Comfort Zone Comes Cheap

The pups really enjoy comfort and it doesn't have to be expensive to achieve that. This is one of those fur covered mini bag things for kids that I stuffed with towels and they adore it. It's easy to clean and they love how it feels.

The pups are really doing well and really perfecting their skills. One just climbed up and over the tunnel - yep the tunnel. Now how adventurous is that?

They are not hitting the pad every single time but they sure are most of the time. But we do put them on after they wake up and after each feeding. That means if we get busy, they are still walking to the pad to do their business and sometimes it gets inside - sometimes they stand half in and out.

Will fill you in more tomorrow. Off to play with the pups and Wash the Treasured one.

Outside Living and Counting

Nathan is not here today so it's me and the dawgs. So, I decided to put an x-pen outside and put the pups outside getting them conditioned to grass, to smells and to the sun and shade.

We had a lawnmower going next door - a dog barking non stop and kids screaming. A couple of them were unsure about all this change and noise but I kept them out for a solid 15 minutes.

I had a blanket for comfort for them - an old one we had from a couple of litters ago.

I started skimming the pool ignoring the whimpers from 2 as Wasabi was. She's my cue in nothing is wrong - just a change and they started playing and stopped being concerned. But then I walk over to the pen and I can only count 4. I know I put 5 in and there was no way of an escape so I looked under the blanket and one was huddled in playing with the grass. So, I took that one and placed it on the top and put my skimmer away and counted 4 again. No one under the blanket but one is in the tunnel.

Do you know how many times us human moms and canine moms count 1-2-3-4-5? You do it all the time but I said time to go inside. It's easier counting inside when you are alone. hehehehe

Pups are now fast asleep and I have to groom dogs and do pages. It never ends. It's fun but wow if you are alone with 5 - it's a lot of work doing it the way we do. I wouldn't do it any other though.

Inside Outside 4 Weeks Old

Well, the pups are 4 plus weeks old - well in this video 4 weeks and 1 and 2 days.

They are just learning various textures, interactions and the feel of a warm breeze on your back. heh The personalities are starting to unfold but in a week or two, you will see much more.

Today they practiced running back and forth in the x-pen. Yes - running in a funny fashion.Next time they do it, I will try to get it on video as it truly is a riot.

It was too overcast to risk them going out and Nathan wasn't here - besides. Not that it stops me but it's easier with 2 extra hands.

Enjoy a little glimpse into their day.

Outside First Time

All the pups went out today for the first time - well the boys that is - the girls had their own first time yesterday. The crew really loved it and we had the, use the sidewalk and the grass to get them acquainted with different textures and surroundings. They loved it. No cries - just - hey what is this - wow a plant - wow a stick - oh my...

Hope you enjoy the photos but all are showing a degree of confidence - some more than others and really enjoyed the outing. The tails were up and are now starting to head in the direction of curling over. Are they changing daily now... Enjoy!

First Visit Outside

Well, the gals got their first time outside but the boys haven't yet. They don't know what they are missing but will soon find out. The crew is all snoozin' and I suspect it won't be till much later when they wake up. Depending on the weather, the boys may not make it out till tomorrow. We shall see.

We had the pleasure of Linda and Bob visiting and we had an excuse to take the 2 gals out.

They have been on the list the longest waiting since Wasabi was bred the time before this.

Kat was even checking his gals out. Now that they are walking around - all the dogs are highly interested - even those that didn't show much interest early on.

Kat especially likes the gals. Go figure...

The dogs enjoyed the pups so much that human Daddy had to tell Treasure that she can't flatten them in play.

Today was the day of the firsts. They also each had a full bath. They actually didn't need it. Mom has been keeping them real clean with our help but our goal is to get them conditioned to baths to make it easier for their forever homes. My goal is to give them 4 full baths before they go to their forever homes.

I didn't hear a peep from any of them even when they sat in water and was shampooed and conditioned up. I think the most uncomfortable part was being wet and waiting for the dryer to dry them but I packed the crate with extra blankets - they settled in while one of my dryers blew them partially dry as I took one at a time out of the crate and used a comb on them and rubbed them dry while the dryer was pointing at them. As you can see in this photo, they didn't mind a bit.

As always, you can click on a photo to see a larger view.

We really enjoyed our visit with Linda and Bob and now to get some work done before the pups are up again. Can't wait.

Four Weeks Old Now

All the crew just turned 4 weeks old last night before and after midnight.

I am hoping it doesn't rain so we can take them outside but doesn't look likely.

The crew is playing with toys - fascinated with some - others not so much but that develops over time. Not all toys float the boat of all dawgs.

The crew is sleeping now and not going crazy when mom is in the x-pen set up we have so it tells me thy are getting sufficient food and are sleeping well. When they need to eat more often, wed will start introducing liquid food. We go slow as to not interfere with their bowels. Yes - pups can get either too loose or constipated when first introducing food and we tend to go slowly to eliminate any uncomfortability. These dogs are sleeping approx 4 hours so they are more than satisfied. When we introduce solid, if it agrees with them, the time for sleeping will slowly extend.

Comfort and Textures and Conditioning

We try to do crazy things with the dogs to make sure they are conditioned to many things that people may do with them. This was one of those moments where Nathan just snuggled the little one in and he didn't mind one bit.

I am really pleased with the pups. They turn 4 weeks late tonight and although it is us that is trained, the pups quite often hit the pad. They also play, do play growls, walk, find their way through the tunnel and tell you if they are being bothered when they are trying to sleep.

The pups are ahead of schedule in their walking/climbing etc. I am quit pleased with this crew.

Oh, and I cleaned the little girl up - yep the one that screamed the last time I did that and not a peep. Maybe she figured silence got her extra rubs and snuggles. We will find out as time unfolds but it's our job to condition them and make sure they have the very best start in life.

I came home today (first time being out and our 20 something old son watched them) and climbed into the x-pen - no cleaning needed as the son who is sleeping now that we are home either cleaned up or they have been hitting the pad quite a bit and laid down, snuggled while they climbed on me and licked me and showed they were happy we were home. Wow...almost 4 weeks and a wonderful reaction to entering their pen. Quite nice - indeed!

It tells me they are already starting to form strong relationships. How nice.

Now if they can only get it through their heads that Mommy is the only milk store around - the other dogs may be happier. hehehehe

What the Hey is That?

Sometimes when the pups start doing their output, they get a bit stuck to their rumps so you have to take warm water, a bit of shampoo and wash it off. It's not a fun job but this can happen if their bowels are not totally solid or they are real young like this and/or they don't have a cut where a tad bit of hair is removed around the area to stop from sticking.

Today, this cute little gal had this issue. The water was warm. The shampoo was warm and she started screaming. Last time I did this on all - not a peep. Last litter they all did it til they got used to it. I thought to myself - hmm this gang doesn't need conditioning with baths/water etc. But she screamed so loud ongoing she got the entire pack upset.

Does this mean she will be a screamer at bath times? No. They will have had many baths before they go out the door eliminating that but I suspect she wanted to sleep vs. get her bum clean. The last time - as I said not a sound.

Conditioning is very important in all things.

I invest a lot of time in getting the pups to use the pad - then we will do the outside as well but now - eat - pad - wake up - pad. Then I praise them to death. It takes significant time to do each one and try to catch them on time but I like the end result. They get a head start of 'getting' this doing their business stuff.

The pups are also mouthing each other, cuddling into blankets, finding their comfort on toys and even showing a huge interest in various toys.

One baby toy that I acquired cheaply at Shoppers looks like a paintbrush. It crinkles and lights up. One of the pups kept stepping on it and stepping back and hugely fascinated by it. She seems to have a big interest in the toys so far as most of them look, walk on but not quite the acute interest she does. They all develop differently. No good or bad in it. Just interesting where their interests lay at a given time.

Some can't get enough of this human cuddling time. Some like it but have other places to see and do. Their looks and personalities will continue to unfold and it will be fun to watch and share.

The pups weights are:

First born equal double mask - 1lb 14 oz
Diamond back though losing the diamond shape - 1 lb 12 oz
Mostly black gal with half white mustache - 1 lb 6 oz
Thin stripped on head boy - 1 lb 11 oz
Half Mask Gal - 2lb 2oz

We are only talking ounces here so not much difference. They are growing and their capabilities are getting perfected.

Wrestlemania Talemaker Style

Okay - I am not a wrestling WWF fan but I do love to watch the Havanese do it especially when they are wee ones.

The pups are having a roaring grand time. They sleep. They wake up. We put them on the puppy pad and they do their business and then they eat and we put them back on the pad and they do their business again. Then they play up a storm.

Then they do it all again.

They make these funny little growling noises - the growls of play. They are a total riot and they climb in and out of the crate and into the tunnel - no issues.

The tails go a mile a minute when you come into the pen or they see you. It truly is fun.

Their looks are changing and will continue to do so. Personalities are starting to truly surface and that will develop as they play and learn what they can do.

Pups...nothing like them.

Today Went Blip

Not sure what happened. We had someone come by to see the dawgs and I had a difficult page that I was building trying to figure out layout to maximize the look which did take my focusing.

I did my usual grooming. Didn't get to Wasabi or Risa yet but I do things here and there and work and pups and...well you get the picture.

Suddenly I was dizzy - nauseous...as if I was on a car ride reading with my head down. It came on fast and I couldn't get control over it so I said to the son - watch the pups - told the hubby - watch the dogs - the world is rotating and I am sick. I have to lay down. I did - and 3 hours later I am better.

Still have no clue what it was but glad it's over.

But in the meanwhile I missed puppy moments. sigh. Still - before and after then - they are giving me many camera moments.

They snuggle with each other, look out into the tunnels - play mouth to mouth now. It's a riot. Each day - each hour they seem to change and I rather find that to be fun.

Two of them hit the pad consistently today - another two - once. The half masked gal goes from one side of the pen to the other to get to the puppy pad. Will she keep doing it? Can't say but we will keep watching and moving and teaching. That's what our job is and yours when they come to you. It's all about consistency.

We will be bell training your dogs. You may want to try this as well. We use this method for the adults and the pups will learn from them but they do ring it when they just want to go out but they learn it is also a signal to say - I need to go. We then treat only when they use it to go out to go. Check out the bells here. You can make them yourselves or buy one in your own colours.

If you want one and can't find where to get them - send us mail - darlah@potechin.com or nathan@potechin.com.

Now back to the pups who arer really playing up a storm after feeding.

Let's Give You The Dirt

Yes, I am cute. Yes I smell great. Yes, I do funny things but as we bring up these cuties, it's a lot of work - tons of joy too but let's see how today went.

We sleep upstairs these days with the humans and we go downstairs during the day. Some folks use just one area - we use 2. I will tell you why.

The pups are close to us night and day but we are on the bed. We can hear them if they need us but not right on top of them. The next stage as they get older is they will sleep in a room right across the door from our room. This will help them with the transition going from our home to yours.

But in the meanwhile, Nathan just finished taking them upstairs. I took everything out, put it in the washer, sterilized the floor (hot steam), benefect and parvocide. I then redo the x-pen similar but different. Each day they look at a variety of similar but different environments so they find their comfort with the things that they know and get slow conditioned daily to the things that are new. We do this to help them to be all they can be. You have the rest of the job - which will continue.

Three pups went on the pad today. Do they know what it is? Probably not but once there is a scent there, they tend to go to it. There were many accidents elsewhere but we are starting this process. If we see them trying to go, we immediately put them on the pad. I don't say anything. They wouldn't get it at this point but they do get actions.

Who gets to clean this up? We do. We do leave a partially wet pad in the x-pen on purpose to get them to understand but if it is used halfway - that's MY limit, I start anew. Eventually they shouldn't need the smell but will they be 100% - it depends on the pup. Each trains at various rates. It isn't intelligence. It just is what it is. They all get there if you are consistent.

I gave Wasabi food that isn't her usual - and the pups bowels changed so I was cleaning bums. Silly me for giving Wasabi a treat but I will do it many more times so they adjust to running water on their bottom and a dryer. Only 2 had to have this process done.

They laid in my hands and didn't flinch a bit at water or the dryer. That wasn't the case with the last crew so this is a bonus. I bathe them several times before they leave on purpose to make sure they are conditioned to the bath. I also use a brush on them. their nails get cut. I open their toes to look between, look in their ears, clean around their eyes. I do this even if it is not needed. It's called slow conditioning.

We do a lot to get them a grand head start. We will even play storm music, bang pans, drop things - vacuum etc.

We also keep their environment clean and them so they appreciate clean and it makes housebreaking easier.

But most of all, we sit in the pen. We play with them. We snuggle. We simply love them. It's hard not to...

Well off to bed to start it again tomorrow.

3 Weeks 2.5 Days Old Havanese

The Pups are 3 weeks and 2.5 days old and growing. We mixed things up. Last night they slept upstairs in the double whelping box and today we left the boxes upstairs and introduced a crate, beds, blankets, toys and a piddle pad. Each time I see them try to go, I will place them on the pad. This is the start of training. We will also start training them to go outside when they are a bit older. This way they are comfie in various methods. You never know if you get snowed in and that piddle pad may come in useful. But they will also know about grass but you will have to teach them about snow.

Here's some photos of their new digs. They didn't know what to think at first but in less than 3 minutes, (some immediately), they were out investigating. Then they ate and settled in for a snooze.

If you want to see larger photos, select View All Images under the slideshow.

Hope you enjoy...

Weights and Conditioning

The pups just turned 3 weeks over the midnight witching hour of the 18th/19th. We are now conditioning them to sunlight. In a week we will be putting them outside for short stints to feel the grass - the garden and even get their feet wet on the 1st step of the pool. Sounds young? We do everything as a progression. Each time we increase the experiences and the time.

The pups seem to be sleeping a solid 4 hours - which is great at this stage. Each are showing signs of their personality from one not liking to be on its back to another wagging its tail at you like no tomorrow but they will all change. We may see grey solidly on some before they go home or see it come in after they go home. The pups will start going home the week of September 4th. But we don't want to think about that now..I know some of you do...but not I. Don't get me wrong. I am excited for them to go to forever homes but we will miss them too.

The pups, as of yesterday weighed:

Male: First born, double mask - 1lb 12 oz

Male: Diamond back (not quite anymore on shape) - 1lb 9oz

Girl: Mostly black - 1 lb 3 oz

Male: Mostly black thin stripe - 1lb 9oz

Girl: Looks Most Like Wasabi - 1lb 12 oz

As you can see, they are all ounces away from each other - thriving and their looks will change and their personalities will unfold. For us, it will be like reading a book that you don't know what will happen next. It's pure fun!

Hooray Three Weeks Old

Three weeks old and taking their snooze. Mom just fed them and they are out for a long snooze. It's time to cut nails Nathan said and weigh them. You can't do this while they are too active - well you can but it's easier when they are sleepy.

Then I get to wash Wasabi while they catch their zzz's. I didn't have much time early on - just a sprucing up as they didn't sleep long enough but these days with a 3 to 4 hour window - all is much easier.

What changes are going on with the pups? They are growing. They recognize toys and are fascinated when I shake and move them and even go after them. They react to noise - a clap will get them turning around. They play with each other and it's way cute - not that rough and tumble but those paws on back, rolling around and so cute. They all can climb out of the box but we are allowing it. We have pads down so it's soft and it strengthens their legs. All Mom has to do is get close and they smell her. Read about an article I wrote on their ability to smell here. You will learn all bunch of fascinating things about their sense of smell.

Well off to weigh and cut nails then wash Wasabi..then our 2 visitors as they will be heading home. Life will be quieter - I suppose - sniff.

Two Weeks to Two and a Half Weeks

Here are a few snippets of the crew in the two to 2.5 week age. They turn 3 weeks tonight and early Sunday. They are now walking pretty decent and are all escape artists. They are starting to really play and knock off toys off the pig rails placed there strategically so they can. I think of new ways to stimulate them in a variety of ways. Hope you enjoy their - trying to walk stage and the first signs of escapism and play.

Breaking Out Talemaker Havanese Style

We have had to Pish Pads and beds and all sorts of things all over the x-pen now. The kids smell mom and they climb right out of the whelping box.

It shows how strong they are.

One of them today - when I caressed his neck - well his tail started wagging and wagging. I guess he rather liked it.

We have had a low key day. Nathan is off to a show. I am holding down the fort. Been taking video each day - little snippets. Will try to get to it tomorrow. But pups are growing - making all sorts of noises now and letting you know if you take them away from feeding - well they tell you - I don't like that. We still move them around to make sure the smallest ones get the more full ones.

Off to snuggle with them. They are waking up now. The usual is 3+ hours of sleep. As they grow they will extend the time. More tomorrow...

Pups 2.5 Weeks

I pointed out the gals but no the boys as I figured by knowing who they are - you knew who the males are. Three are doing escapes these days. It means they are rather strong. This is rather early but both Kat and Wasabi are really agile so it figures. One doesn't like being on it's back so far - an alpha personality - who knows this early. a couple of them think this rubbing tummy stuff is the best thing since food from Mommy.

Enjoy the slideshow.

Our Daze: Havanese Style

Someone asked me - what do the pups do all day? This is what our day is like at the 2.5 week stage.

Our son stays up with Wasabi and crew - though not needed now all night. That will stop after the heat stage with Fiona is over. We felt it was waning yesterday and maybe today is the day. We are hoping so then Kat can sleep with us too. He's been staying with Wasabi and the son all night.

Wasabi keeps the pups clean and feeds them. She also nuzzles them - moves from one side of the whelping box to another on purpose to get their little legs moving. Everything is planned to help their development.

Each morning we change out the whelping pad although it doesn't feel as if it needs it at this stage, it's a ritual that I do to keep it clean.

We then weigh them - now down to every few days vs daily as we were early on.

We also do a program to develop high achievers. Here is what we do as you can see in our last Wasabi crew. We feel this is important to help them be all they can be. We also will start introducing them to sounds, different textures and testing them further as time goes on.

As the day goes on, Wasabi eats several meals a day from her usual 2 to help her with nourishing the crew.

About now the pups are sleeping 2.5 hours to 3+ hours at a time. As they grow and their tummies get full, the time extends. As they get older, we ignore the play - pay attention to the sounds that warrant attention and extend their sleep time at night. Wasabi knows when her pups need her and when they are just wanting attention. If you give it to them when it is not play time and all they want is play - well they will never sleep through the night. So, just like infants - we slowly extend the sleep time til they are sleeping a solid chunk of time at night before they go home to you. With 7 kids - we have had much practice with this routine and know the difference between a cry - I really need you to a - I just want to get attention.

At 4+ weeks, we will take them outside daily and get them familiar with the grass, the deck, the garden and walkways.

This is also the time that they start eating mush. It also means their output increases so we need to help with the cleanup. Toys are exchanged during this time. A crate is put in so they get acquainted with one along with a carrying case. We also have tunnels and all sorts of fun things for the pups to experience. This is the time of MUCH work till they learn about puppy pads, going outside and much more.

Mom also teaches then a great deal between the 3+ and 10 week stage.

We plan to get them into the pool and take lots of videos. Seeing I just found my charging cord - I can do that. Though it's tedious to convert - its a job of love.

The pups change daily. They will have milestones that we will post and they are exciting. Never do puppies change so much as in that 3+ week to going home stage.

It's a lot of work but then it gets easier as they mature. We do it not only as a labour of love but in hopes we give them the very best base they could possibly get.

Puppies - nothing like them!

Iraq Bound & Puppies

The son was visiting before he left today for Iraq and I got to capture our Son, Joseph, his wife Julianna, Nathan of course and the pups. The pups were quite active and giving kisses. They are now making all sorts of noises - not barking - just noises and if you disturb one of them in their sleep - well he makes this noise that you know he was saying - buy I was sleeping!!!

Here's some of the highlights of yesterday. The pups are really starting to get to be characters. They even do this wrestling thing with each other though not so elegant. Still looking for the charger for the video camera. It's now dead. :-(

Sweet Visits

Our son Joe and his wife came over to spend sometime with us and the pups. This was Joseph's last visit before he heads out to Iraq. We are going to miss him but we are hoping his wife comes to visit from time to time. It's going to be a long year waiting for him to come back.

The pups are doing really well. they are starting to make all sorts of noises including purring.

The first born decided mom was outside of the box and he wanted to eat. Our daughter in law said look at that pup! He was up on the ledge and plopped right out onto mom. This is WAY early for that but guess we now have to put the side up and think about attaching the other box to this one. This way they can strengthen their legs by going from one box to the next.

I have to say - I am impressed.

Nothing happened to the little one as we have a soft bed outside of the opening and Wasabi happened to be sitting in it but who would have thought that they would be that mobile already.

Our daughter-in-law smelt puppy breath. Nothing like it...ahhhh

Frazzled Hairdo/First Video

Well, really there is a face beneath all that hair but when my pups need me - well who cares about the hair?

When you said you would show it all - messy and all - didn't you mean it? Well - you got it!

I am still looking for my charger but I did have enough time on the camera to get the past few days recorded - just a few snippets.

The pups have started their games of rough housing and they are trying to walk. The little fellow that is really working at it has grey, yep grey around his nose. I suspect he will grey out like his dad but time will tell. Others got hints of it but not so obvious as his. It will look rather becoming once their nose color comes in totally.

We hope you enjoy the video. Not the huge action scenes you will see once they totally master the walk but this is early for them to be doing that drunken walk that they start out with. Mom will even go in to feed them and get up and move to another position in the box. When you realize she is doing it on purpose to help strengthen their muscles - well you say - you go gal.

Wasabi is an incredible mom. Sometimes she simply sits there and watches and has this - oh I am so proud face on her. I don't blame her.

All pups have their eyes open. They have hit the 2 week mark - even those born after midnight on the Sunday. Check out the video.

Ruff Life Talemaker Havanese

I tell you, eat, sleep, try to walk and build those muscles up and then lay back and have a siesta. It's tough being a dog around here.

Wasabi is now relaxing and allowing Fiona to be in the room. Treasure smiles in the most curious way when she sees the pups. Kat sniffs and stares at them at times. Risa wants to be in with them always.

Mom is relaxing and that's a good thing. They know when all is well.

The puppies all have their eyes open but one - the gal who looks a lot like Wasabi. It doesn't mean a thing. I suspect that she will have hers open by tonight. Eyes open between 10 to 14 days and it will be 14 just after midnight for her. Remember - they were all born on the 27th and 28th over that midnight stretch but CKC (yes I already registered the litter asks you to pick one date or the other. I guess it is too complicated for them to get the reality that some were born before midnight and others after.

We picked the 27th but I will write on those with the 28th babies a notation on your paperwork so you know the real date and exact time. :-)

I have to tell you, it's going to be a hard 10 weeks - well 8 weeks more for us. I hold and snuggle and smell that puppy breath and watch the personalities as minute as they are - you still get an inkling and I melt and fall in love.

They are precious.

Their ears mustn't be opened yet as the crack of the thunder and lightening storm today was pretty spectacular and not a reaction. I mean - me who LOVES these storms reacted to one that was too close for comfort.

Puppies...gad they are wonderful.

Sleep Positions of the Havanese Pups

The pups are changing every day but they eat, they sleep and now they get into all sorts of fun positions.

As you can see, this chubby little guy knows how to fill up at the milk bar.

There's no slouches here and even the smallest at birth are playing catchup eating up a storm and snoozing - and walking a few steps here and there. Only 2 with their eyes open - 1st born boy and one of the gals. You snuggle with them and capture moments like these and say - how precious. Can't wait till hey are running around.

Drunken Sailor and Nail Clipping

Exciting moments today

First one opened her eyes today - the gal.

No one else has as of yet but they are up doing the drunken sailor walk.

I will try to get it on the video. Didn't the first time I saw them really do more than the crawl as I was so excited - silly me. Might have enough of a charge to get it taped.

Today was also nail cutting day. How often do we do it? At this stage we are doing it weekly to eliminate their nails getting caught.

This growth spurt slows down plus they start walking and wear them down. But you do have to have them cut at the groomers or vets or do it yourself. They will be well conditioned to this and we will show you how to do it when you pick up your pup. No worries.

The boys are having a ball and outnumber the gals by far but we will see who has the strongest personalities - who is the most laid back and as time goes on, it all unfolds.

You can get an inkling of it early on but when they start interacting, you see so much more.

It's important to socialize them to humans at this stage. Throughout the day we pick them up, snuggle and hold them and caress them in various ways to get them used to humans.

Everything is so new that it is important to slow condition them without over saturating them to everything as they get older.

We invest a lot of time in exposures and sounds to get them to feel comfortable. We ask that you continue to expose them to a variety of places, dogs, animals, environments, buses, cars, trucks, airplanes and anything else that will occur in their life and treat it as a matter of fact thing and not coddle them and they will get that there is no reason to fear simply what they don't know.

Remember, they read what goes down the leash and we learn this ever so well in the show ring but it transfers to all sorts of experiences. If you are in a bad mood - well your dog will react to that. It sounds like the strangest thing you ever did hear but the Havanese are VERY intuitive and I swear - at least emotionally they know you better than most anyone else. So, as you are training, get in a good place and they will too. If you can't, put the training to another time or allow your Havanese to jumpstart you to a happier time. It's hard not to allow this even on the most difficult days when they cock that head and say - well let's gone on with it.

Hope you enjoyed photos of the boys. As they progress, their looks will change and their personalities will unfold. Me..I am waiting for the rest to open their eyes and for them to do that drunken sailor thing again.

No matter how many times you do this - it's exciting every single time to crazy dawg people like us.

Feed and Girl's Day

Wasabi has about 2 hours off lately in feeding and then 35 minutes of straight feed non stop time. The pups are growing really great and are making it all over the whelping box doing the wriggle, crawl thing that they do at this stage.

Wasabi is such a great mom and she has plenty of nourishment for the crew. They keep gaining and she keeps feeding.

Each day I take her, cuddle - brush her out and make sure they are not being too rough on her. A couple you can hear them eating. It's a riot. can I say food hounds?

Well, as you know we had 4 boys and 2 girls. Here's a photo of the 2 girls.

Click on each photo to see a larger view.

One is going to look a lot like Wasabi.

The verdict is out on the other.

As you can see, one has a half mustache like Wasabi and when it flows down like it does on her - it looks quite attractive.

If she ends up looking like Wasabi and has her hair - lucky gal!

The other is a cutie patootie but a wriggle monster. I don't think any of them are unattractive and yeah I am biased but wow Wasabi is attractive - Kat is attractive - how could you not get cute pups. hehehe

Boys tomorrow... or maybe later tonight..we shall see.

Nose Colour

Often when a pup is born, their nose is pink and they may or may not have a scattering of black on their nose. They are usually born with a little or no pigment that comes in and sometimes if pigment is strong, it is totally in. We have one that had a totally black nose at birth but of course the cute little thing is mostly black with a tad bit of white.

I find they look cute this way but they do change.

If I look close enough around the nose at a couple, I am starting to see a shade of grey. Going to be interesting to see who retains their black and white and who greys out in parts or all.

That's the fun of a Havanese - you just never know. It's like a present that keeps evolving.

Tomorrow I promise individual pics so you can see who are boys - who are girls. After washing 3 dogs and grooming the rest and all the rest of the play and fun with the crew..well time just slipped away.

Pups: Just a Few Photos

Stretching Times

Dr. Michael Fox conducted a study showing mildly stressing puppies during the first five weeks develops dogs which are superior when put in learning or competitive situations. They are better able to handle stress, are more outgoing and learn more quickly. Mild physical stress at an early age will actually increase the size of the brain.

What type of stress? Taking a puppy off a nipple and moving it to another can be a stressor but in doing so, you are also introducing patience. You are starting to pave the way for the rest of their lives.

It is important at this stage to pick them up, snuggle, and touch. This introduces them to their environment in a positive way.

Mom cleans after them but we trade out their pads daily and help keep their environment clean. This way they get used to a clean environment in hopes that pad training and outside training will be easier.

I take care of mom, cleaning her tummy, brushing and grooming her and giving her all sorts of attention so she can be all she can be for the pups. It's nice to feel needed/desired and wanted. It's good for their mental health. How they feel helps them face the challenges of motherhood. All of you moms out there - I know you can relate to this.

In another week they will be opening their eyes and Nathan will be hoping they see him first. I just will celebrate another milestone - where they will start to hear and see instead of feeling and smelling only. If they see me first, well that's okay too.

We each play a special role in helping them become all they can be.

Today they are eating and sleeping very well. Sleeping an extended amount of time means their bellies are full. This is a great thing.

Puppies - well they are totally delicious - don't ya know?

Puppies Update

The pups are all gaining weight.

We are excited. Wasabi is excited - as you can see.

She's hanging outside and rolling all around enjoying herself. What does this have to do with pups?

It means they are sleeping and she is enjoying. The more weight they gain, the more break she gets and she's making the most of it.

If you notice, the littlest one is climbing up on top of Wasabi's tummy to eat now with no issues - a determined thang.

I can't believe that just before midnight till just after they will be a week old. My - does time fly.

Looking forward to their eyes opening.

We have to start getting individual pictures for you..soon...

Mom Protection Havanese Style

There's only 2 dogs in the house that Wasabi will let into the room with her pups and that is Kat from the get go and Risa. A mom has to have total trust with her small ones. When they get older, she will allow them to be exposed to the pack but for now - it's just Risa (she's in the photo here with pups) and Kat.

She may be allowing Risa as she cleans them up for her - hehehehehe. Wasabi is one smart dawg!

Well, we have had to be 24 hour vigils - with Wasabi issues with her being clogged and not being able to express fluid in a couple - making us maneuver and rotate the pups. We were worried about weight or having to tube feed. One boy - the smallest - I have to admit - he was moving okay, eating but he looked smaller than the rest and all the bigger ones would push him off the nipples and steal it away. I know it is instinct to survive but it's our job as humans to take the one that pushed them off, move them elsewhere and put them back on but it would happen many times. It was almost frustrating as you were constantly getting him his spot only a minute or two later to have to do it again. This has happened since birth.

Well, today I put him on, and one of the largest ones went to push him out of place and he pushed back and that's where it has been all day. He won't let anyone take his spot and I applauded such efforts in my heart. This boy is going to be a survivor. He was patient but enough is enough! I am his silent cheering fan.

It doesn't matter who it is now - he latches on and he is NOT moving. His little tail is wagging and he's eating and he's gaining.

I am genuinely pleased!

Taking Care of Newly Born Havanese

Did you know that a nursing mom has to relieve herself more than a non pregnant/nursing one.

Why am I posting at such an hour? You need to monitor the pups to make sure they are latched on firmly and eating vigorously. Their little tails lift up when they are eating up a storm. The Wasabi pups are doing just that.

You also want to make sure no one gets stuck behind mom. It's important when they are small to make sure they eat well. This means rotating the small ones to the nipples that are producing the most.

We weigh the pups twice a day to give us an idea how they are doing. We also handle them right from the start to get them used to a human touch.

The pups are travelling across the whelping box depending on what is motivating them - getting cooler, finding mom and latching on. This is the stage of it doesn't look like they are doing much but they are. It's the first stage of their little lives and for us, it's exciting!

Dinner Tactics of the Havanese Pups

I tell ya - drink, full belly and do it again. Such a life pups have when they first start their life.

Mom is starting to lay flat on her back now and the pups are crawling up and on top of her.

Wasabi needs a bath even though she's had a full comb out but won't do that till she can be away from the pups for longer than she can now.

Mom had a bout of 3 of her nipples getting clogged up and I manage to get 2 clear - the third stopped expressing. She had an overabundance of fluid in there. We took her to the vets and now she is almost back to 100%. Pups are happier too as they can feast on all now.

Do have a video of teh birth but no time to go through it - perhaps later.

Mom and pups are doing great...the humans are somewhat too.

More tomorrow and perhaps a photo of each individually. I promise - I wil try!