Now we Have Names!

Meet Oreo, a little girl

One of my families asked what they should have on hand for their new puppy so I thought I’d post my list. Also a few photos with names and genders. Hoping to take a video outside as we finally have some warm weather again!

1. Carrier (to bring your puppy home)  If you plan to travel on an airplane with your puppy it is wise to purchase a sturdy, soft sided carrier that is airplane approved and that will fit under the seat. Get one that will accommodate your puppy when it is full-grown too. (About 12-14 pounds) Plan so spend about $30-$60.

This is Hershey. a little boy with sable and white coloring.

2. Harness and leashBecause 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).
This is Twix, a little girl

6. Food.  Your puppy has been eating Wellness Super Mix Just for Puppy (available at most pet stores). They are used to three meals a day…about ¼ cup per meal.
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 PadsYour 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.
Meet Hershey, a little boy.

10. Nail Clippers and BrushYour 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.
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.You dilute this and leave it on the puppy’s coat after he’s been shampooed and conditioned.
Twix again.

Twix is a little hesitant about joining her siblings.

Oreo
Taffy, a boy, is the largest pup (for now!). He has darling brown eyebrows.

Taffy (left), Snickers (top) and Twix (right)

Twizzler, a little girl, loves to play with my toes.

I love Twizzler’s head

Snickers on a march!

Havanese Pups and their First Solid Meal

We tried a bit of mushy puppy kibble this morning and the puppies really went for it! It has been a busy couple of days. Yesterday, thanks to my daughter Jenny, they got their first pedicure which I am sure Phoebe really appreciated.

I think we’ve decided on a candy theme for this litter. So far we have Snickers, Truffles, Hershey, Peppermint Pattie, Twix, Twizzler, Skittles and Tootsie. If you have any suggestions, drop us a comment!

Five puppies getting a taste of mushy kibble
They might have been kissing….but really they are licking each other’s lips!
A closeup

Enhanced by Zemanta

Puppy video at 3 weeks

Miracle of miracles!!! I even got a second video to work. This one is shorter and not quite in focus but it is so precious I just had to post it. I also got some good stills…thanks to Michael and Alex who are now visiting.

The puppies are not engaging each other and very strong on their legs. Our #1 girl, who is still the largest, will soon be climbing out of the whelping box if I didn’t do something so I have removed the bumpers and will install the door very soon!

Enjoy!!!

First Movie as Promised!

This movie is about one week old but between my sporadic internet service and my ineptness with all things technical it has taken me that long to get it to work! Anyway, enjoy and (God willing) I’ll get something more current up shortly.                               
 

Two Weeks and Counting!

First of all let me apologize to my families for not posting before today. My Internet provider has had some problems which I hope have been resolved. All I need is a week of mostly off again internet service to realize how much I depend on it!
Here you can see how strong they are…pushing their way to breakfast!

Phoebe is a very proud Mama

A puppy pinwheel

Anyway, the pups are doing great. Two have their eyes open. They are Puppy #1 and Puppy #6. Puppy #5’s eyes are just opening today! They are all getting so strong. Some are standing on wobbly legs for a moment or two (which I’ve yet to get on camera!) and they are all moving around quite a bit. They are also getting stronger in their vocals…someone actually barked in the middle of the night last night (yes, they are all in my bedroom!)

Puppy #6 (left) and #1 (right) have had their eyes open for two days. How I was dying to show you all … with no Internet!! :0 (
This one’s eyes are just beginning to open. She is wet from nursing.