Slide Show of Oliver's Second Day at his Very First Dog Show

Living the life of a male show dog vicariously through Oliver...
 
Here is Oliver, Hydrek's What the Dickens!, on his second day of his very first dog show at the Markham Kennel Club this past weekend.  All photos in slide show taken by Darlah Potechin of Talemaker Havanese.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

What a great weekend Oliver had!

Living the life of a male show dog vicariously through Oliver.....

What a great weekend Oliver had! In his opinion, it didn’t start out that great as his weekend started out with a bath and blow dry: the whole nine yards!


Oliver and I showed up early for his first event at the Markham Kennel Club all breed dog show. It took a little longer than an hour to arrive at the show because we picked up some gas and then picked up some tea at Timmy’s on the way there.

When we arrived, the first priority was to find somewhere to set up the groomer table and chair. After that, Oliver and I walked around. We then picked up his arm band and walked around some more. We checked out the vendor booths and walked around some more. We sat together and watched some of the other breeds being judged and then, you guessed it, we walked around some more.

I really wanted to get Oliver comfortable with all the new noises at a large dog show. And also I wanted him to get use to all the different breeds, especially all the large breeds. Remember, his is only a small cute puppy-boy – he’s still growing.

Well, socializing portion for the day was done and it was down to business. I groomed Oliver as best as I could and he was being such a good boy on the grooming table.

While in the ring being judge, I thought he was wonderful. He walked smartly and in my opinion was behaving as best as could ever be expected from a six month old puppy at his first show. Everyone thought he did amazing well and no one could hardly believe this was Oliver very first show. Oliver did that well!

It was a good and full day already. Well, you would think that would be the end of day one. Hardly! I was invited to stay over at a long-time friend’s house who owns a few Bolognese and Havanese. She happened to be taking care of a fifteen month old puppy girl, Daisy, for a friend of hers while her friend was away. Oliver got to play with her and all of Linda’s dogs. They all played nicely. I was a bit worried of Oliver getting dirty or getting his hair pulled by one of the other dogs before day number two of his very first dog show. All was well.

Day number two: we had to arrive early in the morning for an all-breed puppy sweepstakes. Again, I thought he showed very well.

We had hours before the next event so Oliver and I took a mini-trip to get some brunch.

Again today we walked around and spent some time with some other Havanese. Havanese people are such great people, some I knew already through Havanese circles and others Oliver and I meet for the first time. Oliver and I felt right at home.

Oliver again showed very well for a six month old puppy. He was happy and seemed to be enjoying himself and I couldn’t ask for anything more this weekend.

Each event, he received Best of Opposite sex. For the sweepstakes event, he got second in sweepstakes for the toy breed, I think that’s how you say it.

Well, after a long day at the show, starting from very early morning to mid-afternoon, Oliver and I were saying our good-byes.

That’s should be the end, right? I didn’t take the Express Highway 407 back home so the trip was longer which made for good travel experience for Oliver. Oliver and I are attending the Canadian Havanese Specialty in Halifax Nova Scotia next weekend. Plus we made a few stops along the way making an already long trip much longer.

Oliver would have to agree the best stop over during day two was stopping by Jack’s house (his brother) to drop off something we borrowed. The two boys played and played until it was super time.

Both Oliver and I should sleep well tonight!
Photos taken by Darlah Potechin.

More photos:
second day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/potechinshavanese/sets/72157624842207468/
First day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/potechinshavanese/sets/72157624829100858/

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Oliver wins 4th in Toy Group at a local Sanction Match

“Living the life of a Male Show Dog vicariously through Oliver”


After the St. Catharines and District Kennel and Obedience Club’s “Best in Show”, the Canadian National Cresky Terrier Club held their conformation sanction match.

These sanction matches are for young un-championed puppies such as Oliver, Hydabrek's What the Dickens, to gain experience in a real or almost real life settings. Many owner/handlers take this opportunity to give their puppies almost the full experience of being shown from the grooming, the prepping, and then actually being shown in the ring.

Sanction matches also give opportunities for unlicensed future conformation judges to gain experience.

While in the ring, all the same rules of a real conformation show apply. Puppies are first judge against other puppies of the same breed. Often times during sanction matches there may not be other puppies of the same breed around, this is normal.

The best of each breed is chosen. They then compete against other dogs within their respective groups. For example, Oliver is a Havanse and Havanese belong to the Toy Group.

Now, how is the judge suppose to judge all these dogs when they are not the same breed? Each breed has a blue print (let’s say) of what the perfect dog of that breed should look like. The judge is actually judging how each dog compares to its own breed blue print. So even if a judge has a ring full of Havanese, the judge is really comparing each Havanese dog in the ring to what the ideal Havanese dog should look like.

When the ring is full of the best of the best of each breed the judge is still compares each dog to its own breed standard.

The judge picks out which dog s/he thinks best represents its own breed from each group. There are seven groups with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting, Hounds, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding.

Those last remaining seven dogs, the best representative of their own breed in the judge’s opinion that day, are placed in a single ring. The judge has to then pick out the best of the best; it is harder than it sounds. To read more, CKC provided a nice detailed flow chart.

Back to Friday, Oliver walked away with many ribbons and a fourth in Toy Group finish. He won First Place, Best Male, Best of Breed, and Best Puppy In Breed.

First Place: he was top dog against all the other male puppies in his age group.

Best Male: Of all the un-championed male Havanese, his was the best male Havanese.

Best of Breed: Off all the un-championed or championed Havanese, his was considered the best in the judge’s opinion.

Best of Opposite: If a male wins Best of Breed, the judge can pick out a female (the opposite sex) as the top female. She can’t move up in the running for Best in Group or Best in Show, but it is an honourable ribbon. And vice versus if a female wins Best of Breed.

Best Puppy In Breed: If the dog who wins either Best of Breed or Best of Opposite is a puppy, being under 12 months old, they automatically win the ribbon for Best Puppy in Breed. If neither winners were puppies, all the remaining dogs (if puppies) are considered.

Sounds pretty impressive for Oliver so far doesn’t it? Well, between you and me, just don’t tell Oliver as this may burst his happy bubble, he was the only Havanese puppy entered at their sanction match on Friday; so just by showing up he automatically won all the above mentioned ribbons.

Oliver did win Best of Breed, even it was automatic, and now has to compete against all the other dogs considered best of their breed. The judge can pick out four top dogs and only the Best in Group or sometimes know as Group 1 can continue to try for Best in Show.

Oliver placed fourth in Group, sometime referred to as a Group 4. Not bad for the little guy’s first time out.

I thought Oliver did very well considering it was his first time out with unknown dogs and it was outside show. I asked a friend what her opinion was of how we did in the ring and this was her response:

“What struck me the most was that he was having fun. He was so happy doing what you wanted him to do. For me, that was the best. I also noticed his coat, facial expression, and movement AND how well behaved he was around other dogs.”

What a great compliment! Oliver and I will certainly try to continue and we get even better as a team.

What’s next? Oliver’s first real conformation dog show happening next weekend. I will keep everyone posted.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Oliver in Conformation Class

Oliver and I started a new 6 week conformation classes.  He was doing very well for a young puppy-boy.  There is so much we need to work on and he is getting there each day.

I am so glad I had a GPS with me, especially when trying to home through dark country roads.  I think I might have gotten lost without it.

The instructor suggested I get a different lead for him and gave me reasons to use a chain kind.  I think it is rather funny I have my current style of leads in three different colours: black, brown, and light pink.  Pink... why of course I would have such a colour.  I wonder if I might find this new style of show lead in pink?  A dark, more masculine pink, of course.

Even though we worked really hard tonight, I think Oliver had fun and he should sleep really well.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Hyacinth's Birthday, a Time of Remembrance...

Yesterday Mim’s mom called to chat. Mim is doing great by the way and absolutely charming everyone she meets. She reminded me that today is Mim’s, Cali’s, and Hyacinth’s birthday.


I had forgotten; it totally slipped my mind.  Hyacinth, Hyacinth Bucket, pronounced Bouquet, would have been three years old this year. I had big plans with her: conformation, obedience, rally-o, agility (maybe), and breeding. All gone.

It has been hard since her passing. She died a year and a several months ago under very tragic circumstances; which until recently I had not been able to talk about her without crying. She wasn’t just a show dog, not to me. She was my loving pet as all my dogs are, and the smelly cat too (who wakes me up far too early each morning).

A group of friends got together to commission a painting done of Hyacinth. They also included a gift-certificate to have the artwork framed. I did have it framed after I moved back to Ontario and I think the picture frame store did a lovely job.

I still have Hyacinth’s ashes. I think I would like to spread them at her favourite park area we loved to go together but that was back in Winnipeg. I guess I shall keep her ashes until I get back to Winnipeg for a visit, maybe in May or August when they host some really large and impressive dog shows.

I still haven’t decided what to do what suing the handler or not. Now that I am back in Ontario, it does make things a lot easier for me to pursue legal action. Suing the handler isn’t going to bring Hyacinth back; I still am never going to get the truth; and chances are the handler most likely will never change.

I have Oliver now whom I decided to keep from my last litter. With him, I have now reached the city’s bylaw limit of three dogs. Oliver in no way replaces Hyacinth. He is his own unique dog with his own unique personality and charm. I have similar and different hopes and dreams with him. He would have liked her. Even a co-worker who hated and feared dogs liked her – that has got to speak volumes on how adorable and loveable she was.

I miss her.

Hyacinth will always have a special place in my heart.

Read more about Hyacinth:
Post with or about Hyacinth
In memory of Hyacinth
Hyacinth's Career Highlights

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Josie Loves Her Walks

Josie loves her walks. She especially loves her walks when hubby takes her on long walks.

Sometimes Josie gets to go with Hubby when he goes on the occasional mini-hikes with his friends. She may be a small cute package, but she is one mighty dog. She is able to climb up and through most obstacles, jump over watery barriers, and keep up with the best of her hiking companions.

She doesn’t get to go on too many hikes these days but there are a couple of easy trails nearby she enjoys. Life isn’t too bad for this little fluff-ball.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

A wonderful shot of Caillee

Wow, what a great shot of Caillee with all her blowing in the wind. You can barely see her eyes.

Hubby went for a walk with Caillee down to the park, near the lake.

It’s a tough life having the lake breeze through your hair, you poor thing.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Lucy making sure the work gets done.

Who else better to make sure you stay on top on your reports and emails? Lucy, that's who! Here Lucy supervising her mom's computer activities. Now do those eye really say 'Get back to work!' or perhaps 'You want to snuddle, don't you?'

Lucy recently came back from the groomers in this photo looking all pretty dolled up; even wearing some pink.

Lucy and her mom are 'beating the (July) heat' and mom is even thinking of getting Lucy a kiddie pool.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

A male puppy in an all-pink-world, what is a little puppy to do?

I have been looking for the perfect collar and leash for Oliver. He’s our newest puppy and he is a boy-puppy. A male puppy in an all-pink-world, what is a little puppy to do?


I have tons of available collars and leashes I have picked up over the years in various shades of pink: bright neon pinks to light pastel pinks.

So for a while I was thinking of finding Oliver a nice simple dark purple collar and leash. It’s not pink, no so girly, but still within the worthiness of being Pretty in Pink.

I wanted a quick release collar instead of buckle-style and I wanted the leash to be 6 foot long. You would think it would be easy enough to find purple collar and leash but I did have a lot of trouble.

After months and months of searching I never did find Oliver a purple collar and leash. While shopping with a friend, my friend convinced me that this black collar and leash with bright pink paw prints would be perfect for Oliver. The pink paw representing being ‘Pretty in Pink’ and the black brings a more masculine side to the collar and leash.

So, now even Oliver get to be as stylish and endearing as Josie and his mommy, Caillee.
 

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

My Puppy Still has His Top Puppy Fangs

Poor Oliver is teething; he is losing teeth here and there.  Right now, I see he has not lost his top baby fangs yet and the adults one are coming in already.  This is very normal for Havanese but it is something to keep a close eye on.  It is important they lose those ‘hard to loose’ puppy fangs because if kept in too long. the puppy teeth may ruin the alignment of the adult teeth.

One way to remove them is to the baby fangs removed by your veterinarian when your Havanese is spayed or neutered.  Another way to remove them is to give your dog raw chicken bones often during their teeth period.  I normally give raw chicken wings at meal times and for snakes.  The bones are yummy, they enjoy them, and they we work at these bones breaking them apart which helps to loosen those ‘hard to loose’ puppy fangs.

A friend of mine gave me some individually frozen chicken bones.  What a great idea.  The coldness soothes their gums and the chicken is so yummy they will still work hard at eating them.

I also give beef marrow bones, also known as soap bones, and these bones work too at loosening those baby fangs but not as well as the raw chicken.  The great things about beef marrow bones are dogs enjoy them and the dogs work away at digging out the marrow for hours.  The dogs are entertained so you can work at something else without your four-paw shadow and the bones help to keep their teeth clean.  You still have to brush their teeth but the bones help reduce tartar build-up.

Talk to your veterinarian about this and before changing your dog’s diet.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Gossip: Air Canada working towards getting real estate at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

The latest gossip I heard was Air Canada is working towards getting real estate at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Currently only Porter Airlines flies in and out of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. They service the business-orientated clientele offering short haul flights between the Toronto City and various points between Canada and the United States and they have a no pet policy.

Porter Airlines does not allow dogs/pets period, not as carry-on nor even as cargo. I don’t use their services ever. Air Canada on the other hand does allow pets as carry-on or as cargo.

Air Canada has always been competing with Porter Airlines for years but this would mean they can then be in direct competition with Porter Airlines

If Air Canada can get a foot-hold in the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, this would be great new for us doggie loving folks. A world of possibilities for so many people who prefer to travel with their dogs would open up.

I have a friend who is going to split her time between Ottawa and Toronto and her Havanese accompanies her everywhere and including work life. This could mean easier and more frequent commutes for people who travel between Toronto and another city regularly.

Taking quick trips with your furry companion to visit family or friends elsewhere in Canada will become a whole lot easier.

Dog shows in farther locations could be options for me and for so many other dog show interested people, as long as they found it easy enough to reach Toronto. And, with Go Train constantly expanding their services, traveling further without the reliance on vehicles is becoming more of a reality than ever before.

This is something worth keeping a look out for.


Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Reflections about Arthur from CBC's The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean

The other day I was catching up on missed episodes of CBC's The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean.

The episode I was listening to was titled Mort D’Arthur, from July 10th. I didn't Realize what the title was when I first starting listening to it so I really wasn't prepared. For some reason and I can’t remember why the family had to take their dog, Arthur, to the vet and the family was worried sick over having to leave poor Arthur at the vet.

During the car ride from leaving the vet office, the family reminisce about the good times they had with their dog and also about another dog Dave had in his childhood. Some of their favourite times were some of my favourite times too.

I love the episode when Dave couldn't figure out what was wrong with house thermostat and why one room was always colder than the rest of the house in winter and warmer in summer. Turns out Arthur was laying and covering up the vents. When Josie did that a few times I mentioned here how Josie was 'pulling an Author', and she too was covering over the vents. I think hubby and I came up with that phrase long after I post the blog of her covering up vents.  Josie and a lot of Hot Air

I also loved the story about the potatoes and how he would carry one potato over at a time to his bed and lay on them as if he was a mother bird protecting or hatching her eggs. It was such a great and funny story.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vinyl_Cafe had a great summary of who Arthur was:

“Arthur is the family dog. He likes soft ice-cream and considers himself dominant to Dave (much to Dave's surprise) and steals socks and potatoes. He was once a sheep in a Christmas pageant. Arthur is considered a full family member.”

When the family got home they were greeted by the mom, Morley, who stayed home. She took the phone call from the vet: Arthur didn't make it.

I don't know how long I have been listening to the Vinyl Cafe, but certainly long enough to have listened to countless stories about Dave and Morley, their two children, Sam and Stephanie, their pets, Arthur the dog and the cat, and their assorted friends and neighbours. I would say at the very least, I have been listening to the Vinyl Cafe for as long as I can remember.

I was saddened and moved from losing such a beloved fictional character I have been listening to for so many years.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

The pressure is on to practice...

 Oliver had a really good handling class session yesterday evening. There was only one Havanese, Oliver, and a Papillon in class; so, Oliver got at lot of one-on-one attention.

Oliver ‘was on’ and was doing so well. He was walking on his show leash so smartly in class. Gee, the pressure is on for a repeat performance at next class. I guess we are going to have to practice.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs

Oliver takes the Go Train

What a weekend Oliver has had. His weekend started off on Friday night when Hubby and I took him to Niagara Falls for a long walk. My goal for Oliver on Friday was to get him used to crowds.

We walked up and down Clifton Hill and proceeded to the Falls. After a while he was walking smartly on a leash beside me while we walked through crowds literally. Oliver wasn't stepped on and he was doing very well. He was sure tired when he got home.

On Sunday, I really wanted him to get some more travel experience so we took a trip to Rens' Depot in Oakville to see about picking up a few show related items. We also came back with three toys I had not planned on bringing home but who can resist?!

That could have been good enough but I thought we had some extra time that day and why not take the Go Train and see how Oliver does traveling on a train.

From Burlington, we jumped on the Go Train to Union Station in Toronto. We walked around for a bit and checked out some possible airport run type of services.

According to the Go Train website, I should be able to get to the Toronto airport using their service right from Grimsby. Their website isn't very clear on the matter and when I asked around, no one seemed to be clear about it either and looked as though they too were having just as much trouble figuring all the connecting services to get to the airport. It would seem getting to Pearson airport using the Go Train service may be risky business.   MetroLinks (Go Transit) recently announced improvements to their airport service but unfortunately they won't be ready for upcoming trip to Halifax.

While in Toronto I did find another service with Toronto Airport Express which could take Oliver and I to the Toronto airport as long as I could get to Toronto. Taking the Go Transit service plus this other independent service may be my cheaper route to go versus using Niagara Airbus service which is a door to door airport shuttle service.

After some time in Toronto, it was time to go home via the Go Train of course. Both there and back Oliver did very well. No one heard a peek from him and I don't think too many people realized there was a dog on board with them.

We walked about the grass for a while before heading back into the car. I was please to see Oliver didn't seem phased by all this traveling he had just done and still seemed himself.

I realize a commuter train is not the same as an airplane but it was the closest Oliver is going to get to the real thing for a while. I find the airplane can do funny things to dogs, even with dogs who travel a lot. Take Caillee for instance. After her first airplane ride, she was really out of it for the whole next day. Even then I would have described her as a seasoned traveler going from one dog show to the next, and some as far away as Edmonton, Alberta back when we were living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

When Oliver and I travel to Halifax to this years' Canadian Havanese Nationals, I am totally planning on Oliver needing a day to collect himself and if he ends up not needing that day well then he too can enjoy an extra day in Halifax with me.

Secret Lives of Pretty In Pink Dogs