I think I have finally managed to put this lengthy but very fun video of the puppies on you tube. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I think you have to copy and paste this link into your browser. Sorry for the trouble....technology is definitely not my thing. But, the video is worth the trouble!
http://youtu.be/vVEo_dSHmzk
Friday, August 16, 2013
Our First Walk in the Park...
...was not exactly a walk in the park! But we had fun and the puppies are getting used to a harness and leash.
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| Alvin did great...Annie needed some coaxing. |
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| Michale with Alvin and Annie |
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| Children in the park were delighted with our puppies. |
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| Ooops! |
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| Now we are doing better! |
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| The puppies were doing fine...it was Michael and Alex who needed organizing! |
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| Michael coaxing Ariel |
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| We learned that if one of us walks ahead, the puppies (well most of the puppies) will follow. |
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| Arthur escaped his harness! |
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Volhard Puppy Personality/Aptitude Testing
Yesterday my friend/dog-sitter extraordinaire came over the help me conduct our Puppy Personality Assessments. You need someone the puppies do not know in order to get an accurate read. If you are interested in the test itself, how it is conducted and what the results mean, you can find it in this blog at: http://www.havanesehaven.blogspot.com/2012/08/volhard-puppy-personality-profile.html.
Each puppy is tested separately. The only difference this time is that I eliminated a few tests. The ones we performed were for:
1. Sociability
2. Following
3. Acceptance of Restraint
4. Acceptance of Dominance
5. Elevation Test
6. Retrieving
7. Sound Sensitivity and
8. Sight Sensitivity
I should also mention that this test was originally created to test dogs for the military. The Leader Dogs people also use a version of it to select their puppies. Much of the results do not apply to Havanese. For instance, some of the possible reactions by the puppies are biting, growling, etc. Havanese just don't have these reactions in their make-up! They are lovers....not fighters!
Still, we glean some insight into each puppy when we conduct the test. So here we gol
Annie
Annie scored many 3's which means she is pretty outgoing, friendly and flexible. She did score low on the Elevation test (a 2) as she struggled, stiffened and cried loudly. Then, she accepted restraint (being held on her back for 30 seconds) without any protest and watched Lori the whole time. And as for Sociability and Following, Annie did not come or follow readily mainly because she was too busy exploring! I don't think it had anything to do with being anti-social.
Alvin
Alvin scored mostly 5's which likely means he quite submissive and perhaps needing in the self-confidence department. He did come readily to Lori when she called him, so he is very responsive to people. And he had no problem accepting dominance. When restrained he was relaxed and looked about the room, then making eye contact with Lori. And, along with Arthur, he was slightly more upset about the loud bangs on the pasta pot than the others. He will do best, then, in a structured, patient home with a predictable schedule.
Abby
Abby, like Annie, was not at all interested in coming to Lori but preferred to check out her unfamiliar surroundings. She did, however, follow Lori readily as she walked away. When restrained on her back she did not struggle but she did not make eye contact either...a very submissive gesture. All in all, though, Abby will be quite friendly and will adjust well with regular training and attention.
Arthur
Arthur was another puppy that liked to explore rather than make new friends. He didn't even have much interest in following Lori. He accepted restraint well, had no issues with being held elevated and was pretty nonchalant about the retrieving and sight sensitivity.The loud banging on the pasta pot did bother him more than it did the others as he hid for cover under a stool! (My bad on an earlier report that this did not bother Arthur. I had my notes mixed up!)
Alfi
Alfi came to Lori right away but didn't follow her. Instead she checked out other parts of the room.
She was one of the pups who did not like being restrained at all...a sign of a slightly more dominant personality. Funny since she has the most placid appearance! On the other hand, the elevation test did not rile her at all. And, she was one of the puppies who went after the balled up paper in a playful gesture. Then she walked away from it.
Ariel
Ariel did not come to Lori for a while and did not follow her either. Actually we think she mostly wanted to nap! She had no trouble with the restraint exercise. Nor did she make any eye contact. She loved being petted during the Dominance exercise and was totally relaxed for the Elevation test. She should be reliable with children, will be easily controlled and may be a bit less outgoing than some of the others but still gentle and affectionate.
Albert
Albert, with the exception of Retrieving and Sound Sensitivity, scored all 3's. Pretty even keeled.He will likely be outgoing, friendly and respond well to structure. He will adapt well and should be easy to train.
Aloha
Aloha is our explorer extraordinaire. I think she'd explore her way to Alaska if offered the chance! But, when Lori walked away Aloha followed her readily. During the Dominance exercise she licked Lori's t-shirt and when Lori tossed the paper ball Aloha just licked Lori's shoes! Aloha, however, did not like the elevation test one bit. She struggled and cried which makes me think she doesn't like to be out of her comfort zone.
I should add to this assessment that all these puppies did warm up to Lori quickly...some just not right out of the chute! It is no surprise that they cared little about restraint, dominance or elevation. It's in their nature to be calm under most circumstances. That they don't readily retrieve the balled up paper was not a surprise either. They aren't retrievers! However, they will retrieve a ball if you make a game of it with them and play it consistently while they are still puppies. They love a good game!
With the exception of Arthur and Alvin, none of the puppies seemed to bothered by the loud pot banging sound. Alvin was slightly more disturbed and Arthur cringed and actually tried to hide but the others simply noted the sound and where it came from then went about their business of sniffing.
All these puppies are well within the range of well-adjusted, confident and adaptable puppies. There is not a mediocre one in the bunch! It is so much fun to watch their little personalities develop. If you have any further questions about any of them, please drop me a note.
Each puppy is tested separately. The only difference this time is that I eliminated a few tests. The ones we performed were for:
1. Sociability
2. Following
3. Acceptance of Restraint
4. Acceptance of Dominance
5. Elevation Test
6. Retrieving
7. Sound Sensitivity and
8. Sight Sensitivity
I should also mention that this test was originally created to test dogs for the military. The Leader Dogs people also use a version of it to select their puppies. Much of the results do not apply to Havanese. For instance, some of the possible reactions by the puppies are biting, growling, etc. Havanese just don't have these reactions in their make-up! They are lovers....not fighters!
Still, we glean some insight into each puppy when we conduct the test. So here we golAnnie
Annie scored many 3's which means she is pretty outgoing, friendly and flexible. She did score low on the Elevation test (a 2) as she struggled, stiffened and cried loudly. Then, she accepted restraint (being held on her back for 30 seconds) without any protest and watched Lori the whole time. And as for Sociability and Following, Annie did not come or follow readily mainly because she was too busy exploring! I don't think it had anything to do with being anti-social.
Alvin
Alvin scored mostly 5's which likely means he quite submissive and perhaps needing in the self-confidence department. He did come readily to Lori when she called him, so he is very responsive to people. And he had no problem accepting dominance. When restrained he was relaxed and looked about the room, then making eye contact with Lori. And, along with Arthur, he was slightly more upset about the loud bangs on the pasta pot than the others. He will do best, then, in a structured, patient home with a predictable schedule.
Abby
Abby, like Annie, was not at all interested in coming to Lori but preferred to check out her unfamiliar surroundings. She did, however, follow Lori readily as she walked away. When restrained on her back she did not struggle but she did not make eye contact either...a very submissive gesture. All in all, though, Abby will be quite friendly and will adjust well with regular training and attention.
Arthur
Arthur was another puppy that liked to explore rather than make new friends. He didn't even have much interest in following Lori. He accepted restraint well, had no issues with being held elevated and was pretty nonchalant about the retrieving and sight sensitivity.The loud banging on the pasta pot did bother him more than it did the others as he hid for cover under a stool! (My bad on an earlier report that this did not bother Arthur. I had my notes mixed up!)
Alfi
Alfi came to Lori right away but didn't follow her. Instead she checked out other parts of the room.
She was one of the pups who did not like being restrained at all...a sign of a slightly more dominant personality. Funny since she has the most placid appearance! On the other hand, the elevation test did not rile her at all. And, she was one of the puppies who went after the balled up paper in a playful gesture. Then she walked away from it.
Ariel did not come to Lori for a while and did not follow her either. Actually we think she mostly wanted to nap! She had no trouble with the restraint exercise. Nor did she make any eye contact. She loved being petted during the Dominance exercise and was totally relaxed for the Elevation test. She should be reliable with children, will be easily controlled and may be a bit less outgoing than some of the others but still gentle and affectionate.
Albert
Albert, with the exception of Retrieving and Sound Sensitivity, scored all 3's. Pretty even keeled.He will likely be outgoing, friendly and respond well to structure. He will adapt well and should be easy to train.
Aloha is our explorer extraordinaire. I think she'd explore her way to Alaska if offered the chance! But, when Lori walked away Aloha followed her readily. During the Dominance exercise she licked Lori's t-shirt and when Lori tossed the paper ball Aloha just licked Lori's shoes! Aloha, however, did not like the elevation test one bit. She struggled and cried which makes me think she doesn't like to be out of her comfort zone.
I should add to this assessment that all these puppies did warm up to Lori quickly...some just not right out of the chute! It is no surprise that they cared little about restraint, dominance or elevation. It's in their nature to be calm under most circumstances. That they don't readily retrieve the balled up paper was not a surprise either. They aren't retrievers! However, they will retrieve a ball if you make a game of it with them and play it consistently while they are still puppies. They love a good game!
With the exception of Arthur and Alvin, none of the puppies seemed to bothered by the loud pot banging sound. Alvin was slightly more disturbed and Arthur cringed and actually tried to hide but the others simply noted the sound and where it came from then went about their business of sniffing.
All these puppies are well within the range of well-adjusted, confident and adaptable puppies. There is not a mediocre one in the bunch! It is so much fun to watch their little personalities develop. If you have any further questions about any of them, please drop me a note.
Monday, August 12, 2013
A Very Busy Day
The last week of the puppy's stay with me is going to be packed with activities!
Yesterday I picked up the puppies from my daughter's house. They were there on vacation while I attended the National Havanese Specialty in Lombard Illinois. Over 300 Havanese descended on the Westin Hotel and it was a total hoot!
The puppies' vacation was a real socializing experience. My grandchildren (with the assistance of my daughter and her partner) were responsible for feeding the pups, cleaning their pen, taking them outside for exercise and playing with them. I paid them for their efforts but, honestly, they would have done it for nothing. They love puppies!!!
Anyway, I took some snapshots at Jenny's house before I brought our little ones home.
This morning we all took a trip to the vet for our health check and first immunizations. The puppies did amazingly well. Since they pretty much howled during our 40 minute trip there, they slept most of the time at the vet's.
This afternoon we had our Puppy Aptitude/Personality testing. Since I think I am more exhausted than the puppies we will post those results tomorrow.
We will also be taking a field trip to the park in the middle of our town. This will be their first experience with a harness and leash. It should be a hoot. Stay tuned.
Yesterday I picked up the puppies from my daughter's house. They were there on vacation while I attended the National Havanese Specialty in Lombard Illinois. Over 300 Havanese descended on the Westin Hotel and it was a total hoot!
The puppies' vacation was a real socializing experience. My grandchildren (with the assistance of my daughter and her partner) were responsible for feeding the pups, cleaning their pen, taking them outside for exercise and playing with them. I paid them for their efforts but, honestly, they would have done it for nothing. They love puppies!!!
Anyway, I took some snapshots at Jenny's house before I brought our little ones home.
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| Abby and Ariel |
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| Abby |
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| Albert and Arthur |
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| Alfi (top) and Aloha (bottom) |
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| Alvin |
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| Annie |
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| Ariel, Aloha and Alvin |
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| Ariel flying |
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| Arthur |
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| Puppy sitters extraordinaire |
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| Stressed out at the vet's. |
We will also be taking a field trip to the park in the middle of our town. This will be their first experience with a harness and leash. It should be a hoot. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Quick Photo Update
I'm sorry I haven't posted many pictures lately. We have been very busy. And, we have a four-day show this weekend so I am cramming these in before I begin the arduous bathing and grooming process!
Puppies are beginning to get their teeth now. They have an appointment for their first shots on August 12. They will get a thorough check from our vet then as well. They are adjusting well ...their only misgivings being they don't get to nurse as often as they'd like. Part of growing up!!!
So here are some quick photos. I know some are interested in weights. If I can squeeze that in in between shows I'll post them this week. As it stands now Aloha and Albert appear to be tipping the top of the scales while Alfi and Alvin are at the bottom. Could change and this is just a visual.
Now the photos:
Puppies are beginning to get their teeth now. They have an appointment for their first shots on August 12. They will get a thorough check from our vet then as well. They are adjusting well ...their only misgivings being they don't get to nurse as often as they'd like. Part of growing up!!!
So here are some quick photos. I know some are interested in weights. If I can squeeze that in in between shows I'll post them this week. As it stands now Aloha and Albert appear to be tipping the top of the scales while Alfi and Alvin are at the bottom. Could change and this is just a visual.
Now the photos:
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| July 25 the puppies moved into their new house! |
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| July 29 Maxi still nursing but only twice a day. |
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| July 31 with Archie and the boys |
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| July 22 with Abby and Annie |
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| Abby's big toy |
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| Alvin and his ball |
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| Alvin with Archie |
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| "Play with me, Archie!" |
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| Arthur and Archie |
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| Arthur and Alvin tussling |
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| Arthur tackles the floor pad |
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| Bright eyed Albert |
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| Pensive Arthur |
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| Wrong milk station! |
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| Archie with Abby and Anni |
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| Archie and Albert |
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| Lily and Ariel |
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| Lily (upside down) with Ariel |
Friday, July 26, 2013
A List of Puppy Supplies
Equipment for Your Havanese
Puppy
The
first few days with a puppy are very special ones. Make sure the course is as
smooth as possible. Here are a few things you may want to have on hand.
1.
Carrier (to bring your puppy home)
If
you plan to travel on an airplane with your Havanese it is wise to purchase a
sturdy carrier that is airline approved and will fit under the seat of your
airplane. Get a size that will be large enough for your puppy when he is full
grown. Plan to spend about $30-50.
2.
Harness and leash
Because
a Havanese puppy is so small, I don’t recommend collars. The size harness you
will want will be extra small (up to 4 pound pup) or small (4-8 pound pup).
3. Crate.
I
recommend the open wire crates with a removable floor (for cleaning) and a
divider that will create a smaller space for sleeping until the pup is
completely housebroken. A crate appropriate for a 15 pound dog is more than
sufficient. Any larger gives the pup too much space inside.
4.
Exercise Pen (X-pen)
The
8 panel, 30” tall, pen is fine. Some come with gates, some do not. Plan to
spend about $40.
5.
Food bowls.
Ceramic
or stainless steel are best. Puppies will chew plastic ones. Smaller is good
(5” max) as the older pup’s ears will likely land outside the bowl (and the
food).
6.
Food
Your
puppy has been eating Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food (available at most pet stores). They are used to three meals a
day…about ¼
cup per meal. As adults I feed my dogs Wellness Core and Merrick Grain Free dog food brands. Merrick is not as
available but I buy it online from Chewy.com and they deliver right to my door!
7.
Toys
Puppies
love toys! Lots of toys keep their interest away from furniture, cords and
shoes! Tough rubber toys for teething are good, especially the small “Kong”
toys you can stuff with yogurt and freeze. Squeaky toys are good too. Just
don’t spend a lot on these squeaky toys as they pup will likely dismember it in
a few weeks!
8.
Piddle Pads
Your
puppy is trained to use a piddle pad. I use the pale blue, plastic backed ones
with 4 layers of newspaper on top. This seems to reduce the shredding
motivation. As the pup matures you can eliminate the newspaper.
9.
Piddle Pad Frame
You
will also need the plastic piddle pad frame to hold the pads in place. I was
lucky enough to find the adhesive backed pads at one point, which eliminated
the need for the frame. I have not been able to find them lately though.If you
plan to keep your piddle pad as a permanent place for pottying you can buy them
online a lot cheaper…100 for $50.
10.
Nail Clippers and Brush
Your
puppy is used to having his nails trimmed. I do this to reduce their angst down
the road. You can use a human nail clipper for now…the kind that clip from the
side are good. Later you will need a regular dog nail trimmer. The mini slicker
brush work best for general grooming. Again, he is used to this and it is a
good idea to continue to brush him 2-3 times a week just for a few minutes so he is happier getting groomed as an adult.
11.
5-6” long Nylabones. Do not use rawhide chews for puppies and always supervise
your puppy when he is chewing any kind of bones.
12.
Natures Miracle spray. There are all kinds of sizes as well as special formulas
for hardwood floors, laundry, etc. The best produce I’ve found for removing
odors and stains.
13.
Bathing supplies should include shampoo, conditioner and detangler. For the
first two, I actually use Tresemee’ brand that you can find in most grocery and
drug stores. For the detangler I use Christensen’s Ice on Ice Detangler which
can be purchased online.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
First Day for Mush and Pedicures
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| Here they are. You can't even see their dish. It does, however, give a great view of their coloring. So, from 1 o'clock and going around the clock, we have: Arthur, Ariel, Abby, Aloha, Alfi, Albert, Annie and Alvin. |
They also got their first pedicure. Their tiny nails are so sharp, I just know it's painful for Maxi when they nurse. I'm sure she will be very grateful. I'll give them a weekly pedicure now so that by the time they go to their new homes they will be very accustomed to the weird feeling procedure.
Finally, they all got a dose of Nemex-2, which is for routine de-worming. They'll all have a fecal exam when they visit the vet in 2 weeks to confirm that they are clean. Fortunately
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