Bluez is a funny little guy who is apt to take a shortcut across the coffee table to beat you to the couch. Like most Havanese, his favorite place is closest to his person. He's a little love bug that enjoys snuggling and getting his chest rubbed. Laying on his back with his feet up, a little rubbing by you on his chest, and he is quickly in a deep meditative state, his version of “downward dog.” He will doze off until you stop rubbing and then wave his little paws at you for more rubs. He is amazingly sweet and generous with his love.
Bluez responded very well to house training in his foster home. Frequent outings, using verbal commands, rewards and belly bands set him up for success. He has not had a single accident in foster care! Bluez is now belly band free when foster mom is home. He is food motivated, making training easy. Consistent training is new to him, but thus far he has been a rock star and thrives on the attention.
An excellent leash walker, Bluez rarely tugs. This is a great quality since he loves his walks. Bluez can crank out a 2 mile walk at a brisk pace. He's non-reactive to other dogs which makes for a stress free walk. He does not care for busy noisy streets. Trucks and bikes whizzing by scare him, but he will tolerate it. If he is on a sidewalk, a quiet street, or a trail, he will fly with joy at whatever pace you set.
Because he is vocal over his displeasure of being left alone, apartment living would not be a good match for him. That being said, he is very happy to go with you anywhere. He will sit nicely in the car waiting for you (weather appropriate). He has been out for coffee, a vineyard launch party and the bank. He was very comfortable calmly hanging out in each of these environments.
Bluez is a dog that would do poorly if boarded while his people vacation. A future adopter will need someone that Bluez knows to stay with him or vice versa during these times. Bluez is friendly to those he knows but is shy with strangers. With such a high cute factor and that fur-ever puppy look, people tend to rush at him and grab at him forgetting the manners they may have had with a bigger dog. His reaction is to turn away or hide in your arms if he is being held. Strangers handling him scare him, so relationships should be cultivated. He does remember people who greet him properly and certainly remembers those who give him treats. His second meeting goes much better for those people who have proper manners.
He is non-reactive to wheel chairs and is quick to not get in the way. Although this has only been explored at outdoor markets, his foster mom believes he would do well with an adopter with disabilities, as long as they find a doggie walker or are able to take him out on a walk. His calm nature would make him a nice companion for a disabled dog. He would also do well as a solo dog in the house. He would not enjoy rambunctious dogs or kids that will not respect his calm nature.
At just under 12 lbs., Bluez fits nicely in the kitchen sink for bathing. He is tolerant of the bath and blow dry. Professional grooming for his haircuts and nail trims will be needed.
Bluez will need to be protected while he is outside. A fenced yard appropriate for little dogs with big jumping skills is needed to protect him from wildlife and taking off on a walk.
Celebrating his 8th birthday in March, his foster mom would love to give him the very best present possible, fur-ever loving arms.
Bluez can be followed on twitter @home4bluez and there are some very cute videos posted to give you a smile. HRI has also made it easy for you to pass on his information via social media.
I love dinner! I must go into the x-pen, sit and wait, that's hard! I'm learning that the x-pen is good. #trainingEZ; pic.twitter.com/b49JQtmgJp
— Bluez (@home4bluez) February 11, 2015
It's all about love 2day. Happy Valentine's Day. pic.twitter.com/6YskAt3txr
— Bluez (@home4bluez) February 14, 2015
I am awesome! Look at my sit/ stay. What progress I have made. I got super short hair now for my neuter.What is that? pic.twitter.com/UlrKpLFvH7
— Bluez (@home4bluez) March 2, 2015
Bluez is being fostered in New Mexico.
A donation will be requested to adopt this dog. The recommended donation amount will be based on the dog's age, and medical and behavioral issues, if any. A completed application is required if you are interested in adoption. Thank you for considering a rescue dog!
Sunday bath day! 40 mn wash and dry ready to mingle. pic.twitter.com/PB9nE6AjXP
— Bluez (@home4bluez) March 15, 2015