A Yawn Traveled Down the Couch, and Four Puppies Caught It
A great yawn is moving down the sofa like a wave. Four chocolate Havanese puppies are lined up side by side, and each one has opened wide, showing a curled pink tongue and tiny white teeth. Their eyes are squeezed shut, their wavy ears are tousled, and the cushions beneath them are slightly rumpled from an afternoon of playing.
Yawning is contagious among dogs, just as it is among people, and puppies often join in when a littermate does. It is also a simple sign of tiredness. Puppies are growing fast and need long rests, so a yawning litter is often a signal that nap time has arrived. A quiet space and a comfortable bed give them a chance to sleep properly.
Havanese are known as affectionate companions, and they often like to be close to their people. Because of that, they tend to dislike being left alone for long stretches. Early training for short periods of independence, with a toy and a comfortable spot, helps a puppy learn that alone time is nothing to worry about. Your vet or a trainer can suggest a plan that suits your household.
The four on the couch are not thinking about training. They are thinking about sleep, and one more yawn may just tip them over the edge. One by one the yawns fade into soft sighs, and the couch cushions sink a little as the four settle closer together for the long afternoon ahead.
