[Carinamia]

Agitated and clever havanese

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Hi everyone,

This may sound ignorant but what is a blowing coat? I have my first havanese, Carina who is ten months old. I went away for a week and when I returned her coat was completely matted. I have tried everything and now have to have her shaved. Her fur is quite soft so I couldn't imagine it would get so matted and so quickly. I have had to cut some out and she looks like a mess. She is going to the groomer Thursday as I can't seem to do anything. She is also is shredding everything in sight and is now biting my toes, ankles, and has learned how to nip my leg like a pinch when she wants to come up. I give her lots of love, attention, and trained her. She seems so agitated that I had the nerve to leave her for a week with a neighbor. She didn't pee once in their house while I was away, but mine has become her personal bathroom. I know they are intelligent but she is almost too smart. Any answers would be helpful.

 

[Melissa Miller]

It sounds like Carina is blowing coat. It usually happens right around that age. Stogie started at 10 months also. They can matt up in a matter of minutes. You just have to brush them a lot, and with Stogie it comes and goes. He will have a bad week, then he is fine for a couple of weeks.
Hopefully you wont have to shave her all the way. If you do, she will be much better when she grows out.

Shredding....the favorite past time! I have to keep all papers out of sight, shredding is one of their favorite things to do. I do throw them a newspaper every now and then as a treat.

The biting....I think is their way of playing. In my experience its a puppy thing, and they out grow it. Goldie could bite my toes in mid air as I walked, it was funny but painful. You have to just say NO and make sure they know you are not playing. You are right about them being too smart, you have to stay on the potty training. I have found they can go back to square one very fast.

When I am going out of town, Goldie knows. She will get in my suitcase and even pull out my clothes out. They are too smart for their own good!

I think you are just in puppy hell. You will be ok!

 

[Carinamia]

Dear Melissa

Thank you for the response. I have had dogs all my life but never a havanese. I am American and live in Italy. My neighbors tell me Carina is very clever and knows how to manipulate me. I am going to try and find a trainer here. When she sees me put my shoes on she won't come. Now, I have to hide my suitcase as she does the same thing as yours. She loves to empty my hamper, unroll my toilet paper, and then trots proudly around the house. I have found my unmentionables on the terrace as she drags them everywhere. She chewed through my computer line so I needed to devise a system to protect all of the wires and her. The breeder told me some are shy and some are a bit naughty/spirited. I evidently have the latter. She kisses and licks my eyes every night and is so loveable. She finds my toes very interesting. She garbles and growls yet her tail is always wagging, so I know it is not aggression. I will see what the groomer can do for her. Some of these mats are right down to the skin and some are like belts. My boyfriend feels Carina is very smart and even needs some extra stimulation. She even understands two languages. Hopefully, with more training I can start taking her on some trips with me. Thank you for the advice. Many people don't understand or appreciate how clever these dogs really are.