to see him but if you have a bell, he will tell you vocally.

They are really a smart crew and I do not say that lightly. They are fast sponges wanting, willing and fast on the uptake - ready to learn.

Our friend Yvonne just had a litter and they are right on schedule with Wasabi's - faster than usual to walk, climb etc. What's in that water lately?

Just Another Havanese Night

I was sharing this comment and a few other things with our new puppy owners but then realized it might be of interest to everyone following Darlah and Wasabi's blog that they write together each day. So here it is...

I went into the pups this morning at approximately 6:15 a.m. They had gone to sleep last night around 10:30 p.m. Although we do leave out water we have now stopped feeding them during the night so their last meal was around 7:30 last night. This morning they ate everything. We fed them the dried kibble from Fromm’s (Chicken a la Veg), sprinkles of grated cheese and sprinkles of chicken that we had baked and then put through the Cuisinart so that it was chopped up into little pieces. We didn’t even add wet food. And they ate it all up which is great. About four hours later we did it again and they ate half of it. In between they have played outside off and on for hours, played in the kitchen on the tile floor and in the rest of the main floor on either tile or hardwood .They are quite frisky. I love the classic Havanese "pounce" that some of them have taken to using. It gives them more of a chance to stop on a dime and take off at a dead run in a different direction, say like when Darlah is trying to get them to come into the house. And now they are all sound asleep in the x-pen beside Darlah's desk. Soon I'll come sneaking in and liberate them again.

We are all going to really miss these wonderful puppies but especially Wasabi, Darlah and I.

Nathan

Deep In Thought or Wait

The dogs really had a great time outside today as it's a tad warmer but wetter. Here's Sassy looking a tad wet but sitting and waiting for the others to come on in too.

When the boys came in, Sassy led them in the game of tunnel jumping where they all jump in the holes and chase her. She's our highly creative one thinking up new games to make you smile. Now where is the video camera when that happens....

Now the pups are napping. They do a fair amount of that too but they are also getting to know that we get up, go outside, do our business and eat and go outside and do our business - well there's no slouches here!

Havanese First in Our House

Here's Chico Chillin' this morning and when we woke up this morning, human Nathan found him where? Chico was sitting on the couch in the whelping room - no this is not a short couch and he was looking down at his siblings that were trying to get to him and he couldn't figure out how to get down. This is the very first time we have had a pup climb up on the couch this early. Oh my - such amazing athletic abilities.

Our couch is attached on one side as the wall on one of our x-pens. We had it set up that way to enable Wasabi to jump in and jump out early on to feed her pups in the middle of the night. Not to worry, Chico's new owners - he will be fine in an x-pen with all walls vs one wall being a couch but now know he is capable of getting up on the couch but hasn't figured out how to get down yet.

All our Havanese sit on our couch with us so maybe he just figured - hmm I can do this. It's really unbelievable what this crew is capable of. They are amazingly agile but so is their Havanese mom who flows with grace and is faster than ever.

The crew also likes to pose whenever you get the camera out. Something about - hey - they are doing that thing again so let's strike a pose. This morning, Coach was a riot as he jumped straight up to the camera and I was laughing so hard, I couldn't catch him in mid-air. I swear, he knew and was having fun with it. I can't believe how high he can jump. I am amazed at their abilities - nice to see they have mommas genes in that regard. We will have to find out if the sire also is like that. Some are better than others but this crew is amazing.

What has become abundantly obvious is this crew LOVES - no adores the tunnels. Keep that in mind. More later....