Desctructive Behavior With Havanese

I try to get that perfect shot of the dogs coming out the door in a flurry but someone always is off that takes away from it being 'perfect. So, today I decided to take it as they are going out the door to give you a feeling of what it is like around this place when we go outside.

They know fun is in store for them and can't wait to get out - cold, warm - what have you!

Did you know boredom can create destructive behavior?

Yes, there are other reasons at times but boredom is the #1 reason. No toy can take away from the time you spend with your dog. There is nothing like the fun you can create together nor the smiles a 10 minute stint of your time can create. The memories you will have will add up and be great.

If you had 10 minutes of quality time with training - 10 minutes of playing and just sometime to snuggle - wow what a great dog you would help develop. Be good to your Havanese. You will be glad you did.

Let It Snow But Let Me In

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.

There's a Havanese Under There

Fiona looks like Wild Child - yeah that is what we should have called her. There's another Havanese under here too - Shoshi and they are playing crazy. It's nice to see.

We are still missing the Wasabi and the Abs. There's still way sick humans but life moves forward - dogs play and we enjoy them.

Couldn't get better than that - could it?

Are your dawgs dressing up for Halloween?

More tomorrow.>>

Havanese: Stress & Fun

How can you tell your Havanese is under stress?

There are many signals through which you may spot this condition before it becomes out of hand or critical to performance.

Common things that can indicate stress are:
-Yawning
-Sleeping Too Long
-Arching the Back
-Stretching
-Drooling
-Tense body
-Barking
-Whining
-Runny bowels

Why am I mentioning this? It is normal for humans and dogs when exposed to unknown events or things to feel some stress. It's our job as a human to enable them to find their coping skills.

How can you do this? By slow conditioning NOT avoidance.

Slow conditioning is exposing your little one to things that they feel uncomfie with consistently till it is not an issue.

Recently, we had our roof done and one of our pups started growling at the men on the roof. This was foreign to them and anything lauding over them so high up is perceived as something in charge but also not touchable or attainable. Instead of keeping this particular dog in, I kept taking her out over and over in small doses and correcting and saying a keyword which is 'silly girl or silly boy' and I say it in a really silly voice as if to say - gee there really isn't something to be afraid of. If your dog trusts you, the key words will help. How do you gain trust? You have to be consistent, give rules and boundaries and you must not give them the idea that their behavior is valid. Never hug when reacting this way no matter how much you want to feel you need to. Hug when they sit, calm down - whatever positive coping skill they use - reward BIG time and eventually that is what they will rely on when faced with an unknown.

You are their teacher - their pal, their leader of the pack and the reason they attain a balanced state of mind. Don't get frustrated. Stop and get your emotions in check if you do.

Here's a photo of Fiona who did her first show. She showed minor stress by yawning and sleeping. But as she keeps getting exposed to so many people and dogs and people prodding her - that will disapate. Between shows we will take her to handling class and get her 'slow conditioned'.

Fiona got 2nd place in her first show. She did well. She is an alpha dog through and through but even alpha dogs can feel stress.

Pay attention to your dog and act accordingly. You will reach an amazing relationship with your dog when you do always!

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.