Handling Class with the 2 Havanese

Fiona went to handling class with Abigail and the human daddy. Stay tuned tomorrow to hear how she did her very first time. Plus see how Abs was about sharing all this one on one time.

Early morning antics at Talemakers. Whitney, our old lady retriever had a bath and now its Terra's turn when I have the energy.

We have a busy day. The car died so human daddy has to go pick that up today. We have handling classes with Fiona and Abigail. Human daddy has a business meeting. We have to empty a pool house as the pool people are coming this week. We have training to do with Chico, Abs and Fiona and the rest of the crew.

I also have a late night with 'Dancing With the Stars' results and 'Idol' and yep I made that 4am wake up to do a killer plyo. Sleep was not good so maybe a nap today if work is not too much.

Remind me not to take a siesta from exercise. It's awful finding the energy to get back into it but I must. I look at that reflection in teh window while exercising and validate all that sweat and exhaustion that comes. I need to figure out how to get the dogs to exercise at the same time. Ideas - anyone?

Fiona, Abs and Katsuro got up with me. They loved the fan blowing on them while I exercised. I practiced commands with them as you can if you do not have the chunk of time to train them. It's best that way as you incorporate training into real life and end up reinforcing. Remember NO FREE TREATS - make them work for it even with a sit or a down or a by me - anything but don't give it away for free. You will end up being happier with the results and they will enjoy it as well.

More later as the day goes on.>>

We are Back at it Havanese Style

It's early morning and that human mommy thinks I should get up and exercise with her. Okay, we thought we should but 4am - please... Only I (Fiona) and Katsuro got up and as you can see, I crawled into my crate and went fast to sleep. Katsuro climbed on the couch to snooze and open his eyes halfway every now and then just to be sure the human was really doing this crazy stuff again.

The human has vowed that this is the beginning of getting back to it. This is day 2 of really bringing it. Will the canines survive? Will the human survive?

A potential new human mommy and packmate is coming over to hang out with Chico today and learn some commands that he learned at obedience. Chico is really getting back to being attached here so it is time.

More later as the day goes on.>>

Socialization Havanese Style

Well, we have had a busy day. I have been sick so ignore the disheveled look but we decided it was time to get the pups out today seeing we didn't have rain. We went all the way to Petsmart, Solutions and Canadian Tire and socialized bigtime. This also means that we walked along a very busy street and NO reaction for a couple of hours. We had more of a reaction in a parking lot when the cars were too close for even my comfort.

Miss Fiona needs more work but so does Miss Abs. This was Fiona's first big outing out other than to obedience class and walks in the neighbourhood. She now has her rabies shot so socializing will be on our plate bigtime.

It's funny what they react to that you do not realized they haven't been exposed to.

This appeared new to Abs: cars very close by, doors opening and shutting at stores that make noise, a dump truck, a flying bag.

This is what was new to Fiona - all of the above and other dogs in the stores, strange people giving her treats, petting her, busy street sounds, cash register. Fiona did well considering it was her first exposure but needs much more work. She is still reacting to other dogs, people walking by and lets Abs do the initiation before she trusts. We think she is still in her fear stage but these are all positive exposures. It's funny that she is fearless in an environment she knows but the unknown still needs work. It proves that socialization is important.

On Tuesday both Fiona and Abigail will be going to handling class. Nathan will be doing the handling with each but with my help, we can expose both.

Then we came back and walked Chico (this morning I trained him out front - was way distracted so training will continue out front), and Wasabi, Risa, Katsuro, Shoshi, Terra and Whitney. Nathan did an extra longer walk than I with Shoshi and Terra while I meandered around the block with Whitney envisioning I may have to carry her. She barely makes it and now crashes hard asleep but still wants to go. I guess that comes with old age.

I am going to wash her up after I eat lunch if she wakes up in time. :-) I also have to wash a couple of other dogs as we had wet days and muddy times. Nathan said they don't need it but the 2 retrievers do and so does Katsuro - bigtime.

Be sure to check out our slideshow of the puppies antics below.

New Havanese Slideshow

The pups are messy as ever from their early morning jaunts outside and my lack of combing them so just ignore and realize the dawgs need fun too - not all that brushing all the time.

Check out what they have been up to today in this slideshow.

We are going to take walks today, socializing the Abs, the Fiona at Petsmart/Home Depot etc as long as the rain stays away. then I will be back at it taking Risa, Kat and the rest of the crew. It's time I get back into shape consistently.

We will also be doing training today - actually going to start with Chico in a few minutes.

More later as the day develops.

Havanese Moments

The puppies are coming into their own vying for everything and that is usual at this age. It does get better as they get older but may not give you as much laughs as it does now, depending on your mindset.

Dear old Miss Abs is sitting in wait with her mind churning trying to figure out how she can get what's in the dish. Now Miss Abs has already eatened but she would have Risa's and anyone elses if she could just figure out how to maneuver that without getting told - not on your life.

We feed the dogs pretty much in the same spot but we manage to control who eats what by our presence. They know the ultimate bosses are us but that doesn't stop the mind calculating the next move. Please Risa - can you spare some food?

As you can see, Risa managed to eat the whole thing!

Well, the human here is trying to get motivated in training the crew and taking a walk with them in a bit.

Hope you are more motivated than we are. Funny how the weather affects everything.

Another Wet Havanese Day

Well, Chico, Coach and Fiona had class last night and Coach's dad drove. I think they all did really great in class but that Chico got everything fast and then got distracted and Teddy - the instructor gave me natural balance for a treat and suddenly - hmm okay I will focus - really I will and he did. We even got to demonstrate stay and going around with keeping a stay and he didn't do it before class and wow and got it. Coach was beside me and this human next time will be across the room as she tends to be too vocal when a dog is doing what they should be and poor Coach - although he was doing it all - he kept looking at what I was doing. That's my bad and i wish I had caught on to it before I did.

The crew was saying not another wet day. Chico has already had his morning training and so did Fiona. Miss Abs had some table work and later we will do it all again. The more you do it, the easier it will be to just have it happen but it does take work. All it takes is 5 or 10 minutes once or twice a day. Keep at it and you will love the results.

More later....

Class Tonight!

Today is Thursday and here I am after eating. Do I look happy at the food that daddy feeds us? I gained a solid pound in one month.

I get to go to class tonight. Coach and Chico is in my class too. I can't wait - class #2. Mommy needs to get her act together and train, train, train. We have stopped lunch time feeding as we do so many treats at noon time training sessions that it makes sense.

Daddy is also adding table work into my training so I get a head start in the scheme of things. With my - I just want to be into everything personality, I will need that. But charming - that I have down cold. hahahaha

More later...

Cold and Brrr Havanese Morning

It's a cold day. We took in all our plants too late and now they are drooping but the dogs just love it. The cooler air just seems to invigorate them.

Well, we have training to do. Human mommy has to do the 'Idol' results page tonight and take a nap with the crew and we have someone coming by to see Chico tonight. Then teh Miss Abs gets to go to handling class again. She's going to totally have this ring business down cold one day for sure - soon.

More later>> (Be sure to watch the show videos below)

Full Lindsay Show Up Now

The playing is back and we are really having a great time. The shows are fun but so are the downtime when we can spend time playing, training and snuggling.

Check out all the show videos below.

It's Abs first show at 6months old and we will be going to a few more soon. But till then, Miss Abs is going to handling tonight and tomorrow night and Miss Fiona and Chico - the fluff ball will be doing obedience classes with Coach. Hey, John - are you practicing with both? Take a look at Chico and Fiona playing their hearts out.

Day 1 Lindsay Show
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 2 Lindsay Show
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 3 Lindsay Show
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 4
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 4
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 4
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 4 of 4

Another Havanese Day

Well, show time is over. There will never be another first show but there will be a 2nd, 3rd and more. Tonight I have handling class and we get to do our usual training. Fiona is starting too - well at least training at home and obedience training. Chico gets mom for the training. Who is the luckiest? hahaha

Chico is doing great in all his commands and so is Fiona although we are doing everything in a stand and she does want to put that small backside down every now and then.

We hear our friends have photos of the show that they haven't shared yet. We are hoping some came out. They also got a rather cool gazebo so the dawgs have a new place to chill. Oh, they thought it was for the humans - yeah right. They are the masters of deals and oh I wish I was in on this one but we will do with what we have and have ours up by the picnic. The pool will even be open and we are hoping this year we have the weather vs. the rain we had last. Still, fun was had by all.

Look for the remaining videos (day 3) today.

Wet Havanese Day - Videos to Come

It's a rainy day and the pups are mucking it up. There goes Abs most stylin' do - hair-do that is. The gal is going to have a break and no shampoos for a bit no matter how dirty she gets. Ice on Ice will help protect the coat and allow her to have fun, fun, fun.

Well, we are working on the Lindsay show videos. I will post more links as soon as we have day two and three uploaded. See below for day 1 Lindsay Dog Show.

Day 1 Lindsay Show
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 1 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 2 Lindsay Show
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 2 of 3
• Day 2 Lindsay Show Part 3 of 3

Day 3 Lindsay Show
• Day 3 Lindsay Show Part 1 of 3

--Two More Coming Tomorrow Morning! - Then that is it!

Day one was a tad funny as I was trying to take photos with Yvonne's grand camera but one can't hold a video camera in place and take photos at the same time and only crazy me thought one could. Not to worry - day 2 and day 3 is more solid though a tripod would be needed to get solid as your arm gets tired holding it in the air for so long but I had fun. Hope you have fun watching too.

Stay tuned here as there will be more links posted here soon today.

Another Havanese Show Day

Well, we are back home and Miss Abs is soooo delighted. Three blue ribbons this weekend and we learned a whole lot of stuff like mom's have to wash dawgs twice when they are cleaned and she opens the door to go out with them and they make a mad dash for the mud.

You can always click on the photos to see a larger version.

Now that she is home, she stuck her head in the water dish - drank like no tomorrow despite that she had water on the way home and well then jumped in the dirt, rolled around with the boys, played non-stop with Fiona and now she crashed. I think she's a regular delightful tomboy.

Someone said to us, maybe she would be excited to be at the show if it wasn't so darn right fun at your place. I guess that's right but we are working on getting her excited about the shows as well. Any ideas are welcomed.

She loves being around dogs. She wants to meet and greet every single dog she encounters and that has changed since her Home Depot/PetSmart socialization stints with human daddy. Not all show dogs are friendly - sigh but she can read them rather well and reacts accordingly. Sometimes at 6 months, they aren't quite sure of what the other dogs are saying but she does.

Well, human mommy is off to train with Fiona and Chico and then give the TV a whirl or maybe veg outside. I am supposed to be doing garden work but....

Another Show Day Down

Abs was too distracted today by all those treats in teh ring and on an empty stomach - oh my - what's a gal going to do? Well, another blue ribbon but no points but we will see what tomorrow brings.

Abs even fell asleep on the table while grooming her. Me thinks - and she showed us - she wouldn't mind playing with big dogs and little dogs alike. This walking around the ring is not as fun as playing.

Videos to come on Monday and more tomorrow. Today - we are chillin'. mom is grooming and then eating then finding a couch and Havanese to cuddle with. Ah...life couldn't be better.

I Would Rather Sleep

Abs was at her first show and as you can see, she would rather sleep. ROFL

She won a blue ribbon for best of Junior female puppies but no points. It's a start. Both Nathan and her survived and so did I. Abs coat was stunning and soft as ever.

Well she's now playing up a storm. I need a nap, build a couple of celeb pages - Snipes for tax evasion, Winehouse for assault and then wash the Wasabi woo all to get back up at 4am tomorrow. Ouch and we will see what tomorrow brings.

More later>>

Show Day & Then Relax

It was such a productive day for Chico, Fiona and Coach in class last night, Keep up the training and we will kick ahem next week. :-)

Today is the 1st show for the Miss Abs. We got up at 4am and bathed her and an hour and 15 minutes later, daddy was keeping Chico away from her so she wouldn't get messy or dirty. So, she's out sitting with me while Daddy is getting food ready for the clan. Me, I am about to take a shower and then get on the road.

I had to work till almost midnight then up at 4am - yeouch. Needless to say, I am ever so tired.

Then we will come back from the show and get Wasabi washed and relaxed - we think all to start again with packing, organizing, cleaning etc for the next day. Never thought I would say, can't wait till Monday. heh

Fiona's Time to be Stylin'

I am the test case. I am not sure what that is but human mommy calls me THAT. It's something about a packmate going to a show tomorrow? Why does the littlest one have to be one? It must be something WAY special cause that is what I am - you know!

Human mommy washed me up much to my - are you crazy, lady reaction? Oh yeah, I am getting better but Miss Abs tolerates it better than me. I am getting slow conditioned. ROFL

That's really what it is about. We had someone say - hmm our dog is now letting me groom/wash them after staying at your place. That's because they can't darken my door without getting combed and brushed daily. This way when it is show time, they will know the drill.

Here I am, after all that vigorous grooming - like I said a test case - whatever that stuff is all about and can you see my hair looks like different colours depending on the lighting. One of these photos was inside and the other was outside.

I am incredibly soft with what my human mom did to me and even she is impressed. Now let's see if she can do it on teh Abs tomorrow at 4am. ROFL

Washing Havanese Time

Chico had every hair in place after his bath today and then he shook. Oh - he's such a boy Havanese dawg - loves to go natural. But wow is his hair silky. I knew it was when he wasn't clean but he has his canine mom's hair - just fuller. He's not as big as he looks but that fluffy hair - wow nice.

Chico gets to go to class tonight with his sibling Coach and his housemate, Fiona. Fiona is next to get bathed. shhh don't tell her.

Take another look at him after his shake from a different position. Got to say - the boy cleans up well. :-) Not that he looked bad unwashed.

Well, off to do Fiona - next - in a bit - inbetween work.

Windy Talemaker Times

It's quite windy today. We had flying everything outside and you couldn't tell by this photo but I actually brushed these dawgs.

Talking about grooming, I almost have the Abs laying down and falling asleep while I groom her. That is progress. If you keep at it as I do - a daily dose of slow positive conditioning, they do get used to it and they never get knots.

Well, Miss Abs has handling class tonight and she is going to see Sebastian and Apple there. We hope she stays focused and gets in the groove. If not, we will still have fun with it.

Tomorrow night we have Fiona and Chico in obedience class. Then we have the Dog Show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a visit to the vets on Saturday. Oh my, crazy times!

Chico is really into relax mode these days. It's as if he had to go through some 'what now' experience and learn how to deal with it all.

He gets a bath tonight or tomorrow. I have to look at the weather to figure it all out. His scabs have completely fallen off.

He loves kids. He kissed a friend and her mom out of the blue. He's really enjoying people. He did a play bow over and over again with Linda's Basil last night and seems to be happiest with other dogs, people and kids. He's finally coming into his own. He adores walks but he needs to learn to heel. We will be working on that.

Mentally and physically he's going to be more than alright. We are truly glad otherwise he would be staying right here while we worked out the kinks.

All dogs go through a transition when there is a huge change in their lives.

He now 'comes' and sits and tomorrow night he will start obedience. We are hoping to really get a real feel for him and find him his forever home real soon.

More later>>

Getting Ready For The Show

Here's Nathan having a bit of fun with Abigail. She's getting ready for a show this Friday.

We are looking at this as a fun experience for both human and dawg. If it can't be fun.....