A recent study offers some further insights. The terminology is a bit scientific but the information, once you wade thru it, is cause for caution!
This is the link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5146839
As a breeder I think the most difficult time is not when a family is upset with me because I don’t think my puppy is a good fit. It is not when one of my fur children get sick. It is not when I lose a puppy during the whelping process.
No, though all these moments are very, very difficult, the most painful time is when I have to place one of my adult dogs that have lived with me for 2,3 or 4 years…that have starred in the show ring…that have wrapped themselves around my heart…that have become an integral part of my family.
For the younger ones, it is often that some trait has revealed itself that is not good to breed to. A minor structure issue. A health issue that, while resolved, might not be the best to pass on to future generations. For the older ones it is most often that they have passed their breeding prime and it would be asking too much of their little bodies to continue.
Well bred and well cared for Havanese can live a very long time…15, 17 even 20 years.
And, sadly, once they have finished with the show ring and have finished making babies, they take a back seat in the pack. Not a bad seat, mind you. At least not my dogs. But I can no longer offer them the attention they deserve.
So if I can find the perfect family for them. The family that will love on them every day. That will daily take them for walks, play with their toys, maybe teach them new tricks (or not!), cuddle with them on the sofa…I make the decision that is right for them.
These wonderful dogs are fully health tested, are current on all their vaccines, are trained to use a pee pad or potty outdoors (tho they may not be trained to indicate these needs). They will have been neutered. They are usually beyond the time when puppy-ness is part of their play…chewing, nipping, etc. They are trained to walk on a leash and enjoy the company of other people and dogs. And, most of the surprises that are inherent in adopting a new puppy have already been discovered. Their temperaments. Their likes, dislikes, good habits, bad habits, health issues, etc. So I can place them with a family knowing it will be as perfect a fit as I can arrange.
These dogs will make wonderful companions for their new families! As for price, these dogs are the same price as my puppies but come with all the aforementioned advantages!
I will probably have two such dogs to place this fall…both black and white females. If you think you might be interested in being considered for one of them please contact me. I will ask you to fill out the questionnaire on the ‘form’ section of this website.
This clipper is by Safety 1st but there are a bunch on the market.
Here you can see the two ‘headlights’ positioned on either side of the clipper.
Clipper in the ‘on’ position.
I trim my puppys’ nails about once a week. Like everything else about them, their nails grow very quickly. They can present painful nursing sessions for their moms nipple area so I try to keep them as short as possible.
The other benefit of trimming their nails this often is that they get accustomed to the process. Ideally I don’t trim too close but if I do, I always have a jar of styptic powder nearby to dab on the offended toe with a q-tip.
Just FYI, this is the nail clipper I use. My daughter used it when my grandson Lucas was a baby. It is perfect until puppies are about 4 months old or so.
I have actually changed the neutering requirement in my Puppy Buyers Contract after reading this. It is not the only article written on the topic but one I could easily pass on to my puppy families. Basically it is recommended that dogs are not neutered before 18 months of age.
Please take a moment to read it.
