A Havanese Show No Points Day

The shows over and no points today but a grand display of sunshine that mother nature offered us. So, we are heading to the pool and are going to find the energy to chill before we have to do it again next Friday.

Well, we are still learning - what to do, the show politics (what doesn't have some) and how to get up at 4am, bathe a dog and still appear awake.

We will let you know if we survive all of this.

All I know is Abs is delighted to be back at home playing. Me too!

Sunday, Wakeup Havanese: Show Day

It's Sunday and another 4am wakeup and soon we will be heading out the door. It's a C-R-A-Z-Y life.

Coffee, toast for the humans and food for Fiona and best part no bath for her. Poor Abs will rely on treats after she gets to the show. A girl has to do what a girl has to do to get motivated in the ring or so the humans think. HA!

More later>>

Abigail Wins Her First Points

What a difference between today and yesterday. We all got the distinct feeling yesterday that the judging was running late. The Judge fairly flew through the Havanese breed and Abigail didn't get a second look. I was really disappointed as I thought Abigail had never looked or behaved so well. Granted I'm still not doing everything as and when I should but Abigail was the best she has ever been, yet was ignored.

Today was a whole other thing. The Judge was obviously very familiar with the breed and quoted to me a few of the breed standards as she was examining Abigail on the table. She complimented Abigail on her excellent topline and she proceeded to thoroughly examine every inch of her as she did for everyone else. She took her time. She had us walk down and back and then all the way around. I got the feeling Abigail's head needed to be higher. Abigail and I had a brief discussion about it and she got her head up higher. I was told after I still need to pay more attention to the Judge and less focused on Abigail and I'm working on that aspect. We won the puppy class beating one other female Havanese puppy.

That meant we went back into the ring a few minutes later to compete against all of the female Havanese of any age competing today. As I am with the puppy, we are last in line. The Judge told me off for standing behind the table and out of her line of sight. Hearing this the others quickly moved up a few feet to give us room to get into her sight. Again, Abigail walked around wonderfully. She does walk very well. I tried not to trip over my feet and mess her up. She asked that Abigail and another Havanese be placed on the table again and viewed them both from the front. Then asked us all to walk around again, this time with Abigail second in line. As we walked all the way around she pointed to us, thank goodness I was watching just in case, and indicated that we had won. Winners Bitch. Oh, my. What a feeling. I know I was grinning from ear to ear and thanked the Judge very much.

All the others then left and the male special went to stand in the ring in front of us. This seasoned three year old Havanese is one of the ranking toy dogs in Canada, immaculately groomed, professionally handled. But he stopped in a position that left me behind the table again. This time I didn't wait for the Judge but asked the handler if he could please move up a bit so we could get out from behind the table. He immediately complied and around we went. At the end, we didn't beat him but our day will come. :-)

Abigail finished today with Winners Bitch for her first 2 points. And Best Puppy in Breed. I was very proud of her. The Judge and I spoke for a few minutes afterwords and she said that she thought Abigail was excellently groomed and I immediately pointed out my wife standing outside the ring and said that Darlah was entirely responsible for that and thanked her for saying so. She went on to repeat that she believed Abigail had an excellent topline and she really liked her. I'm still glowing.
Nathan

Is It Over? Havanese Show Days

Well, they said I (Daddy and I) got these things called points today. The judge said she liked my hair - all natural and all and my top line. What the hey is a top line or points or - is this show business done?

Oh well, they say tomorrow I do it again. Mommy - if you wake me up at 4am again....well, I may revolt.

I celebrated with Dairy Queen ice cream. I wanted filet mignon and they give me and themselves ICE CREAM. What is that about?
Well, daddy is out on the lounge chair chillin and reading. Yvonne is snoozing on the recliner and my mommy (human) is typing here. Me - I am playing my fool head off as a puppy should.

Daddy will fill you in later.>>

Another Show Day Down

We had a long day and although we really strutted our stuff - nada today. This show business is a complicated thang and we will figure it all out in time for the Fiona to make her debut. heh

Tomorrow we start early and then have some downtime. Today - well bed is calling us and 4am comes up too early.

One thing I can say is Nathan and Miss Abs looked good.

More tomorrow!

Havanese Show Non Grooming Start

Abs got washed last night but there was morning dew - actually much more than that - downright wet out there and Miss Abs stuck her face in the grass. Got to love it. I think we will wait till showtime to freshen her up. Tomorrow we will get up at the crack of dawn (show is much earlier and all the way out to Orangeville) and we will wash her then. We learn...

I call Abs and Wasabi my junkyard dogs. They love to just muck it up outside especially when they just get freshly washed. Something about that smell - got to mask it. Geez mom - what did you put on ME?

Well, we are off at around 930 and I think I packed everything. Time will tell and that Murphy's law better not set in - meaning - what you need is what you forget.

Wish us luck. We are still in the learning stage and Yvonne's Lola is up against us. Not sure who else but we will soon find out.

Hope those that are local join us next weekend at Richmond Hill Green. It's Nathan's B-Day on the 1st. Yes, he is showing Abs then and hey - you can lend us some support. Hope to see you there!

Abs Gets Washed & Class Update

Something about the Abs. She has a real zest for life. I finished blow drying her to get her ready for a show tomorrow when in reality, I should have just got up at 4am and washed her then.

Here she is 5 minutes after getting off the table and her face is wet. She's smooshed her head into her bed and chased Katsuro around and almost caught his back end. They run SO fast. Here's for cleaning her up early tomorrow and learning my lesson. Oh - she's not bad but this is only 5 minutes past the time of being done. hehehe

Nathan just got in with Fiona and he says everyone did really well in class. Teddy wasn't there this week as she is in a trial, I believe with one of her dogs but we will all see her next week.

It does my heart good to hear how the dogs are doing.

More tomorrow!

To Wash or Not to Wash

Look at this photo of Fiona and her grandma, Risa.

Fiona is already for obedience school with hair back in a band. Nathan and Fiona just got picked up by Coach's parents. It's class time and now to decide - pack for tomorrow for the show or wash Miss Abs or?

More later after Fiona's class when we hear how everyone did and maybe a report that the Abs is sparkling clean. Last time I washed her too early, she romped with Zack and I had to wash her twice.

Idol, Havanese & Stylin'

Today, Wasabi needed a bath. it's been too long - that I don't want to say but she stays clean longer than all the rest. She's not crazy about the hair blowing in her face and that's why her face looks like that but I let the face partially air dry. Her hair feels so amazing now that I wonder why I didn't do it earlier.

Fiona hung out with the Wasabi while she got blow dried thinking I may drop a treat or two on her. I give the dogs a few treat during the process to make it more enjoyable but only when they are doing what I want. It all works.

We went to handling class last night and one lady started fighting with another saying her dog was too close to hers - yikes. Well - let's say - life is too short and we left but the term chill came to mind. Life is never dull in the dog world. ROFL

Well, Miss Fiona is going to obedience classes tonight. Miss Abs gets to stay home with me and get washed and blow dried so all she needs is a touch up in the morning then its off to the show so she can strut her stuff next to the Lola.

Nathan is out trying to support this crazy dog world and will be out at class tonight - asking me last moment what he should wear and hoping but asking 5 ways to Sunday if I have everything packed. Will I forget something? Time will tell.

Wish us luck. I will be filming. More later>>

PS: 'Idol' coverage is over so human mom gets to sleep earlier in the eve and that means more than 4 hours sleep. The best David DID win. ;-) ZZ Top and Cook - what a hoot! He could tour with them and hold them up so they don't fall down. ha!!

Door Waiting & Barking Havanese

Just watched a show where it said it is natural for your crew to announce someone coming to the door but then it should stop. If it continues, to block off their access to you like we have with this gate and stand there without any contact - say sit/down whatever and the first one to stop barking and sit quietly gets their treat.

It emphasized to be consistent and to be patient and wait. Each time you do it, the time frame should lessen but do not expect a single bark as dogs feel it is their job to warn you.

We are giving it a try and letting you know how it goes. Will fill you in when we have a few of these sessions down pat.

We are off to handling tonight, obedience tomorrow and then shows all weekend. So there will be updates daily but not necessarily in the morning. We shall see.

Rain, Dandelions & Handling Class

We were at handling class and it was spitting rain, cold and dandelions up so high and grass as well that - well they say a dog has to get used to it as they don't always mow the grounds on outside shows. Fun. Check out a few of the photos from tonight.

Handling class tomorrow - obedience Thursday and then show time. So much to do...

Much to Do in Havanese Living

Our little Miss Abs is a gal in waiting. She hates waiting. Oh, she waits for a treat even if she is the last one in the pack but if handling class is too large - well it's boring so her mind works at ways to either tune out or mix it up. If she can't play with the Dobie or any other dog close by, well then she lays down and tunes out. We are working on getting her distracted and focused on her handler - daddy so she doesn't get bored. She's an adventurous gal and if life is not exciting - well it's B-O-R-I-N-G! Her breeder tells me we just make life too fun for her. ROFL

Well, we have a busy week. We had Linda with her Havanese over last night and we almost had Remy over for a quick visit but he had company come in. We also almost had Benny over from Risa's last litter but we are way too busy this week with shows coming up - it almost makes your head spin.

Let's see, we have handling class tonight and tomorrow night. Obedience on Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday we have a show with the Miss Abs and Yvonne comes with Lola.

I have the finals for 'Dancing' and 'Idol' to cover. Who sleeps? Plants to cover in this cold. A pool salt cleaner that isn't working so at this rate no swimming yet - hahaha Then we get to do it all again next week.

Yesterday, Miss Abs and Fiona got into BIG trouble. Oh, it's funny but can't let them know that. I had planted some plants in my pots and left a half filled dirt plastic pot big enough to look good but not too big that a dawg couldn't carry it around spilling dirt all over the place from outside to in. The gals were delighted as if they had found a pot of gold and ran for their little playhouse to hide and investigate this find but daddy caught them and took it away. Oh - the things dogs can get into.

We also heard that Zack is fitting in well and is even getting Coco to eat faster than her usual as Zack thinks its all his, I imagine. Can't wait to hear all about their adventures. It's nice!

More later...

Brr It's a Havanese Dog Day

It's cold. It's a holiday here in Canada and the Havanese don't even want to go out. What's mother nature trying to tell us?

Well, take advantage of it and train the dogs - making it a fun game then curl up on the couch and pretend the world doesn't exist. HA - Then come back to the land of the living TOMORROW.

We are off to cover the plants - do a run like hell game with the dogs and curl up with a blanket in front of the TV.

Well, 4 days till dog shows and we have handling, obedience and much to do even for this person here who isn't showing. I am the fluff and dry and make boo-ti-full lady.

More tomorrow!

Miss Abs & the Woodruff Bed Shimmy

Catch our Miss Abs playing in her Woodruff bed. We are not in the habit of extolling the virtues of anything for our dawgs unless we really like it - or more like - they really like it. Well, this one is a hit!

Creative Havanese Dog Showing

We are going to start a new trend in dog showing - the 2 legged kind. We think Miss Fiona would be a true star on 2 legs. Can you hear her - daddy - daddy - daddy - please can I go for a walk - NOW!

Miss Fiona tends to walk across an entire room on her back legs. It reminds you that they were once amazing comical circus dogs and you can see why. Some of them are a bit more - look at me - look at me - like Miss Fiona is - ALWAYS! But they are agile, quick to get new commands and certainly believe in having fun. If the world does not have fun in it for Miss Fiona and the Miss Abs - well they create it and I rather enjoy that!. It's an infectious attitude that we could all use.

Miss Sassy has been staying with us till Coach recovers from his snip/snip. She goes back home today.

Taking a look at her in this photo, you could never tell she had black feet and I mean BLACK feet from romping at Yvonne's. They love it there but oh my - muddy city with the rain. I let it dry. Today I sprayed it with waterless bath. I took a wipe to get the dirt that remained in and blow dried it spraying a tad more of waterless bath. Does her feet look black today? HINT: If you let the mud dry instead of washing the feet right away, it actually is EASIER to clean.

We really enjoyed the Sass staying here and we believe she had a grand time. She's a major bed snuggler and kisser. Ah but she then gets to see that Coachie guy and all will be right in the world then - back from holidays to her home. She's just had a vacation doggie style. hahaha

More later. Rain is coming. Abs is showing this Friday. Training - training training and then an infusion of fun - we hope.

Hanging out at Yvonnes

We went on a road trip today. We had originally thought we were going overnight then rain was forecast and then Sunday and - well we made the trek in and rain it did with a smattering of sun and all the way home - sun, sun, sun - what was that about? Did it rain in Toronto?

You can click on the photos to see a larger view.

We were hanging out at Yvonne's today and it rained - was muddy and all that mud found its way on to the dogs and on to our laps. I actually think the Miss Abs had black feet not apricot.

I went garden shopping so tomorrow the dawgs get to help Dennis and I plant them after Sassy goes back home. I have to get her back to clean. hehehe - actually letting her air dry - she doesn't look bad at all and it was only the feet but we will freshen her up so she can look oh so boo-ti-full!

The crew ran around like banshees. It's dog heaven at Yvonne and Alex's place. Sure ours is too but they have the room to run and boy did they run their hearts out and Abs was the leader of the pack in running the most. Sassy seems to be the fastest.

Kat - well he LOVES that he is surrounded by so many beautiful girl Havanese.

Here's a few of them - an array of colours - just hanging out. From the back is Yvonne's Downsey, John & Cheryl's Sassy and our Fiona from Yvonne.

The crew really loves this trip and once they got into the car, they KNEW where they were going and even Sassy has been there. But as they say - nothing like returning home to chill, sleep a dead sleep and look forward to another day of fun TOMORROW. It's a dog day you know!!

Tomorrow we practice for our upcoming shows with Miss Abs, plant, veg, play and maybe wash a few dogs. We shall see.

PS: heard that Ramona's Zack is enjoying his surroundings. That makes me smile with a warm heart.

More news tomorrow and watch for photos.

Travelin' Havanese

Well, we are off to Yvonne's house for the day and will be back later tonight with lots of photos etc

It's yucky raining out. Life is a dawgs life and mommy saves time NOT grooming.

More tonight after the day unfolds.

Hmm busy next week too as we have shows starting next Friday - now Abs - practice gal!

Zack's New Home, Nails & Life

As you can see, Nathan is outside cutting Wasabi's nails. If you look at Zack and Sassy - you will notice that Wasabi finally needs a bath. But rain is coming so it will wait. hahahahaha Sassy got a bath this morning and looked at me a tad cross-eyed but otherwise behaved as the Sassy Lassy that she is.

If you click on the photo, you can see Fiona - and what a colour mass she is these days.

She seems to have a lot of grey and apricot coming in. It was mostly cream. The ever changing one.

Here's the Miss Abs out on the deck, in the sun just roughin' it in our bed we got from Woodruff. The dawgs all LOVE this bed. They roll around and do all kinds of crazy things in it but all of them get in the act except the larger canines (retrievers)

Zack's gone to his new home today. We are excited for him - sad as we will miss the guy but happy he will have more one on one time. We look forward to seeing photos.

We were supposed to be off to our friends house tomorrow but they are calling for rain so it may not happen till Sunday. That means I may be able to sleep in - exercise late and get ready for 2 weeks in a row of doggie shows with the Miss Abs.

It's called - practice - practice - practice.

Well, work is crazy so I must get stuff done - more later. We are hoping Coach survived his snip/snip and just know Sassy is doing great. She's already found our bed.

Zack's Hairy Day

Here I am trying to get Zack's hair in a ponytail on top. He was letting me do it but I doubt it was the highlight of his day. Then Abigail and him decided to help me out in the garden and I had a sedction that had mud and they both stuck their face in it as I had sticks over the mud. I must have been tired as it didn't dawn on me that mud and sticks together is too delicious for a dog to resist. Oh well, tomorrow I will freshen up his face and he will be as good as new when his new mom comes to get him.

Tonight he is in class and I am at home awaiting to hear how it goes. I even gave Nathan and Ramona hot dogs to woo the duo if they need it. I did practice but there wasn't enough time to take Ramona through the commands so I am hoping Teddy - our instructor at Who's Walking Who in Ajax keeps it going on with her sense of humour. I did teach Zack leave it in 5 minutes. I was impressed. Actually 2nd correction and he left it consistently till I released him. He's way smart.

I wanted photos but those will come the last class, which I wouldn't miss.

Coach gets the snip and Sassy gets to stay overnight. We can't wait. Then on Saturday we visit Yvonne and hopefully miss traffic.

Now to do some work and get some paperwork done.

Training Your Havanese & Having Fun

In handling class, we often have to resort to any method to get where we want to go. hahahaha

Well, not really but doesn't Nathan look like he is praying for better times? He actually had a good class last night other than Abs losing interest. It's just too late for her after a full day of playing with the crew and she does play hard.

Tonight, Zack gets his stitches snipped, gets bathed and goes to class with his new owner. I am also going to take him through the paces before he goes and may stay home just so I am not a distraction. Coach's dad John knows I can be...although I do try not to but hey that boisterous happy upbeat voice sure gets them focused on you.

Zack no longer gets up at the crack of dawn with me but stays in bed snoozing till Nathan gets up. Now, Shoshi, Katsuro, Abs and Fiona join me lately consistently.

Check out a few of the photos from handling class last night. Hopefully, if you are interested in showing your dog and haven't taken the plunge, this will inspire you to realize - you too can do it and have fun doing it as well! Fun is the key!