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ABC of Activities, Information, Tips
and
Tricks
BICHON - Havanese have been known under a multitude of names; Havanese, Bichon Havanais, Bichon Havanese, Havana Silk Dog, Habaneros, Havanes(z)er, Perritos de la Falda (Skirt Dogs). Havanese are a member of the Bichon family; a group of small, long-haired, drop-eared companion dogs which includes more popular breeds such as the Maltese and Bichon Frise. The Havanese is the bichon of Cuba. Just like Cuban cigars are among the best in the world, so is their little bichon .Return to Top. CIRCUS -Havanese are natural clowns and love to show off. It's not hard to believe that these little dogs may have been used as trick dogs in European travelling circuses. Havanese can be taught dozens of tricks; some useful, some entertaining and others just for fun. Some popular tricks that include dance, creep, count, speak, whisper, jump through hoops, ring a bell, fetch, hide and seek, high 5, sit pretty, roll over, shake a paw, play dead, and grapevines. Of course there are many others, only limited by your imagination.(Return to Top) DANCE - The unique and exiting new sport of Musical Freestyle combines obedience and dance. It is a dazzling display whereby a handler and dog work together to music. It may also be done as a team competition with multiple handlers and dogs. It is amazing to watch and lots of fun to participate in. Turn your tricks and obedience work into a dynamite routine. Freestyle started in Canada as an exhibition at a dog show in 1991. Since then it is gathering followers and becoming more popular.(Return to Top)
FLY-BALL - If your Havanese is in good physical condition, has energy to spare, is wild about retrieving and loves to jump; then Fly-ball may be just the sport you are looking for. Fly-ball consists of teams of dogs who run in relay races against each other. Each dog must race over a set of hurdles, release and catch a ball then turn around and return over the hurdles back to their handler. Many dogs are wildly enthusiastic about this energetic sport.(Return to Top) GROOMING - The Havanese coat is often said to be non-shedding. While the Havanese does not have a shedding cycle like "shedding" dogs have, he certainly does lose some coat in the brush and on furniture he rubs against or rolls on. The Havanese might more accurately be described as low-shedding. All Havanese need to be groomed regularly or their coats will mat into an impossible mess. Some mat more easily than others. Brushing and combing 2-3 times a week should keep your Havanese in good condition.. .(Return to Top)
HEALTH - Barring
accident, illness or injury, Havanese are
generally a healthy and long lived breed,
with a life expectancy of about 15 years. Havanese mature slowly and retain their youthful
exuberance
for
many years. In a long lived breed like the Havanese, they really cannot be considered seniors till
at
least 10 years of age and even then, are still vibrant and delightful companions. They may take
life at a
bit slower pace but still remain very much a vital part of the family. Signs of aging may include
reduced eyesight or hearing, some tooth loss and perhaps a few arthritic aches and pains. Some
may be
a tad overweight. Most are still healthy and spritely. (Return to
Top)
IDENTITY - It is
important to have proper identification for
your Havanese. There are many different
ways that you can safeguard your pet. Do not depend solely on dog tags as they too easily fall off
or
can be removed. Many puppies are tattooed either inside the flank or the ear. Flank tattoos may
fade
and disappear over time. Ear tattoos are more durable but are often next to impossible to read
inside
tiny Havanese ears. Microchips are another popular option; just be sure to regularly update your
personal information as it changes. It is also very important to have your chip tested regularly to
ensure
that it is still working and has not migrated. DNA profiles are also available. A combination of 2
or
more different identification methods, along with a current photo of your Havanese can be the
best
way of finding your pet in the unfortunate event that it ever gets lost. (Return to Top)
JUMPING - Havanese
have powerful hind legs and are
excellent broad and high jumpers. This
stands them in good stead if you are considering activities such as Agility, Fly-ball or advanced
levels
of Obedience. Your pup may also surprise you with its acrobatics around the house.(Return to Top)
KENNELS - KENNELS
#1 -Using a crate or a kennel is an
excellent housebreaking tool; a playpen
for your puppy when you cannot watch it. You know that the puppy is safe and cannot get into
trouble.
A crate is also ideal if you are planning on travelling with your Havanese; as an in-car restraint or
a
home away from home when visiting or in a Hotel. It is indispensable if you regularly attend dog
shows and other events.
KENNELS # 2 - Boarding your Havanese. Though boarding kennels
are just fine for many dogs, they
may not be the best choice for your Havanese. Havanese crave and need human companionship.
Other
care alternatives you may wish to consider are a live-in pet sitter or a trusted friend or family
member
who can look after your pet in their home while you are away. Remember that Havanese are very
portable and travel well; don't forget the possibility of taking your Havanese with you. (Return to Top)
LOVING - Havanese
are responsive, attentive and
empathetic little dogs. They
are extremely attached to their families and sensitive to their moods. Havanese
are loving companions, entertaining clowns, cuddly teddy bears, devoted nurses,
loyal confidantes, sympathetic listeners and ready playmates. They are always
ready and willing to join in any and all family activities. (Return
to
Top)
NAMES - From
Amber to Ziggy and Arko to Zack there are
thousands of names that you can choose
for your Havanese. Check out the local library for books on pet names as well as baby names.
Use
your imagination. Havanese are special and unique. Pick an unusual name to suit. Perhaps a
much
loved character from a nursery rhyme (Goldilocks) or fairy tale (Jiminy Cricket) or a movie or
T.V
hero (Spock) or a favourite food (Strudel or Souffle) or drink (Cappuccino) . Spanish names of
course
are always appropriate. The choices are endless. Here are just a few to get you started... Amber,
Beetle,
Cheerio, Daiquiri, Echo, Fudge, Gizmo, Hoover, Impy, Jazz, Kasper, Limerick, Magic, Nugget,
Oreo,
Paprika, Quark, Rio, Snickers, Trinket, Ullysses, Vanilla, Wizard, Xanadu,
Zipper. (Return to Top)
PETCERCISE - Petcercise is another fun
activity for you
and your Havanese which combines basic
obedience with beginner level agility. It emphasizes cooperation between you and your pet while
building up your dog's confidence and social skills. It's a great way to keep your dog in good
shape,
and well socialized. This is often a stepping stone to Competitive Agility. (Return to Top) QUIRKS
- Havanese are delightful little dogs
that will often
surprise and enthral you with their cute
behaviours, clever tricks and bizarre quirks. This is part of what makes the Havanese so special
and unique. Take a peek at the quirks page and find out more. (Return
to Top)
RECOGNITION - The Havanese is recognized
by several
Canine Organisations
TRACKING - Not
only for police dogs and spy movies,
tracking can be done by any breed of dog.
The dog is trained to use its natural ability of enhanced smell to find dropped objects along a
track laid
by a stranger. Fresh short straight training tracks gradually progress to challenging trails up to ½
mile
long or more that are several hours old.. The tracks traverse a number different terrains and
involve
many turns as well as occasional cross-tracks. Be forewarned that the long, luscious Havanese
coat can
and does collect an amazing amount of debris. A short clipped coat may be your best bet if you
wish to
pursue tracking seriously. (Return to Top)
USEFULNESS -
Havanese are incredibly versatile little dogs
that can be trained in many capacities.
Worldwide, Havanese display an impressive array of achievements, some perhaps unusual or
unexpected. Havanese are highly responsive, intelligent, eager to learn and are highly motivated
to
please you and can be trained in many capacities. Havanese may have a natural herding instinct
and
were once used to herd the family's chickens, ducks and geese. Havanese today that live on farms
may
naturally become involved in herding and make themselves useful in this capacity. Havanese
everywhere are active members of therapy dog programs to provide cheerful visits to the sick,
elderly
and disabled. A few Havanese are working at an even higher level on a daily basis. For disabled
owners, a Havanese may be trained as a useful little Handi-dog that can carry messages, pick up a
number of small dropped items, alert owners to obstacles and provide unconditional love and
companionship. In a similar capacity, there are also a few Havanese who were carefully placed in
homes with disabled children with some amazing results.Hearing Ear dog - In Great Britain ,the
first
Havanese was recently accepted into the Hearing Ear Program to be trained as a service dog for
the
deaf. A Havanese could also be a marvellous tick dog for a childrens entertainer etc... (Return to Top)
VARIETY - Variety
is the spice of life; and so is the
Havanese. Havanese coats come in different
types from just slightly wavy all the way to tight curls. Colour selection is just as varied. You
will find
solid colours of white, cream, champagne, gold, chocolate, silver and black as well as
a sables and brindles and a
fascinating assortment of combinations such as pointed, parti-colours and tri-colours. Visit Colours of
the
Rainbow for dozens of photos. (Return to Top)
WILLINGNESS -
Havanese are intelligent, eager to learn
and are highly motivated to please you.
They can be taught almost anything. Use incentives such as treats, toys and lots of praise.
Havanese
seem to respond especially well to clicker training. Keep your training sessions short and fun.
Take the
time
and effort to train your Havanese; otherwise he will teach himself and you may not
like the results. (Return to Top)
X-TINCT - The Cuban
revolution of 1959 almost wiped out
this breed entirely.
Thanks to the devoted efforts of a few enthusiasts and their careful breeding
programs, this terrific little dog was saved from possible extinction and
numbers are increasing. (Return to Top)
YAP - Havanese are not
yappy dogs that bark all day at
nothing at all. They usually have a reason for
sounding the alarm. Havanese are very alert and make excellent little watch dogs who take their
job
quite seriously and will warn of the arrival of the paper boy, mail man, flyer girl, visitors, stray
dogs
and cats etc... They often stop barking as soon as you acknowledge their efforts. (Return to Top)
ZZZ's - After a long busy
day, a nap is in order. The
preferred perch of many Havanese is the high
back of a chair or a couch; even better if it's being occupied by a special person. (Return to Top) |
A Havanese is also an excellent tonic for YOUR
health. Your pet needs
exercise. A daily walk is good for you too! A number of health benefits,
including longer life, have been attributed to owning and caring for a pet.
Medical studies have proven that petting a dog lowers your blood pressure
and heart rate. The extra attention is good for you both.
