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The Boys & Riley

       

     Can two dogs and a cat live in one household? My experiment begins on how to make  the dogs and cat live in one household.

     First night, cat carrier left outside the bedroom door as the cat and my daughter settled down for the night. It is late at night, it is after 11pm at this time, so there is not time for long introductions.

     Jack my cat chaser and cat hater sniffs the cat carrier and knows something is in that room. Dexter, on the other hand is clueless to what is going on or he does not care. Jack can usually get Dexter to start barking once he starts the barking.  But, this time, Dexter is just excited to have  my daughter Karen home.

     Is was a tense night with Jack constantly smelling the door and trying to dig his way through the plastic fence between him and the cat, known as Riley.  I end up closing the door in hopes of quieting down Jack.

     Jack is not stupid, he knows something is in that room by his constant smelling and agitated state.  I pick up Jack and try to tell him "it is ok, leave it."  I stay as calm as possible and use lots of positive reinforcement.

     It was bedtime. I go to bed and Jack goes with me as he normally does, but this time, I have to close my bedroom door, so Jack does not go back down the hall to make noises (barking and scratching) at the door. My daughter sleeps in the room with Riley the cat. The door is shut and the high plastic gate secure.

     Jack continues to want to get out of my room by his constant little digging at the door and little whines. It turned out that that he really did need to go outside,  I found the evidence in the second bathroom with two stools present on the floor.

     During the night, I had to frequently call Jack away from the door. "It is time to go to sleep," I tell Jack in my most calm voice that I can possibly have at this hour of the night.  We finally made it through the night and that was our first night.

     In the morning, I carry out Jack because I am not sure if my daughter is awake and she might have Riley with her.  First thing that Jack wanted to do was check out that door that had that cat in it.

     Our second day begins.  Wherever my daughter's door is open and Riley is in view, we are constantly saying "good boy" and we are patting Jack a lot. The plastic gate is still secure. 

     Riley is a gorgeous cat,  his temperament is laid back and friendly. He is 12 pounds of fluff, and he is 11 years old. I would steal Riley away from my daughter if she was not looking.  My boys are 12 and 17 pounds,  and lots hair too.

     Dexter has no problems with Riley, they sniff each other and everything is fine with these two.   

     For the next several days it it constant positive reinforcement with Jack when he sees Riley. If Jack cannot handle being quiet, the door is closed between him and Riley. And, Jack's attention is directed on something else.

     

Also, during the day, I take the boys outside and let them enjoy the outside air and smelling stuff or just sitting around while I do stuff around the yard. While the boys are outside, Riley is free to roam the house on his own. This routine is repeated several times a day over the next several days.

     This is the fifth day and we are making great progress. The dogs are loose in the house with Riley. I would never trust them at this point in leaving the boys and Riley by themselves. Riley would be put in his room to relax and sit or sleep in his cat tree looking outside.

     My daughter informed me this morning that she brought  Riley into the living room for another introduction with Jack last night. I was not home, I work the night shift at the hospital. "My daughter informed me, "they did great, there was a time they were all sitting together looking out the front door." "It was a great time to take a picture, but I did not have my phone to take the picture," sighs my daughter. "And, Riley was sitting in the middle while they were looking outside.

     I watched Jack try to interact with Riley today and Jack wants to constantly sniff Riley. And Riley wants his space, a cat can only take so much stiffing and it is time to back off.

     My daughter also informed me she had a talk with Jack about Riley's personal space and my husband told her, "he does not know what you are saying" and my daughter quickly says "you never know."

     I am sitting out in the living room now and all three animals are in the same room. The boys stay near me and Riley is stretched out on the floor relaxing. I think this going to work out.

     Sixth day, no problems. Riley came out into the kitchen this morning,  both boys present. Dexter does his sniff introductions.      Jack still curious, but not overly anxious and not smelling Riley or getting into Riley's personal space.  Hmmmmmm.... I think that little talk with Jack really did help.  And, the boys know Riley's name,  because when we say Riley's name, the boys look up and start looking around for Riley.

    

Jack Gets a Ponytail!

I am experimenting with Jack's hair. I am letting the bangs grow longer so I can tie a pony in his hair. You cannot even see his face now if I do not put up his hair.  Another picture coming to the blog.

Clipping Video Links

I found this link a couple of weeks ago and I love it.  The video is long and it gives you enough time to learn some techniques.  This dog is not a Havanese, but it shows the basic clipping techniques and I did not want to lose the links, so I am saving some information below for quick reference. I usually take bits and pieces of information on clipping and choose what will work for me in the groom my want for my Havanese.

Clipping Video Lhaso Apso
 24 minutes long on UTube

Scissoring Round Face 
10 minutes on UTube

5F Blade, Cutting down  
9 minutes on UTube

Joanne Beddoe, Professional Groomer
29 minutes on UTube

My attempt at rounding the face and muzzle.  I did use some of the techniques, I had already been doing some of them and I did not even know it. Dexter left Cherry Eye Repair is still healing.

Dog Interview

Jack Baby & Adult

This is the color of Jack when I brought him home from the breeder.  The most amazing thing about Havanese besides their personalities is the color changes that go on from puppyhood until adult hood. 

This is Jack as an adult Havanese. He still has some of the black flecks coming from his body and he has the black tipped ears. 

This is a picture of Jack recently May 2013. The sun was capturing his hair one morning and I could not resist and I snapped a picture. 

Cherry Eye

     As you see there is a pinkish red bulge at the corner of the eye.  The bulge can be quite big and red and angry.  Today is the day we had the Cherry Eye repaired. 

      Dropped Dexter off in the morning and picked him up late that afternoon.  He was excited to see me. Pain medicine and Eye ointment twice a day. Resume regular activity in a day.  

     Precautions: Notify Vet if Dexter rubs at eye constantly  or if there is a lot of eye squinting.  I figure if I left him rest, he will not have his eyes open and therefore, no eye squinting. 

     A dog's eye has three eyelids: an upper and lower lid, as well as a third eyelid we seldom see. The importance of the third eyelid is to give added protection to the dog's eyes. It acts like a wipe to help keep the eye clear of dust and debris and has a tear gland that produces around 35% of the moisture to the dog's eye. Sometimes the gland in the third eyelid, located in the corner of the eye next to the dog's nose, slips out of place and bulges. We see it as a red or pinkish blob, and this bulge is what's called cherry eye.

     Why it slips out of place is not clear, but if it happens in one eye, more than likely it will happen in the other, although it can be months later. What you want to pay attention to in your dog's eye is any watery or thick discharge, a red or pink blob in the corner of their eye, any redness in the lining of their eyelid or if your dog is pawing at his eye.

     For unknown reasons, the connective tissue around the tear gland becomes weak and starts to move around. Movement irritates the gland which leads to swelling that can produce a mucous or clear discharge. It's possible cherry eye will correct itself within a couple of weeks, but it's best not to wait. If it doesn't correct itself, the longer the gland is out of place, the more swelling there is. This makes it harder to reposition it, and there's a greater chance it will happen again. Left untreated, cherry eye can lead to more serious eye problems later on. You need to have your dog examined by your vet as soon as you notice the out-of-place gland.

     It's not understood why some dogs get cherry eye, but it's thought the cause could be from a parasite, some kind of bacterial infection, dermatitis, possible sun damage, cancer, fungal infection or it could be a result of a problem with the dog's immune system. Whatever the case, cherry eye is hereditary, so it's best not to breed a dog that has developed this condition.

     Cherry eye is usually seen in younger dogs between 6 weeks to 2 years and is more commonly found in Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Shar-Peis, Shih Tzu, Beagles, Pekingese, Lhasa apso, Miniature Poodles and Neapolitan Mastiffs. It's also seen in some breeds of cats. The Persian and Burmese cats are more likely to develop cherry eye than other breeds.

     Treatment for cherry eye is done under local anesthesia to push the gland back into place. Some vets will elect to remove the third eyelid, but it's not recommended. There's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion if it's needed. Removing the eyelid can adversely affect proper tear production which keeps the eye from becoming dry. Dogs who have had the eyelid removed are at risk of developing a condition called “dry eye” later on. The third eyelid should only be removed as a last resort. If it's removed, you are compromising your dog's eye health as they age.

     During surgery, a small part of the gland is removed. What's left is carefully tucked into the inside of the third eyelid and tacked into place. Dogs who have had their cherry eye corrected using this type of surgery have an excellent chance for recovery. However, there is a 5 to 20% chance the gland could slip out of place a second time. It all depends on how long it was out, the condition of the cartilage in the third eyelid, how swollen the gland was and the type of surgical procedure that was done. That's why quick medical treatment is important.

     If your dog develops cherry eye, the other eye should be watched closely and you may want to consider having both eyes corrected surgically at the same time. After surgery, you will need to watch your dog's eyes to make sure they don't develop dry eye. Signs to watch for that would indicate dry eye are: redness to the lining of the eyelid, a thick pus-like discharge from the eye, and a cloudy cornea.
 

From this picture, 2 days post-op, left eye still tender.  Still giving ointment medicine to the left eye and pain medications.

Wikipedia 

Here is Dexter feeling and looking so much better.

Planet Of The Gorns

From a Dog's Point of View

Imagine you live on a planet where the dominant species is far more intellectually sophisticated that human beings but often keeps humans as companion animals. They are called Gorns. They communicate with each other via a complex combination of telepathy, eye movements and high-pitched squeaks, all completely unintelligible and unlearnable by humans, whose brains are prepared for verbal language acquisition only. What humans sometimes learn is the meaning of individual sounds by repeated association with things of relevance to them. The Gorns and humans bond strongly, but there are many Gorn rules, which humans must try to assimilate with limited information and usually high stakes.

You are one of the lucky humans who live with the Gorns in their dwelling. Many other humans are chained to small cabanas in the yard. They have become so socially starved that they cannot control their emotions when a Gorn goes near them. Because of this behavior, the Gorns agree that they could never be House-Humans. They are too excitable.

The dwelling you share with your Gorn family is filled with numerous water-filled porcelain bowls, complete with flushers. Every time you try to urinate in one, though, any nearby Gorn attacks you. You learn to only use the toilet when there are no Gorns present. Sometimes they come home and stuff your head down the toilet for no apparent reason. You hate this and start sucking up to the Gorns when they come home to try and stave this off, but they view this as increasing evidence of your guilt of some unknown act.

You are also punished for watching videos, reading certain books, talking to other human beings, eating pizza or cheesecake, and writing letters. These are all considered behavior problems by the Gorns. To avoid going crazy, once again you wait until they are not around to try doing anything you wish to do. While they are around, you sit quietly, staring straight ahead. Because they witness this good behavior you are so obviously capable of, they attribute to "spite" the video watching and other transgressions, which occur when you are alone. Obviously you resent being left alone, they figure. You are walked several times a day and left crossword puzzle books to do (you have never used them because you hate crosswords; the Gorns think you're ignoring them out of revenge).

Worst of all, you like them. They are, after all, often nice to you. But when you smile at them, they punish you, likewise for shaking hands. If you apologize, they punish you again. You have not met seen another human since you were a small child. When you see one on the street you are curious, excited and sometimes afraid. You really don't know how to act. So, the Gorn you live with keeps you away from other humans. Your social skills never develop.

Finally, you are brought to "training" school. A large part of the training consists of having your air briefly cut off by a metal chain around your neck. They are sure you understand every squeak and telepathic communication they make because you sometimes seem to get it right. You are guessing and hate the training. You feel pretty stressed out a lot of the time. One day, you see a Gorn approaching with the training collar in hand. You have PMS, a sore neck, and you just don't feel up to the baffling coercion about to ensue. You tell them in your sternest voice to please leave you alone and go away. The Gorns are shocked by this unprovoked aggressive behavior. They thought you had a good temperament.

They put you in one of their vehicles and take you for a drive. You watch the attractive planetary landscape going by and wonder where you are going. The vehicle stops, and you are led into a building filled with the smell of human sweat and excrement. Humans are everywhere in small cages. Some are nervous, some depressed, most watch the goings on from their prisons. Your Gorns, with whom you have lived with your entire life, hand you over to strangers who drag you to a small room. You are terrified and yell for your Gorn family to help you. They turn and walk out the door of the building. You are held down and given a lethal injection. It is, after all, the humane way to do it.
 
-from Jean Donaldson's "The Culture Clash"

Messy Pictures

 

This is Jack and his messy self.  It has been 3 days since I combed out Jack, working three 12 hour night shifts is not fun.  I am so tired when I get home each morning, all I want to do is relax and get some sleep. 

I did brush and comb up Jack today and cleaned up his face.  I found no major tangles or mats. And, by the look of Jack lately, it looks like I need to cut a little of his bangs off so I can see those pretty eyes.  

 

I just added more messy  pictures, these are the pictures of Jack when he wakes up after I do. You do not want to see what I look like! I am a slow dresser and if I am not going anywhere for the day,  then I am comfortable just the way I am,  in my night clothes that is, an old T-shirt and sweat pants.   

Clipping Nails

     When I first started out with my pups, I was so afraid of clipping the nails. Now, almost 5 years later, I can do the nails in less than 5 minutes....that is on Jack.   Huh.....Dexter is a different story. 

     I was so afraid, I would sweat.  I would put clipping of the nails off and let the Vet do it.  The dew claws are a little tricky to clip and so difficult if you are nervous and your dogs know it.  

     Jack holds pretty still when I am clipping the nails.  Dexter hates nail clipping, and I have to resort to using a soft muzzle on Dexter, not me,  to get the job done.  Dexter is next, but I will be waiting until tomorrow.  Dexter is already anxious due to a thunder storm we are having tonight. 

      There are some links to view for clipping nails at the bottom of this blog.  I clipped Jack's nails while he is laying in my lap.  I try to check the nails at least once a month to see if they need clipping. 

      I would think the more you walk your dog, the more the nails are worn down because of the roughness of the road or sidewalk. I just clipped Dexter's nails, he did great. He still tries to soft nip a few times, I tell him do not touch. I did give him several snacks, which he loved for a good job when finished. 

    If you hear clicking on the floors, it is time for a nail clip.


Do          


     Do you see the "sole" on the nail, it is like a little ridge.  I can put my clippers to that stop point, and then clip on an angle and that works good for me.  Study your dog's nail. 

     Remember the treats, if they do not like the process of getting their nails clipped and make the process short and sweet. 

     Another thing, I also use on Dexter, is when I have found the "sole" stopping point, I apply the clippers and let the pressure be on the nail and cut slowly, no loud clipping noise.   

Nail Clipping 101 
I like this one, need to practice this one on Dexter.
Nail Clipping Video

Clipping Dexter

     This is Dexter in his short clip for the Summer of 2013.  This was groom number one this Summer.  I decided to go shorter in a later blog.  I groom my own dogs.  It is fun and very much rewarding.  Lots of work though!  If you do not have the patience, grooming your own dogs is not for you.

     Lots of times, when I take a picture of Dexter after a groom, is when I find out where I need to trim him a little bit more.  Oh! Also this is after a bath today.  Dexter is camera shy, I usually have to bribe the boys with a picture so they will stay within a certain space. In the next picture, I am working on rounding the muzzle to give the puppy look. 

     This is the final Clip for Dexter for the Summer.  I will probably keep this clip throughout the Summer.  I used a Clipper with a 1/4 inch Clip On.  The hair measures 1/4 inch in length. It feels so soft!  I did clip Dexter again in the following pictures.

      I did the entire body with the clip on and half way down his legs, then I finished the groom with scissors. 

    I hope to get a standing picture of Dexter, but he is so camera shy, he is always looking away or sitting down to avoid the camera.
 

exter is still recovering from his eye surgery on his left eye. 

This groom took about a week for me to complete it, maybe longer, that is the joy of grooming your own dogs. If it not right, then just cut a little here and there, take some pictures and correct what needs to be done.

 

It is September and I have clipped down Dexter again.  The first picture is the before picture.

You can tell the hair was getting pretty long. It was also starting to tangle. 

This clip probably took less than 45 minutes to complete. The more you clip, the faster and better you get. I used a #4 comb clip on for the body and half-way down his legs.  I scissored the legs.  You comb up the hair on the legs and cut down before the hair falls.  It is all about balance and what looks right for your pet.    I really like the short groom clip, so that means I will be clipping more often....like every 6 weeks!  Sounds good to me!

Dexter

     This is Dexter, my first Havanese dog.  He is the love of my life.  My two human children are all grown and I needed something to take care of.  I have always wanted a long shaggy looking dog, he had to be small.  It took awhile to come across this breed, which was purely accidental.

     Please research carefully about the Havanese breed.  Please do not buy from Pet Stores, this only encourages "Puppy Farms."  Buy from a reputable breeder, not just a back yard breeder.   Reputable breeders want to better the breed, it is not just about the money.  It is the love of the breed.

     Dexter is 4 1/2 years old in this picture. I have always wanted to see the long hair on Dexter, so here is it.  He is now in a short groom for the Summer. Dexter looks like a totally different dog. I still need to take a picture, so hopefully one will appear.

Tear Stains

 

     Believe me, his face was a lot worse!  This is the same Jack!  He had really bad eye stains when he was younger. As a new pet owner I was not familiar with what to do with tear stains.  It was by trial and error that I found the solution that worked for Jack. 

     I did not want to use antibiotics on Jack to clear up the tear stain problem, so I started researching to see what I could find. 

     I use Sterile Eye Wash Pads that are sold on Amazon.com.  They are called Miracle Sterile Eye Wash Pads, the jar contains 90 pads.  So, one jar is going to last me 3 months!   It will take months for the hair to clear up, but it will be so worth it.  I do trim between the eyes with thinners.  You can't just trim everything off that is stained or they won't have any hair around the eyes!

     I have Jack trained now to jump on the back of a chair so I can clean the inner corners of his eyes.  Then, I take the same wipe and clean the down stain area.  You have to use a little pressure, you will see some of the red/orange color on the pad.  After the cleaning, I comb out the hair area so Jack can see again.  The cleaning and combing out should take no longer than a few minutes and you are done for the day. 

     I also make sure my boys are eating a good quality food, they now drink Distilled Water from a bowl. I am not crazy about those drip water things, I don't feel that my boys get enough water that way.  Actually, I saw Dexter drink some water one time and he drank 1/2 bowl of water at one time.

Jack

 

    This is Jack, my number 2 Fur Baby Love!  Jack is still in his long flowing hair length.  I am really wanting to cut some of the hair for the summer.  Jack was made for grooming! He is so patient with all my combing and brushing.  Believe it or not, he is not combed out everyday.

     Both of my boys have finished the "Blowing Coat" stage.  This stage is a stage of headaches, lots of gray hair, coming up with words you have never heard of coming out of your mouth!  Blowing Coat is when the adult hair is coming in and the baby hair is falling out, and this stage goes on for months! It gets worse before it gets better. It seems like the Blowing Coat comes in stages in the fur, I called them mats from hell!  Huge mats, like mats that are so close to the skin, big mats, mats growing larger before your very eyes.  They look like mats that have bubble gum stuck in the hair, but the mats are not sticky.

     Anyway, I am glad that this stage is over with my boys.  If I had to do the "Blowing Coat" stage over again, I would keep my boys in a short puppy cut for the first two years.  You will make your life so much easier, less stressful,  have a better relationship with your pup, and saving yourself hours of trying to break through those mats; the stress is not worth it. Do yourself and your pup a favor and and get that puppy cut. Hair grows!