Friday, November 21, 2008 at 11:23AM We are lucky to have puppy people who adore their dogs and the people that own Sebastian took a video of part of the brace at the specialty here in Toronto. We uploaded it for your enjoyment. rate it - share it and we hope it brings a smile as it does us. Thanks!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 3:41PM 
Around about 6:00am Darlah has to check her pages from the night before to ensure that they went live correctly. Darlah builds pages in advance and posts them onto what is called a staging server. That server automatically pushes them live at 6 but Darlah always checks to make sure that everything is working as designed.
Naturally, when she gets out of bed so does "the pack". And off they go downstairs, Darlah to check her pages, the dogs to do their business outside. They don’t all go. Risa isn’t getting out of bed unless or until I do, Same with Wasabi. And Yvonne’s Maggie. The rest are off and running. This morning that meant they went outside into about 5 inches of new fallen wet snowball snow.
They played for 10 minutes, did their business and then came running back inside wired for sound. And where do you think they went to next? Yes, back to say hi to "daddy" who was, fool that he is, still trying to sleep at 6:10. Yvonne’s Downsey and Lola stayed downstairs with Darlah. The rest came piling back onto the bed, soaking wet and settled down to go back to sleep but not without first saying good morning to me. I’ve now been tongue washed by 5 frenetic dogs.
Risa can be heard telling her pack very nicely that if even one of them comes within a foot of her she will rip their lungs out and feed it to them. Maggie, behind my head on the pillow, is saying the same. Kat ignores all of them and curls up against my chest. Shoshi takes one look at this sad state of affairs and decides to cuddle up against my leg because Kat has beaten her to her spot. Abigail decides to flop down between and on top of my legs and Risa has now moved to my feet. I not only can't move a muscle but half the dogs on me are soaking wet. I stick it out for 10-15 minutes but it's a no go. And then Risa decides if she doesn’t eat shortly she will die. So she gets up and collapses on my chest, looking me straight in the eye and then slowly licking her lips so that even a not especially bright human such as myself cannot mistake her meaning. Either I feed her right now or she starts on my leg. I give up and get up, escorted to the bathroom by 8 Havanese.
They watch impatiently while I throw on a few things and then escort me down the stairs to the kitchen where the pack assembles, doing their best to intimidate me into feeding them RIGHT NOW!
I ignore them and make sure the coffee is on if Darlah hasn’t already done so. Some of them go back outside. The rest wait. I lay out the bowls; 2 larger ones for the Golden Retrievers and then 10 small stainless steel bowls for the Havs. Yvonne’s dogs eat different food then ours so I prepare theirs and then ours. I know, by bowl position, which bowl is whose. Besides the Fromm’s Chicken A LA Veg we are currently feeding them I usually add something extra. This morning it was some leftover chicken fried rice and a small bit of Fromm’s chicken in the can. This morning Yvonne’s dogs got their own dried food plus canned chicken and leftover rice too. I plan on feeding them steak every day for a week before Yvonne comes home so that her dogs all throw a complete fit and go on strike when she takes them back home. I will, of course, be totally innocent of any crime and scratch my head in complete puzzlement while assuring Yvonne that they ate no problem while here. That is pay back for the text messages we keep getting form them down in Florida bragging about the 90 degree weather.
Well, it is now 7am. Time for me to eat a bit of toast, drink a cup of coffee and read the morning newspaper. The dogs line up beside Darlah, as per usual, waiting for a bit of crust or anything else they can sucker out of her and then she blames me when the dogs put on weight.
After breakfast I head out to the backyard with the dogs and do a patrol, picking up what needs picking up. This morning I also shoveled the entire deck. Then back inside to check my email.
Shoshi lies on my left foot, Kat’s on my right. Fiona is in a cushy bed under the desk. Risa is in a donut behind my chair. Wasabi is in another donut behind Risa. Maggie is in yet another donut behind Wasabi. Flora is usually on a mat next to Maggie and by now on the other side of my desk and Abigail may or may not be in the crate under my other desk. That done I head upstairs to finally take a shower and get dressed. The pack accompanies me in case I need help or get lost or plan to sneak out on them from the second floor bathroom. And so the sun rises in Richmond Hill.
Nathan
PS: and if you want to know about the rest of our day - it has been event-filled. Sweaters or jackets on, out we go, inside, sweaters and coats off and into dryer - brusha, brusha, brusha and then we do it all again!
Poor Wasabi - you can tell just by looking at her that she finds this experience - oh hum ever so delightful --Darlah
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 7:58PM 
Okay, this is not a Havanese but the human who thinks its 60 below zero.
She is getting ready to dress the dogs in coats and get them conditioned to having something on. How long will it take?
Well the way Fiona is looking - it may take a very long time.
This is her first year in a coat and after having this experience many times over - by a week they are acting naturally. So persist. Will it take Fiona a week?
Fiona looks up at me and says - what the hey is this thing?
Well, Fiona got a new jacket - a poochtini jacket and the legs for her are a tad long so we will be tacking them up. I could have bought one size down but it would have just fit her and she is still growing so we decided to tack up the legs and allow growth. It's important to get the right fit. Abigail's needs nothing done to it.
But we went out the door. Fiona got her foot out and I went argh. I took my gloves off, got snow in them, put the leg back in, rolled up the legs and then gave her a tug on the lead as she thought she couldn't move. Kat already is used to the coat thing but even he went - argh coats but two houses down, they were bouncing all over the place acting as if they had nothing on and enjoying the weather immensely but guess what?
We got home. Took jackets off and they were DRY - yes DRY - just wet feet. So, we are getting more coats from them this weekend. I am going to love not having to wash their whole tummies, body etc.
Look for all of them stylin' when we have their coats. Plus Linda brough Treasure a sweater and blanket. Now how cool is that? She will be stylin' too!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 6:44PM 
It's starting to snow and this lovely lady brought by a couple of coats for us - and we are going to try them out. We will let you know all about them after we get used to the guys getting used to being dressed.
This happens every winter as we usually have them in the pool so much that other than a bit of adornment - they are what you see.
So, if this is your first year getting your little one used to a jacket - well give it time and after a week, he/she will forget its even on.
Can you imagine if you never wore anything and suddenly you are draped in all this material? Okay - don't think about THAT but that's how it is for the Havanese dawgs.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 4:18PM 
One day I woke up and all these girls were hanging out at my house. Most men - ahem - am I a man yet? Well, most would love so many gals kissing on them but this one particular gal named Downsey - well she just doesn't stop. So, I grr and she does it again as if to say - let's see what I can get away with.
Well, I am the step over the line dawg here and I have put up with Fiona being one too but two? Oh my!
Then this cute little gal comes along that they tell is their mom - and her name is Maggie. She plays just like a puppy like me and we rather get some spectacular play sessions in and then she pays attention to her kids. Is it me or them?
I am the king around these here parts and I am having to reflect on life with so many gals. Oh...they are so nice to have around but put them all together and this lone guy - well let's say - I am gathering my wits to see how to play this.
Life is interesting in a houseful of gals and only a few men.
I am off to sleep, ponder and enjoy those afternoon naps those humans took this afternoon with all of us. It's getting crowded on the bed but they - the humans seem to like it. Guess they realize what is important in life - all that love. Hope the rest of you are having a Havanese luv session too.
Got any tips guys - especially those of you with so many gals? I may need some help. Right now, it's tough being all that for each gal. hehehehehe
Monday, November 17, 2008 at 6:13PM 
How do you keep their feet dry? You COULD buy boots but most boots won't stay on and it inhibits their play. But if its just for a 'duty' break, it could work. We use them for show dogs.
Here we simply just use some spray on waterless bath on their feet, baby wipes and wipe off the mud. I then brush - and let dry and brush again if necessary. It sounds like a lot more than it is.
I like snow as it doesn't mean mud comes in. But the snow is coming again they say.
Then we have Yvonne text messaging us about South Beach and hot weather and I say - who is this - what dogs? hahaha
We have Yvonne's crew here while she is on holiday.
Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 12:56PM 
Our deck is an ice deck this afternoon.
Watch out with your little ones that they do not slip and slide. They can damage ligaments just like us playing recovery.
It doesn't mean you can't walk them but be aware. If they start to slip - it's not the right medium for them.
Some are more sure footed than others just like us humans.
We start out our day early in the morning and end it in the dark. The winter seems pretty dreary to me due to it.
As you can see from the photos here, this was 6am. It looks pretty dark to me. The crew rather liked seeing snow on the ground. It sort of invigorates them.
They roll around like banshees having a grand old time.
They acted like kids that were brought to a candy store and told it's all theirs.
Well, I am off to put leaves in bags after raking - yep in snow, ROFL.
The dogs would love to be a part of that but I think I will do it alone and let them be a part of it in the backyard if I do not run out of steam.
I guess they will do what our visitor Mags is doing now - snoozing the afternoon away til it's play time. I think they are smarter than us and more capable as they choose and can nap whenever it strikes their fancy.
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 2:55PM 
It's a wet and rainy day out today and here Kat is waiting his turn for grooming.
When it is wet, you need to brush them out or they will mat. But until it is their turn, they are playing and having a grand time.
We bought furniture covers for the couch from Sam's Club and the hubby says - what do you want to do that for? Well, now he sees the reason why.
Wet dogs and a couch staying clean doesn't mix so we keep it covered.
If I found them there again, I would get 2 more. It takes 2 to cover the entire couch but we have an extra long one.
As you can see, we also put blankets and fun cuddly stuff on top of the couch as Havanese tend to like to sleep on high plus they like to nest.
We have a real dawg house around here and 4 visitors at the moment. The crew is having a roaring grand time.
Now back to brushing and watching TV and relaxin. Hoping this wet stuff turns into white stuff. Still do not have our leaves raked or furniture in or..but white stuff is better than rain - at least sometimes.
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 8:43PM 
We had a bit of a glitch and I posted a long post that disappeared so let's try this again...
Abs was out today between the rain looking for Lola. She hadn't been groomed yet so what you see is all natural.
There's something about Lola wafting through the air. Lola just had a bath and I sprayed a finishing spray on her that smells like cologne.
Kat reacted to the smell too - not over the top but highly interested as she smelt good. It tells me that they are guided by their noses.
If you want to know how so - well read a post I had written last year here.
Wasabi and Lola was out strutting their stuff but what they were doing was investigating who was doing what where. It's an interesting subject - men being led by their noses - oops dogs being led by their noses but us ladies like things that smell good too.
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 8:59PM 
This is the time of year that I wonder if I should just attach a broom to my hand and never let it go.
Oh, it's not just the Havanese but us humans that bring in the leaves. Then it rains and it sticks to shoes, to hair.
Well, today we tried raincoats on that had 4 legs and well the dogs walked a tad like they had a broom up - well we won't say.
Yes, you are supposed to laugh but they didn't. For some reason one size was a tad too snug on Fiona and took 10 minutes to put on and we also tried mutt lucks and those wouldn't do either though easier to get on. I need a solution to save the show coats - the others will go with a coat or sweater or ala natural. But this wasn't it as much as I wanted it to be. If a coat takes you more than a few minutes to go on, you will never put it on.
We already have front legs only raincoats but the water wicks up and the entire coat gets wet so why try.
Now, I don't have to have the dogs stylin' as you can see with Fiona - she looks a tad ridiculous, IMHO but it does need to keep them dry so looking for ideas - send them our way.
As you can see, Maggie is a tad wet as she didn't have a coat on and it's been raining. That means brusha - brusha - brusha. Okay - we did forgo walks today. I just couldn't do the twice grooming thing on 12 dogs. hahahaha but we will be back at it tomorrow. We haven't missed a day of brr cold brisk walks and having grand fun with extras - and I am serious other than today but every now and then less work sounds better.
We played retrieve and snuggles and we look forward to massive snuggles at bedtime. Can't wait.
Hope you had a great day too!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 4:10PM 
What happens when a country Havanese moves into a city Havanese house - even if it is only for a bit of time?
Noises - bark - strange people - bark. What is the visiting Havanese saying? What are ours saying?
The visitors are simply unfamiliar with the sounds in the city. Ours are just joining the fun.
One would think the country and city are similar but it really is not. You have the water guy who delivers, the mail person who rings the bell. The 'sell you everything under the sun' people - well until they hear the barking. You have the garbage truck and then a recycle truck and this delivery and that.
Then you hear the dogs barking in another yard and I have to answer that. Sounds horrid - doesn't it? But it really isn't.
It's all about slow conditioning. When they figure out those strange noises are nothing to worry about - they stop with correction and your attitude. It's a good thing. When a city dog goes to the country, the same thing occurs though the noises are usually less. It's why people move out to the country and convenience is why people stay in the city.
As comfort settles in, the barking dissipates as long as you shut it down immediately.
Your dogs are what you put into them. If you put the effort in, they do too and you end up having a really amazing dog that everyone wishes THEY had.
Have you ever heard of the term - you are what you experience? Well it holds true for your dog too.
Miss Abs here in the photo says - just let me sleep. Yes - she was actually sleeping with her head up. It was the funniest thing I ever did watch and she did it for over 30 minutes. I wish I could sleep like that.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 9:38AM Reading my wife's daily posts it occurs to me that we'd love to hear from you all. We get comments in email, even on the phone but rarely does anyone post a comment in direct response to something Darlah has written. I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to post comments please, when you feel you have something you'd like to share with us. I know from the statistics that a lot of people are reading every post each and every day and that's great but really, we'd love to hear your thoughts on our thoughts. Don't be shy. Join in please. Thank you for listening.
Nathan
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 6:30AM 
Okay, the human has a checklist on what dog was groomed per day and she checks them off as she does them.
When one has this many dogs - well 4 are Yvonne's visiting, you have to make sure you snuggle all, groom all and well daddy feeds them all - lucky him. How many bowls, daddy? Better make room for Gidget. Lola should be done her heat so fun relaxing times will be had by all.
But looking at this crew - where's my space? I also noticed that although all were groomed - they don't look like it 12 hours later. ROFL Poor Abs needs a bath bad - Kat again.
I want my bed space? Do you think they gave it to me? Who's the boss here?
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 5:12PM 
This is Fiona creating knots Havanese style. But you say she is just running on the pool cover. Well, when it is wet, they rub and create knots.
So, we are ordering coats from Val for winter wetness to protect show coats. You can keep them warm and reduce the work and allow yours to play in the winter wet stuff slush. It won't save the feet but you can use a slicker on them. Just spray and slicker. I wouldn't suggest doing it everywhere unless you spray conditioner on crazy as it tends to break the hair and broken hair creates knots.
Then you will spend much time conditioning it to get it back in shape. I know - I have been doing it with Katsuro.
Have you bought your Havanese Grooming book? If not, we have one for sale from the HFC. It's not ours - its theirs but we have some of our dogs and tips in it and its worth its weight in gold.
Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 5:10PM 
Abigail says to Fiona, I hear tell we are going over to someones house today to do that 'run like hell' game. Do you think we can deek him out? You take the left, I will take the right and confuse the hey out of him. Do you think it will work?Do you know whose house it is?
I heard it was one of Wasabi's kids, Sebastian, from her last litter and he even catches a Frisbee in his mouth.
How cool is that?
Daddy didn't teach US that trick.
We hear he puts his nose on the Frisbee to flip it up.
Daddy - can you teach us that trick too?
Looking at this photo, the Frisbee almost looks like its too big to handle but Sebastian is running with it with ease.
Even momma Wasabi had a good time, she who always seems to be stylin' no matter where she goes. This is her after no bath since she was at Yvonnes - almost 4 weeks ago.
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 8:06PM 
Even thought it rained, the crew had a grand time today. There's something about the bounce of the safety cover that brings the excitement out. It also increases the yard. If you have a pool, you should seriously consider one for safety and for fun!
We also had a family visit and the dogs got to play with them. Now how cool is that to have socialization time. But that human mommy had to watch Lola as she is still in heat. That's okay as she likes hugging and sleeping next to Auntie Darlah.
As you can tell, now that Abs heat is over - she's back to her usual self. The brace is behind her and great things are coming her way - a puppy to play with in December and perhaps more puppies.
Tomorrow some of the crew gets to go visit Sebastian at his house. That human daddy better bring the camera as human mommy can't wait to see how much fun they will have.
The point of all of this is - socialize - socialize - socialize. It's really important as it will help your dawg become confident and all he can be!
Friday, November 7, 2008 at 8:58AM 
Here's Yvonne's Flora and Abigail. I do think that Abigail can fly. This pool cover is something they literally adore as it bounces like a trampoline but its safe. If you have a pool, consider getting one.
Now to have some fun...
How do you find out your Havanese's strengths and weaknesses? How can you assess what they need to work on? And where does your Havanese stand on the overall intelligence spectrum?
Here are some simple tests, suggested by various experts, that you can give your furry friend to find out if its brain is sharper than its bark:
1. Problem Solving
Donaldson suggests that you hide something your Havanese loves -- a toy or ball or treat -- underneath a sofa, and see if it can figure out how to retrieve the object. She says Havanese may go through several strategies, including digging with paws or using snouts.
Score Five points for getting the item with its paws in less than 30 seconds; four points if it uses paws and takes more than 30 seconds; three if it uses paws but fails; two if it uses its head but doesn’t try paws, and one point for dogs that try to use their head but then give up. It gets no points if it does nothing.
2. Learning Rate
How many times do you have to repeat a task with your Havanese before your Havanese masters it? Donaldson recommends a test involving detour taking. You need a fence that your Havanese can see through with a gate open at one end. With you on the other side of the fence, call your Havanese and see whether it can figure out how to get around to the other side.
Score Five points if it goes around the fence in a minute or less; four points if it succeeds right away after you take a few steps in that direction and gesture; three if it succeeds in 30 seconds after the prompts; two if it succeeds between 30-60 seconds after prompts, and one if it succeeds but requires even more prompting and time than that.
3. Social Cues
Coren developed the "smile" test for an Australian TV program to see how smart your dog is at picking up social cues from humans. Start with your Havanese sitting a few yards away from you. Stare at your Havanese's face. Once you make eye contact, count to three and then smile very broadly.
Score Five points for coming to you with its tail wagging; four points for coming part way; three points for standing or rising; two points for moving, and one if your Havanese pays no attention at all.
4. Inference Challenge
A canine version of the shell game. With your Havanese on a leash or in the stay position, use treats and two different bowls set a few feet apart, Donaldson says. Smear the treat on both bowls. Then very dramatically put the treat underneath one bowl. Release your Havanese and see what happens. Repeat this 10 times changing which bowl you put the treat under. Repeat another 10 times without letting your dog see where you're stashing the treat, but DO let the pup see you enthusiastically lift the other bowl up each time.
Score Five points if the dog goes to the correct bowl and gets the treat each time; four points if it masters the first 10 and improves over the course of the second 10; three if the first set is perfect but not the second set; two if the dog improves during the first and second rounds, and one if the dog is initially not very good but improves over the first round and completes the second round by going to the bowl you lifted.
5. Language Comprehension
Coren developed this test to determine how well your dog understands what you are saying. Start with your dog sitting in front of you. Using the tone of voice you use to call your dog's name, call "refrigerator." Try this again, calling "movies."Score Five points if the dog doesn't respond to those words but comes after you call its name; four points if the dog comes the second time you call its name; three if the dog starts to come; two if the dog comes to "movies" but not "refrigerator,” and one if the dog simply doesn't come to any of the calls.
Your Dog's Score
Gifted and Talented (25-31) Consider your Havanese brilliant and then...watch out! Smarter Havanese are often harder to live with because as soon as you teach them new skills, they try to get around following your orders. You may also inadvertently teach them bad behaviors.
Clever Canine (18-25) On the higher end of the intellectual spectrum, these are good listeners who will likely perform tricks well at parties or in obedience class.
Sharp, But Slow (10-18) You will find them trainable -- even if it takes numerous repetitions to master a skill.
Doggie Dropout (Less than 10) Let's hope that you selected your Havanese for its beauty as opposed to its brains, but since anyone can have an off day, give your furry pal a good pat on the head, and maybe try the tests again at a later date.
This test is for fun and your Havanese could be simply bored with it all!
Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 1:08PM 
Oh here I am before THAT human Mommy brushed and combed me out. We have Yvonne's four while she enjoys that hot Florida sun so she has this list on her desk and she checks each of our names off after we are done as if she can't remember. Maybe she can't and it's her OLD age setting in.
Mommy put these funny pants on me as I am supposed to be over my heat and tested me with that crazy boy Kat. Usually when I am done, I growl at him but I didn't so back we are behind closed doors even though all signs point to no heat for me or Abigail. Mommy thinks best to be safe.
We have these doors all over the house. Mommy yells out and daddy puts that boy away and we shuffle back and forth. It's crazy times. But when we get outside in this balmy weather, we run all over that pool cover and have a roaring grand time.
Hope you are enjoying the weather. We are slowly getting better - and it's about time.
PS: See why you want to get your dawg spayed or neutered? Who wants to go through this twice a year unless you have to.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 1:19PM 
This is one of our visitors who will be here till around December 8th. This is Downsey. I just brushed her up and she shook her head. She's just like her sister Fiona. We have Downsey, Flora, Lola and Maggie setting up their shingle here and enjoying the landscape.
That part isn't crazy - well maybe for some of you but we also have Kat home and 3 gals still in heat and one we are hoping is preggie - Wasabi - that is. You don't want to know what a boy is like when gals are in heat and he has to be kept away. Like I said - crazy times.
We are starting to get better around here - not whole yet but can finally see some progress. Four weeks of congestion is a bit much but we survived the specialty - I think.
Oh and we are adding a new addition on December 12th. Wasabi - of pregnant is due December 24th. Yvonne comes back around the 8th. Gidget also visits during that time for 3 weeks.
Full house and here's a photo of our new addition. We are watching her change by the moment.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 2:32PM It's harder than you think. Where's that tail? Gad - do they have to make those banging sounds - X doesn't like it.
More Photos later...still sick but getting better and Yvonne's dogs are coming here for a month - are we excited or WHAT!