Oahu Trip

For our anniversary this year, we took a trip to Oahu, it was our first time.

Adam with our friend's puppy, Apollo (3 months).

Athena and our friend, DeAnna.

Adam driving us up to the north shore.

Pounders coffee, North Shore.

For our anniversary we filled a little bottle with some sand from one of our favorite beach stops.

We stayed with our friends on the Marine base in Kaneohe.

Adam and Apollo.

It was a short but good trip.  Time to head home.

Training and socialization

Some cute pics from training and socialization this week.

This is the only brindle Chihuahua I've ever met.

Nalu (Min Pin/ Chihuahua mix).

Basic Manners Class graduation.

Bullseye working in Basic Manners class.

Devo & Maile.

Trainer Tips--Save money on dog clean-up bags.

So when I got Nekita as a puppy, I quickly realized that I always needed another poop bag.  I used the poop bag dispensers that attaches to the leash for a long time.  These are great, but can get expensive after awhile.  Since I was in need of saving money (as we all usually are), I decided to start re-using plastic shopping bags.  At first I would just shove them in my pocket, which works alright in winter when I have a hundred pockets for things, but not so well in the summer.  Having mountains of random plastic bags in all my pockets started getting irritating and I realized what must be done.

This was something my mom actually taught me when I was little and we got our first dog when I was 12.  Here is step by step instructions on how to roll re-used plastic bags so they fit nicely into your pocket and are less of a hassle.

Grab the bag by the bottom.

Shake the bag out.

Fold the bag in half (lengthwise).

Fold in half again.

Wrap the bottom of the bag around one finger.

Twirl the bag around your finger keeping it tight.

When you reach the top of the bag, find the handles and open them.

Twist the handles around and over the rolled bag.

Twist handles around again.

Pull the bag off your finger.

Ta-da!

Note for Hawaii residents:  Since stores in Hawaii do not usually have plastic bags at the check-out, instead make sure to save the plastic bags provided for all your veggies and meat products and use those bags for poop clean up.

Breed of the Month--Havanese

Havanese

Color:  All colors
Height:  8.5-11.5 inches
Weight:  7-14 lbs
Life Span:  13-15 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, juvenile cataracts, congenital deafness, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation.

Coat:  Double coat.  woolly undercoat/ soft, long, flat or curly outercoat.
Country of Origin:  Cuba

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Brought from Europe to Cuba in the 17th century, that Havanese is a descendant of a Bichon-type dog.    During the 18th & 19th centuries, the Havanese became a favorite of aristocrats in Cuba.

The Havanese is fond of everyone.  This breed is intelligent and outgoing, and gets along with with all types of pets and people of all ages.  The Havanese has been long associated with being a cherished companion dog.

I had the pleasure of meeting a cute little member of this breed, and I must say, I was quite taken by him!  Cute and cuddly, the Havanese I met made adorable little cooing noises at me to get my attention and love.  Amazing little dogs that I would highly recommend for any dog owner!

Exercise:
The Havanese is always excited to accompany his family anywhere and enjoys socialization and regular exercise.  A good daily walk will keep this breed happy.

Grooming:
The Havanese's long hair needs a lot of regular attention.  Many non-show dog, pet owners, clip their Havanese's hair short.  The hair of this breed rarely sheds and must be brushed out to prevent clots.  Because the Havanese does shed very little, they make an ideal choice for people with allergies.  Special attention should be taken to make sure the hair around the eye stays clean and free from infections.

Training:
The Havanese loves any interaction with his family and therefore thrives on training.  Using positive training methods, this breed learns basic obedience and tricks with ease.