These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...
I have put together a list of a few things that I have found that either my dogs or I like and thought I'd share them with you. (I do not profit or benefit from advertising them in any way.)
Always check with your vet for their advice or recommendations on brands of dog food.
Nature's Variety dog food is an ultra-premium "freeze-dried" food with a kibble coating. It does NOT contain flour, corn, or soy products.
If you cannot find Nature's Variety dog food at your local pet store, ask them if they can get it. Do not try to order it online, as shipping costs are astronomical. If not, there are many other good dog foods out there that won't cost you an arm and a leg. (or should I now say "a tank of gas"?) Be aware that many brands out there are manufactured by the same source, just put in different bags with different labels. For instance, Diamond Pet Food, a good quality food (now that all that recall is over) also makes Solid Gold, Natural Balance, Kirkland Signature (Costco's brand), Chicken Soup, Nutra Nuggets, Blue Buffalo, Premium Edge, and Professional. You can save a lot of money here by comparing prices (and of course, nutrients).
I like Gimborn freeze-dried beef liver treats. I give my dogs one each night, and they would do anything for one of these tasty bites. They can be a bit pricey, but are worth it. Caution - do not give them too many at once, as it could cause some loose stools in large quantities.
For chewing: I like pigskin rolls, found online or at Walmart. Pigskin is easier to digest than beef rawhide, which could swell and cause an intestinal obstruction.
Fleece or plush toys with squeakers - my dogs will "gut" them as quickly as they can, removing the squeaker to "kill" the toy and spread the stuffing all over the floor or backyard. Lots of fun...
Many puppy owners tell me their dogs love Nylabones or latex rubber squeaky toys. I haven't had much succes with my dogs.
Treat-filled toys such as Kong brand and others are great for keeping dog occupied while alone or in their crates.
Software - I found a great pet-owner software program that enables you to enter vital information, including medical history, of your dog. However, the company that made it went out of business. If anyone is listening out there, there is a void in this area! If anyone finds a good program for the pet owner, please let me know.
Bowls - I use stainless steel bowls for food and water, as they don't absorb stains and are easy to clean. You could also use ceramic bowls. Plastic bowls can be chewed up, also!
Collars/Harness - Owners have their own preference as to whether they prefer harnesses, collars, or neither. I always have something on my dogs, as it is imperative to have an ID tag on my dogs at all times. Too many Havanese like to explore and do not know the dangers of the outside world and getting lost. I recently read an article by a vet who was very much against collars used with leashes on dogs, as they claimed that the pressure put on the dog's throat from pressure from a leash could cause thyroid trauma which could lead to thyroid problems. Makes sense. So, I recommend whenever a dog is on a leash, it should be used with a harness. However, in the home, backyard, or anytime off leash, either a collar or harness could be used. Just make sure your dog is always with ID on them.
For harnesses - there is a great soft harness called the Puppia harness, which comes in several colors and may not mat longer hair as much. Or, pick a harness that doesn't have a band right across the neck, but lower on the chest. If you prefer your Havanese in long hair, many owners have claimed the rolled leather harness causes the least amount of matting.
Some of my favorite breeders are those from whom I have obtained my wonderful Havanese. Here are their kennels:
Sun City Havanese - Carole Thompson, breeder
Kachinas Havanese - Sandy Twiss, breeder
Little Luvs Havanese - Nancy Chretien, breeder
Harlequin Havanese - Becky Holleman, breeder
Petravari Longfur Havanese - Petra Bolyacz, Golden Level Master Breeder, Bichon Havanese Breeder of the Year 2003, 2004, 2005
Online Stores - Here is a short list (by no means complete) of online stores that carry dog supplies. Many will send you a printed catalog.
PetEdge
Drs. Foster & Smith
Cherrybrook
JeffersPets
Dog.com
Healthypets.com
last updated 4/8/08