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

Hey - Havanese Gal Wake Up

Sebastian says to Shoshi - hey - get up - I want to play! gad these old guys - all they want is their beauty sleep and to play with me in bursts. I guess that's okay too!

I guess I can learn PATIENCE but hrmmm food is calling me. Hey human - stop the exercise - oh is that supposed to be - stop the presses? Whatever....feeding time. I can smell that food already!

Camera Lovin' Havanese

Sassy is having a bit of Sebastian rub off on her or is that the other way around? The camera comes out and it's strike a pose - such a runway gal.

The crew is up and the 'no bark' is working so well that I pointed my finger - said no bark this morning when a dog in the distance was barking and they are finally getting it. Good one!

Sassy, Wasabi and Sebastian are playing their little hearts out this morning having a roaring good time. After my breakfast, I will bathe her, brush her, Nathan will do her nails and get her ready to be stylin.

Well, it's cold outside. The crew is rolling around having fun and I need my coffee. More later!

Havanese: You Snooze or You Lose

Hey - it's lunch time and I can smell it but all I want to do is curl up and snooze in this bed that is really not big enough for two but am I going to let that stop us? nah... Besides - Havanese can curl up into a small little ball.

I am so camera shy that I lifted my head to make sure they saw me.

More later.>>

Sassy Lassy Antics

Sebastian says - "I have the toy so what are you going to do, Sassy Lassy? Oh - you think you can get it but I will show you who gets to keep it this time!"

Oh, the antics of these two have been precious this week. They have truly bonded even deeper - if that can be imagined. Sebastian even goes to look for her when he deigns to get his ahem out of bed. Sassy Lassy decides if I am getting up - so is she. The thing is, she has no clue about this exercise business and is keyed into my timing. If I am late getting up, that's when she gets up. If I am early - that's her as well. She's really tuned into the rhythms of the human pack. That's nice.

Today I did an hour stretch program that was almost impossible as Sassy Lassy thought that was an invitation to lick my face all over, crawl all over my chest and stomach when I laid down and have a grand old time with my feet.

For those that wondered who got the toy, well that Sassy Lassy plucked it from Sebastian and ran into his bed cave that he has here. She's a mighty creative one in how she accomplishes things. Her mind is always working at ways to have fun and its obvious that these 2 really enjoy each other.

Well more later. Forgive us but we are going to spend as much time with the crew as time allows and then when the Sassy is gone (our last one) - please do continue to read along as there will be tales to tell at Talemakers Havanese.

Havanese Adult & Pup Education

Well things have become interesting. We can surely tell there is a relaxed atmosphere in this house.

Sebastian has no concern about telling Risa what he wants but with Katsuro he goes submissive playful which is the norm with 2 male alphas or alpha want-to-bes - someone has to take that stance for it to work.

Perhaps Sebastian is quite the politician as he got what he wanted and that was to get Katsuro to play full on with him just like he did as a pup. Good one, Sebastian!

The photo is not a good quality but here you see Katsuro playing with Sebastian and Wasabi playing with Sassy.

Sassy has not learned how to be a politician - though gentle in nature - she doesn't back down to anyone but she has had the reality of living here and more of a comfort zone and knowing that the grrr isn't serious around this place. It's just - okay - so you don't want me on top - or you don't want to play but I want to play...so there!

Risa was caught playing with the little ones today too. How nice.

Someone whispered to us that Chico - a sibling may be coming to play and maybe we will get Coach back before Sassy and Sebastian go. Wow, will we have some fun then. We hope it materializes. If not, we will just have to arrange a play date at our house in the future. What can I say? Anything for an excuse to see the little ones.

We had a really fun day today. Sebastian stayed in bed a tad longer, Sassy came down to help me exercise. sassy kept pouncing while I did Kenpo and I swear she thought she was trying it too. She would go back and forth me in the same direction as if to say - can't you make up your mind lady where you want to go? One would have thought she got tired after that but no, the rest of the crew came down and they ate and suddenly the scurrying of little feet going faster than you can imagine and much laughter here. There's nothing like watching 2 Havanese together. They get more exercise then 10 walks put together. It's nice.

These two are indeed the best of pals. But there is nothing like the play with momma Wasabi and now Katsuro too. They are going to be missed!

We are also looking into acquiring one or two puppies ourselves from another quality line that hopefully we can show and breed so we will be continuing this blog and continuing the Talemaker journey of our madness into Havanese obsession. Just watch out. They are addicting and how could they not be with the laughter they bring. More later...

Havanese Siblings - Best Friends

What has become evident as the week has gone by that there is a special bond between siblings that have close contact. We know from experience it wanes to a degree but when they stay in close contact, they remain with that something extra special in the bonding department.

We are really glad that this duo is going to stay as close friends, taking classes together and enjoying each other's competitive nature and they both have THAT for sure! I never saw so many alphas in one litter - oh my!

Here's Sebastian and Sassy hanging out at the back door after a feverish romp this morning. They play so hard, I find they always have that disheveled look - though way cute in my opinion.

Last night Sebastian lost his kingship and Risa reclaimed the pillow. He jockeyed for position a number of times but Risa would have none of that so Sebastian spent time sleeping inbetween my legs, up against Sassy, on my neck and Sassy was found cuddling to Katsuro often.

Sleep was not in the cards for me so I saw it all but not due to him. A dog was howling (Nanook) at 130am and good news, I went shh and no one barked and I kept getting leg cramps that I couldn't get rid of - not from overtaxed muscles as exercise has not been consistent enough. I have to virtually swat myself to get back to it and I will but must be something else. It's still going numb today and I still have tight calf muscles so sleep - well I need some. Maybe if the boss allows, I will snuggle with the doggies and nap and groom in the afternoon vs. this morning. We shall see.

It's hard to believe it is already Wednesday. I am going to miss the little ones. I know some breeders manage to keep their total heart out of the equation but we can't figure out how and I am not sure I do. I do for my sake but not theirs. That base is so critical and we are always looking to perfect it and when you have that mindset, well you love them and then you have to applaud their new journey not for you but for them - in hopes that they have a lifetime of grand memories that their owners will share from time to time.

Wasabi's pups - her gentle nature, her intelligence and she is very intelligent, her body movement, her mischievous nature - well there were many early surprised accomplishments and that tells us that she makes rather special pups. Keep sending photos - please when you can...when you find the time.

Talemaker Havanese 13.5 Week Reunion

This is Talemaker Sassy and Talemaker Sebastian is visiting till early next week. Talemaker Coach came to visit and the fun began. Just wish we got more video. Next time. The pups are now 13.5 weeks old - wow. We miss them already!

Havanese Sibling Socialization

The siblings had a meet and greet session yesterday that was an amazing amount of fun and we wonder if Coach slept afterwards. Sassy crawled into bed upstairs after he left and said enough is enough - I need my sleep. She was completely exhausted. Sebastian decided to stay downstairs and nibble on Terra's ear trying to get her to play. He was wide awake until after 11pm.

They all slept well last night and had no jockeying for position but Sebastian still had Risa's pillow at the top of the bed for a portion of the night- imagine that. He laid across the pillow with his body stretched out and up against Nathan's head. All was fine in his world getting top dawg position for the 2nd night in a row. Katsuro snuggled then decided the floor was cooler. Sassy doesn't seem to get preoccupied with proving any of that stuff - rather like Risa, so one wonders if they remained in the same house who would be true alpha. Only time would tell. Personally, I think a submissive position is easier than controlling the universe.

Interesting enough, Coach is also an alpha want to be - so 3 alpha want to be's getting together to play - it was actually fun. They wrestled and play growled and rolled around and ran and had a roaring grand time. Here's Sassy yanking on her brother to get him out of the tunnel. Hey - you can't escape me - you just think you can.

This get together was great. It was great distraction for us. Thanks, John!

Here's a photo of Coach and Sassy and I am putting this up as Sassy was shaking her head midstream while I was taking this photo trying to dust herself off from the antics of her siblings. It looks a tad funny but that's what she was indeed doing.

Sassy was the target at times but she held her own and then some - but it was all in fun. If it wasn't, we would have ceased the behaviour but she kept going back for more and playing with all comers.

You can click on any of the photos in this site to see a larger version.

I remember when the dogs couldn't reach this water dish and had to put their paws up to drink. My, times have changed. They have really grown. Rockhurst's Buster and Wasabi really made nice pups and Wasabi and her body structure, balanced nature and Buster and his - wow. I can't say enough and they remain ahead of schedule, smart as ever and pretty dawgs. Ok, we aren't supposed to say pretty about the males but they are...rather nice features and everyone says that. They have this cuteness factor thang going on.

The siblings had a blast. I have yet to find time to look at the video but it was a futile attempt to capture. They were running and running with excitement. But - maybe - something. We will find out later and if so, we will upload. Our still photos were just as bad. Amazing how fast with excitement they were moving. We must do this again.

Talemaker's Havanese Ritz Abode

There are some Havanese dawgs that love comfort and Risa's line reeks of THAT! Risa loves her sleep time, her pillow at the top of the bed that Sebastian stole last night and they love their zzzzz's - always have but Risa and Katsuro take the cake as they love the pillows, the blanket over them and it can't be any pillow but it must be soft, comfie and just right.

Due to a new visitor, Sebastian, Katsuro has decided to catch some zzzs on the couch this morning. Laying high also gives him the illusion he is top dawg surveying all.

Sebastian and Sassy are also nodded out together in the big dawgs bed. Sebastian is going to get a comb out when he gets done snoozing. He decided today to mimic Risa in the snow. Risa goes out, lays down in the snow and does a body rub. Sebastian thought that was rather interesting and tried it himself. Sassy just looked and I swear said what are you 2 nuts doing? Ah - but Sebastian and Risa are satisfied that she hasn't got a clue. They now have all that fresh white stuff to themselves to roll and get a mess in.

COMMENTS:
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Mark and Maryanne has left a new comment on your post "Talemaker's Havanese Ritz Abode": I'm glad to see that Sebastian got his choice of pillows on the bed last night. He's learning that he is the king and all others are his loyal subjects!! Let's not let it go to his head. Posted by Mark and Maryanne to Wasabi's Havanese Adventures at January 14, 2008 1:33 PM

Havanese Morning Stroll

This is Sebastian and Sassy coming in from their morning stroll out back. They love the layer of snow and Sebastian hasn't stopped making that tweety sound yet with that stick we can't find anywhere. I may hide that toy and Sassy wants it back.

Off to do breakfast. Boy are they full of it this fine morning.

More later...

Sebastian Visit is Full of Fun

Sebastian is here visiting and we are in heaven. Nathan caught him snuggling with me. He's been playing up a storm and I mean non-stop. Me thinks he is rather fond of his sister, Sassy. He's such a cutie. It's great to have him here as they are making us laugh. So far, Katsuro was rolling around in the big bed with him, Shoshi was doing run-like-hell, Risa's been watching and mommy Wasabi has been correcting. hehehehe

You know that tunnel we have, Sebastian just jumped in mid air on top while Sassy was inside and squished it on her. No one got hurt. Sassy jumped out and I swear she was laughing about it. Where was the video camera then? This all happened while I was typing.

We have had a couple of - 'who is boss' episodes where one squeaks from rough-housing but then Wasabi straightens them out. It's way funny and great timing for us as we needed an infusion of fun. Thanks, Maryanne and Mark. More later as I am positive this duo will keep us on our toes and to me - that's quite nice!

Here Sebastian is taking a time out so he can get rejuvenated. It lasted 10 minutes and they were both back at it - in and out of tunnels, and Sebastian's home safe place is that house that Maryanne brought. Where did you get it?

Tomorrow I will get more video. I got a bit but I am way too busy watching. Something about a camera on your face - well it takes away from the experience - heh but I promise you lots of moments - no worry. Today - well today is just enjoy without worrying about capturing it all.

PS: Sebastians already checked out the bed and has staked his claim. When he calms down, I will clean up his feet from all that run-like-hell through the grass out back.

More later...off to watch the pair.
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COMMENTS:
Mark and Maryanne has left a new comment on your post "Sebastian Visit is Full of Fun": Sebastian's bed came from SuperPet. It's actually a cat bed, but I didn't tell Sebastian that! He'll be sad when he's too big to fit through the holes in it. Posted by Mark and Maryanne to Wasabi's Havanese Adventures at January 13, 2008 9:18 PM