Here is a checklist of suggested items you might want to have for your new puppy.
General Cage Folding Crate Model # 202 For Home Use
Vinyl Coated Floor Grids For Model #202
Vari Kennel Carriers For the car and travel Model # 200 Floor Grill For Model #200
Cuddler Dog Bed
Stainless Steel Bowls
Poop Scoop Set
Natures Miracle Shampoo made for dogs
Small Grooming Table
Superduck 1600
Dryer
Small Scissors for trimming Around the feet
WAHL Pocket Pro Trimmer
Greyhound Style Combs
Super Soft Slicker
Safari Pin Brush
Dental Care Kit made for dogs
Ear Cleaner
Choo Hooves
Puppies For Dummies Book
TOYS TOYS TOYS
Show Lead (if you plan on showing your dog in conformation)
Collar Matching Lead
Resco Nail Trimmer
Kwick Stop
Bath Towels
Q-Tips Dog
Food
Paper Towels
Mail Order Catalogs are the way to go. Here is a list of Catalogs you can request and shop from.
Call the different companies and request their catalog's or click on the links and shop on line. Happy Shopping!!
PetEdge 1-800-738-3343
Foster & Smith 1-800-826-7206
JEMAR 1-800-458-6598
Great Companions 1-800-829-2138
Pet Warehouse 1-800-513-1913
The Dog's Outfitter 1-800-367-3647
Care-A-Lot 1-800-343-7680
REVIVAL 1-800-786-4751
KV Vet Supply 1-800-423-8211
Puttin' On The Dog 1-800-720-8005
In The Company Of Dogs 1-800-544-4595
There is a huge selection of toys. Ones that can be washed in the washer with a little bleach are nice. Beds and toys can be chewed so keep your eyes on them.
You need to find out from your breeder what food the puppy is on and where to buy it. Do not change the food your puppy is on quickly. You have to change it slowly by mixing a tiny amount of the new food you choose to use to the food the puppy was eating at the breeders. Gradually add the new food and add less of the original food. At the end of at least 15 days your puppy will be switched over to the food you have chosen.
Do not be too anxious to give a lot of treats to your new puppy. They can upset their digestive system. To avoid causing allergies or upset stomachs until the puppy is 6 months of age try not to give it anything by mouth other than the puppy's food.
Once puppies are weaned from their mothers they no longer tolerate dairy products very well and it is best not to give them to your dog anymore. No milk or eggnog. Cream Cheese, and cheese products are hard to digest and can cause pancreatic problems. Hot dogs and lunchmeat are loaded in nitrites and salt. One of the biggest No-No's a great number of people do is feed their dog's inappropriate foods thinking they are good for them. Fatty, salty, chemically enhanced dog treats are not good for your dogs. Please do not feed them to them.
Only use doggy toothpastes made for dogs and do not use human dandruff products on your dog. Use products that are made for dogs. Any products you buy read the instructions and follow them before using the product on your dog.
DANCING WITH YOUR DOG
Dancing with your dog, otherwise known as Canine Freestyle is quickly becoming one of the most rewarding sports that you can do with your dog. In essence, it is a choreographed set of moves that is performed by you and your dog to a tune that you enjoy listening to and that fits your dog's rhythm. The beauty of this new sport is that you are limited only by your imagination and your ability to train your dog new tricks. Additionally, it is a sport that can be done with you and your dog alone or you may choose to entertain audiences.
TRAINING
There are approximately 20 basic moves that, when combined with each other, offer the team an unlimited variety of moves that can be incorporated into a routine the following are a few examples
· Dog circles handler clockwise or counter clockwise
· Dog spins in place clockwise or counter clockwise in front of or to the side of the handler
· Dog does Figure 8 around handler's legs
· Dog weaves in and out of handler's legs while handler is walking
· Dog jumps handler's legs, arms or prop
· Dog lifts his right and then left front paw as if to be waving
· Dog bows
· Dog heels on handler's right or left side
· Dog sidesteps to handler's right or left while standing at handler's side or facing handler
· Dog rolls over on the ground
· Dog sits up or lays down
Training these moves is not as difficult as you might think. Havanese make excellent students and even the novice trainer will soon discover how quickly they will learn what you want them to do. Here are a few examples of how you might teach some of the above moves.
MUSIC
Selecting music is the key to a successful performance. The pace your dog keeps is of paramount consideration in selecting music. Most Havanese have a very flashy, happy, whimsical pace. I find that Rock and Roll music from the late 50's and 60's including the Beach Boys offer many good choices. Country Western also has some great music for our little guys to dance to. You should look for music with or without lyrics with a happy, uplifting beat. If you find a song with lyrics and wish to write them down so you can plan your routine around them a good site to go to is Lyricsfind.com . It contains lyrics to many of the more popular songs. This is just one of many sites that offer both lyrics and music that you can listen to.
COSTUMES
Most handlers will wear an outfit that compliments their dog's routine. It should not take away from the dog but should add to the enjoyment of the audience. Dogs can wear a special collar or a scarf but usually nothing more than that. PROPS you will sometimes see handlers using props in the ring. For example, a cane might be used in the routine for the dog to walk around, jump over or stand with front paws perched on the cane.
FREESTYLE ORGANIZATIONS
There are currently three Freestyle Organizations that will provide you with everything you need to get started. You will find listings of upcoming events including locations of demos in your area. You will be able to order training videos and videos of actual competitions and demos. The sites will allow you to download video clips so you can get a better idea of what freestyle dancing includes. Each site will offer valuable training tips and links to other sources of information. All three of these organizations offer you the opportunity to sign up for their e-mal lists where there is an ongoing discussion.
The first site I would like to direct you to is the Musical Dog Sport Association. This is the newest of the Freestyle organizations. If you click on SEE FREESTYLE you will be able to view video clips of several different dogs. This site also makes available a list of approximately 50 different freestyle moves. The list is broken down into the following categories: Skill, Difficulty, Description, Voice Cue and Body Cue. This list can be viewed by clicking on the On Line Workshop on the left side of the page.
The World Canine Freestyle Organization is the largest and the first freestyle organization in the US.
Canine Freestyle Federation is second organization to be formed in the US. The objectives of this group differ from the other two groups and the routines lean more toward Heelwork to music.
In addition to the Freestyle Organizations, Carolyn Scott, the founder of the Musical Dog Sports, has her own website which is full of interesting video clips and training articles.
You’ve selected a breeder, signed a contract and made a deposit on a puppy, so what should you expect until your new companion is ready for delivery? Once a litter arrives, the breeder will be busy ensuring the pups grow into happy and healthy companions. Havanese are very social, happy, loving companions with various degrees of personality and character. A big responsibility for the breeder is finding the right home for the right pup, which includes sorting out the ones with show potential. The puppies going to pet homes are usually evaluated and placed in the home most suitable for their personality between 9 and 12 weeks. It is important for breeders to keep or place the show pups with the most potential to enhance their future-breeding program. Therefore, show puppies typically stay with the breeder for a longer period to allow them more time to further evaluate their potential.
Being a good breeder includes taking responsibility for every life created and finding loving and responsible homes for each wonderful Havanese. Most breeders will want to establish a positive relationship with their Havanese owners and will remain engaged with them throughout the life of their Havs. The primary objective of this relationship will be to monitor the health of the dog. The breeder needs to be aware of all health issues that may be genetic in nature so they can factor them into their future breeding program. Many include a genetic related health problem guarantee in the purchase contract. As well as a first right to purchase or take the Hav back if for any reason you (the owner) cannot keep the Hav. Refer to the NOEC Contract Issues section for more details. This is a good thing and indicates a commitment to the future of the breed. You should respect and honor the request of the breeder to keep them informed of how your Hav progresses over the years. This includes abiding to the contract specifics such as getting your Hav CERF'd annually and sharing the results with the breeder.
New owners should get periodic updates on the progress of available pups from their breeder. These updates may include info such as growth, health, personality, digital pictures via email and fun stories about your new bundle of joy. Be sure to give the breeder the call name you plan to use so the puppy can become familiar with it early on. Even though it is the obligation of breeders to answer inquiries about pups in a courteous and responsible manner, you should discuss what to expect in regard to updates on your potential new companion in advance. Some breeders may prefer email instead of telephone calls to allow them more flexibility to respond. Others may allow home visits after the pups are 4 weeks old. If so, please be respectful and make arrangements ahead of time and follow their ground rules.
This is an exciting time for the new owner and the interaction with the breeder during this period should be looked at as the beginning of a long-term relationship with at least one common denominator - the love, health and happiness of your Havanese companion.What should you do to prepare for the pup's arrival?
Hereditary and Genetic
The Havanese breed is relatively healthy, but there are several inherited health issues new owners should know about. They are listed below in alphabetical order.
A web search on any of these issues will allow you to learn more about each one. To help get you started, a brief description and a few links related to each are included below.
Remember -- You are the most important part of the health care of your new Havanese. It is totally dependent on you to make sure the vet knows the symptoms and any history of health issues. Your pet is also dependent on you to ensure that preventative measures are taken, medications are given correctly and that follow-up care or testing is done. Use available resources to become more informed about potential health issues.
Cataracts
A cataract is any opacity or loss of transparency of the lens of the eye. The opacity may be confined to a small area of the lens or it may affect the whole structure. A complete cataract affecting both eyes will result in blindness. Small non-progressive cataracts will not interfere with vision. Most cataracts are inherited. There are different types of cataracts. Visit the Canine Inherited Disorders Database website for more information.
Due to the high risk of cataracts in Havanese, responsible owners and breeders should have their Hav's eyes checked (CAER eye certification) for cataracts annually. Visit the OFA eye certification website to learn more. It includes a database of canine CERF results you can search on.
Cherry Eye
A prolapse of the gland or "cherry eye" occurs when the base of the gland (embedded in the cartilage) flips up and is seen above and behind the border of the third eyelid.
The third eyelid is a triangular shaped structure in the inner corners of your dog's eyes that you may notice sometimes partly covers the eye. It consists of a t-shaped cartilage to provide support and a tear gland. The third eyelid is important in protection of the surface of the eye, and in tear production. A prolapsed gland typically becomes swollen and inflamed. Although the swelling may recede for short periods, it eventually often remains prolapsed. It is a major tear gland and should be preserved if possible.
This condition frequently occurs in both eyes and is most common in young dogs. It has not been proven that this condition is inherited, but it appears some dog breeds are predisposed. Surgery is required to anchor the gland and cartilage back into the proper position. The prolapse occasionally recurs. The gland itself must not be removed, as inadequate tear production will result causing keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Visit the Canine Inherited Disorders Database website for more information.
Chondrodysplasia
Chondrodysplasia Punctata (often referred to as CD) is the name given to a group of multisystemic, metabolic disorders of skeletal development, primarily characterized by mild to moderate growth deficiency, short stature, and bilateral or asymmetric shortening and/or bowing of the legs. Most bones in the body are first formed of cartilage, which is gradually replaced by bone early in life. Irregularities in this process will result in bones that are abnormal in size or shape. Osteochondrodysplasia describes a range of disorders such as the premature closing of growth plates, which are characterized by abnormal growth of cartilage and bone. These disorders typically result in skeletal dwarfism, with the fore limbs of the dog being disproportionately short and bowed (crooked).
Breeds such as the Dachshund and Basset Hound have been selectively bred for dwarfism. It is not part of the Havanese breed standard, but we have discovered a lot of CD in our Havs. If your Hav appears to have a 'crooked' front, your veterinarian will need to examine him to make a diagnosis. X-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and to ensure there are no other abnormalities that require treatment. It is especially important to consult with your Vet if your Hav exhibits signs of lameness such as, difficulty standing or walking after getting up, decreased activity or a bunny-hop gait. Bones usually quit growing around one year old. Most cases will not require any type of surgery. However, if surgery is required, there is a better chance of recovery when it is performed while the bones are still developing.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia literally means an abnormality in the development of the hip joint. The hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint: the "ball" (the top part of the thigh bone or femur) fits into a "socket" formed by the pelvis. If there is a loose fit between these bones and the ligaments that help to hold them together are loose, the ball may slide part way out of the socket (subluxate). Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. When dogs exhibit clinical signs of this problem they usually are lame on one or both rear limbs. Severe arthritis can develop as a result of the malformation of the hip joint and this results in pain as the disease progresses. Many young dogs exhibit pain during or shortly after the growth period, often before arthritic changes appear to be present.
Your veterinarian may suspect hip dysplasia if your Havanese has pain or lameness in the hips. X-rays will be required to evaluate the general fit of the femur and pelvis and diagnose the problem. Usually sedation or anesthesia is required to ensure proper positioning of the dog while taking the X-rays. There are two techniques currently used to detect hip dysplasia: 1) The standard view used in Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing and 2) X-rays (radiographs) utilizing a device to exaggerate joint laxity developed by the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). The Penn Hip radiographs appear to be a better method for judging hip dysplasia early in puppies, with one study showing good predictability for hip dysplasia in puppies exhibiting joint laxity at 4 months of age. If hip dysplasia is found, it is often possible to treat it medically or surgically.
The OFA categorizes hip dysplasia into seven different categories: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, and Severe. Visit the OFA website to learn more.
Legg-Calve-Perthes
Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) is another disease of the hip joints in small dog breeds. It occurs when the ball portion of the hip is damaged due to lack of blood supply. Symptoms usually appear between 5-12 months of age and involve limping, pain, and eventually arthritis. LCP can usually be confirmed with X-rays. Treatment of this condition varies according to the severity of the signs seen. Atrophy of the muscles of the affected leg is not uncommon. If atrophy is severe it can slow the recovery period considerably and may make medical therapy less likely to work. It is typically treated surgically by removing the head of the femur and letting the muscles form a "false joint." Dogs usually recuperate well from surgery. The reasons LCP occurs are not clear, however, it is assumed there may be a genetic component to the problem. Visit the Canine Inherited Disorders Database website for more information. The OFA has recently started a database for LCP.
Liver Shunts
One important function of the liver is to clear toxins, many of which are by-products of protein digestion, from the blood. A Liver Shunt occurs when a portion of blood bypasses the liver and goes directly to the heart. This allows toxins (especially ammonia) to build up in the blood stream and causes neurological signs. Symptoms include having a poor appetite, becoming lethargic, being weak or disoriented, and having seizures. It is not unusual for kidney disorders to occur in dogs with liver shunts. A special diet may keep the shunt under control. Surgery may be an option depending on where the shunt is located.
Most canines with congenital liver shunts show clinical symptoms before 6 months of age. When signs are subtle, the condition may not be diagnosed until much later. Remember, these signs can be quite vague and may include loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, weakness, poor balance, disorientation, blindness, seizures, and coma. Visit the Canine Inherited Disorders Database website to learn more.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation occurs when the kneecap (patella) pops out of joint (luxates). It is classified into several categories and grades. Signs of this problem vary based on the degree of luxation. However, it is typically associated with lameness in one of the hind legs. Visit The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) site to learn more about it.
House Breaking & Other Puppy Problems by Kennedy
Choosing A Dog For Life by Prisco/Johnson
The Complete Dog Buyers Guide by Brutte/Donnelly
How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With by Neil
Guide To A Healthy Puppy by Prisco
New Owner’s Guide To Dog Training by Pantfoeder
Housebreaking And Training Puppies by Pantfoeder
Housebreaking And Training Puppies by Gardner
How Dogs Learn by Burch and Bailey
Responsible Dog Ownership by Davis
Dogs And Kids by McLennan
Good Showing by Grayson
Genetics Of The Dog by Malcolm B Willis
Control Of Canine Genetic Diseases by Padge
Puppies For Dummies
Canine Nutrition by Ackerman
Meisen Breeding Manual by Meisenzahl
The Nature Of Animal Healing by Martin Goldstein, D.V.M.
The Monks of New Skete by The Monks of New Skete
Bichon Havanese by Zoila Portuondo Guerra
Check out Amazon.com for these books.
Care-A-Lot Pets has many of these books
To Subscribe to the Havanese Hotline
To subscribe to AKC Gazette
To subscribe to Family Dog
To subscribe to The Whole Dog Journal
To subscribe to Dog Watch
Here are a few websites to check out.
DogChow.com
Dr P's Dog Training
How to teach your new puppy to sit!
All Natural Animal Care
Get Ready For Lots Of Love And Hugs And Kisses