Puppy Care

We Have a “New Arrangement”

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I think that’s Boomer trying out the new potty room while others sleep.

Today the puppies reached another milestone. I have put them all in the same whelping box (since they seem to go back and forth now indiscriminately). This enables me to have a sleeping/play area separated from the potty area. In a few days, after they get this picture, I will open the far end of the whelping box as their giant play area. With a little luck (and some nudging from Mother Nature) they will remember the potty room and go there during their play sessions instead of messing where they play.

 The idea is to make potty training a much more natural segue as they mature.

Here are a few shots I took today.

Burst and Jefferson after a big meal.

Can you find the 16 puppies?

Sparky and Hancock tussle it out

Some puppies (background) prefer the kibble/goat’s milk mush and others (foreground) still like it the old fashioned way! I took this shot yesterday before the “New Arrangement.”

My How Time Flies!

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Boomer–one of our little guys–is doing just great!

Don’t you just love Thunder’s markings!

Maxi’s puppies are growing by leaps and bounds, especially since starting them on the puppy kibble and goat’s milk mush. They love it. A few days ago I started both litters on a very discreet potty training, building on their natural instincts to potty in a different place than where they sleep. We now have a soft terry cloth towel to encourage their nesting at one end of their box and a piddle pad at the other. It is so important to build into this natural instinct that dogs have to keep themselves clean. Here is a shot (slightly graphic–my apologies) of the puppies in their “latrine” after lunch.

Puppies using the piddle pad after lunch.

Breezy and Sunray

What else is new? Well, Phoebe’s pups have their eyes fully opened. Georgie loves to climb over the whelping box barrier and sleep with his cousins. Funny, this morning when I brought out the puppy’s mush Georgie was all protests from Phoebe’s side of the box. He didn’t want to miss out on breakfast! Never mind he got himself over to Phoebe’s side in the first place. 
Georgie and Hancock playing
Thunder (on his back) playing with Breezy and Stormy

Dew and Flash

Marli also has a preference for Phoebe’s puppies and I often find her snuggled up inside taking her nap with them.

Maxi is still nursing and will for a couple more weeks, just not as often. It is nice to see her filling back out again. Even with four meals a day she had trouble keeping up with the demand!

Dew and Lightening sharing kisses

Georgie waiting for Phoebe and Maxi to come out and play. I crate them during their meals so I am sure they are both getting the right amount of food.

Georgie over at “Flash’s House” trying to get him to play. These guys are getting so strong. Soon they’ll all be sharing the same box. Then the fun really starts!

Phoebe’s pups will get their first pedicure today and will start on their “stress-reducing” exercises in a few days. Meanwhile, enjoy the pix!

A List of Puppy Supplies

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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 Organix Puppy Food (Whole Foods) and Wellness Super Mix Just for Puppy (most pet stores). They are used to three meals a day…about ¼ cup per meal. As adults I feed my dogs Fromm dog food. It is not as available but I buy it online 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.

Equipment for Your Havanese Puppy

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Phoebe’s puppies at 12 days

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 Organix Puppy Food (Whole Foods) and Wellness Super Mix Just for Puppy (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!
I can’t believe Maxi’s pups are 3 weeks old!

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.
A big yawn

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. 

Books for Havanese Owners

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While the puppies continue to grow and explore their ever expanding worlds I thought I’d offer up some suggested reading material.

My list of books is always expanding.

1. My latest purchase was “From Nose to Tail” by Noel Hynds and Suzanne McKay, written in collaboration with the Havanese Fanciers of Canada. If you are going to keep your puppy in a full coat this book is a must! If you are going to keep him in a puppy cut this is a great book to show your groomer and to help you maintain your puppy’s coat. Here is the link to order the book online: http://www.havanesefanciers.com/nosetotailbook/

 2. Another helpful book is “The Joyous Havanese” by Kitty Braund. Kitty is considered one of the foremost authorities on the Havanese breed. She was kind enough to allow me to be Phoebe’s human! Phoebe is from Kitty’s last litter before she retired from breeding at the young age of almost 90! “Joyous Havanese” is available from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

 3. “Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats” is a long title for a book that has been one of my bibles as a dog owner. When I don’t have 16 puppies running around I cook several recipes from this book for my dogs. Generally I will feed them a mix of 1/2 top quality kibble and 1/2 Dr. Pitcairn’s recipes. He also covers a number of health-related issues, all from a holistic perspective.

4. If you are interested in natural nutrition for your dogs another reference is “Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats” by Kymythy R. Schultze. It just offers another perspective on the subject.

And then, if you enjoy reading you might pick up one of Elizabeth Marshal Thomas’s books. She has written several about animals but her two dog titles are wonderful. “The Social Life of Dogs” and “The Hidden Life of Dogs” both helped me understand my canine friends much better.