The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Havanese: From Puppyhood to Pro!

The Havanese, a delightful breed originating from Cuba, is known for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and playful personality. These qualities make them excellent companions and relatively easy to train, especially when you employ positive reinforcement methods and understand their unique characteristics. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of training your Havanese, from puppyhood to advanced commands, ensuring a well-behaved and happy dog.

Understanding the Havanese Temperament

Before diving into specific training techniques, it’s crucial to understand the Havanese temperament. They are:

• Intelligent and Eager to Please: Havanese are quick learners and enjoy working with their owners. This makes them responsive to training methods.
• Affectionate and Social: They thrive on human interaction and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Early socialization is key.
• Playful and Energetic: While not excessively high-energy, Havanese need daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
• Sensitive: Harsh training methods can be detrimental to their sensitive nature. Positive reinforcement is the most effective approach.

Early Puppy Training (8-16 Weeks)

The critical socialization period for puppies is between 8 and 16 weeks. During this time, focus on creating positive experiences and laying the foundation for future training.

1. Socialization: Expose Your Puppy to New Experiences

Socialization is arguably the most important aspect of puppy training. Expose your Havanese puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and places in a safe and controlled manner. This helps them develop into well-adjusted and confident adults.

Steps:

1. Introduce to different people: Invite friends, family, and neighbors to meet your puppy. Encourage them to offer gentle petting and treats.
2. Visit different environments: Take your puppy to parks, quiet streets, and pet-friendly stores. Gradually introduce them to busier environments as they become more comfortable.
3. Expose to various sounds: Play recordings of common household noises (vacuum cleaner, doorbell, fireworks) at a low volume and gradually increase the volume as your puppy gets used to them.
4. Introduce to other animals: Arrange supervised playdates with other well-behaved dogs or cats. Ensure that all interactions are positive and safe.
5. Enroll in puppy classes: Puppy classes provide a structured environment for socialization and basic training.

Important Considerations:

• Safety First: Ensure that all environments are safe and that your puppy is protected from potential hazards.
• Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) to reward calm and confident behavior.
• Gradual Exposure: Introduce new experiences gradually and avoid overwhelming your puppy.
• Observe Your Puppy’s Body Language: Pay attention to your puppy’s body language and remove them from any situation that seems stressful or overwhelming. Look for signs of stress such as panting, yawning, lip licking, or whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes).

2. Crate Training: Providing a Safe and Secure Den

Crate training can provide your Havanese with a safe and secure den, reducing anxiety and aiding in housebreaking. A crate should never be used as punishment.

Steps:

1. Introduce the Crate: Place the crate in a common area of your home and leave the door open. Make it inviting by placing a comfortable bed, toys, and treats inside.
2. Positive Association: Encourage your puppy to enter the crate by tossing treats inside. Praise them when they go inside.
3. Feeding Meals in the Crate: Feed your puppy their meals inside the crate. This helps them associate the crate with positive experiences.
4. Gradual Increase in Time: Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate. Start with short periods (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
5. Nighttime Crate Training: Once your puppy is comfortable spending time in the crate during the day, you can start using it at night. Place the crate in your bedroom so your puppy feels secure.

Important Considerations:

• Choose the Right Size: The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom.
• Never Use as Punishment: Never use the crate as a punishment. This will create negative associations and make your puppy fear the crate.
• Potty Breaks: Take your puppy out for potty breaks frequently, especially after waking up and after meals.
• Be Patient: Crate training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t take to it immediately.

3. Housebreaking: Establishing Good Potty Habits

Housebreaking requires consistency, patience, and a well-structured routine. Havanese are small dogs and have small bladders, so frequent potty breaks are essential.

Steps:

1. Establish a Routine: Take your puppy out for potty breaks at regular intervals, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime.
2. Choose a Potty Spot: Designate a specific area in your yard as the potty spot and take your puppy there every time. The scent will encourage them to eliminate.
3. Use a Command: Use a specific command, such as “Go potty” or “Do your business,” when you take your puppy to the potty spot.
4. Reward Success: When your puppy eliminates in the designated spot, praise them enthusiastically and give them a treat immediately.
5. Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly: Clean up accidents immediately and thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors and prevent repeat offenses.
6. Supervise Closely: Supervise your puppy closely when they are indoors. Watch for signs that they need to go out, such as circling, sniffing, or squatting.
7. Crate Training as an Aid: Use crate training to aid in housebreaking. Puppies are less likely to eliminate in their crate if they have been properly crate trained.

Important Considerations:

• Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial for successful housebreaking. Stick to a regular routine and be consistent with your commands and rewards.
• Avoid Punishment: Never punish your puppy for accidents. This will only create fear and anxiety.
• Rule Out Medical Issues: If your puppy is having frequent accidents despite your best efforts, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.
• Patience: Housebreaking takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy has accidents. Just keep following the routine and stay positive.

4. Basic Obedience: Teaching Essential Commands

Basic obedience training is essential for establishing clear communication with your Havanese and ensuring their safety. Start with simple commands like sit, stay, come, and down.

Steps (Using Positive Reinforcement):

1. Sit: Hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose and slowly move it upwards and backwards over their head. As their head goes up, their rear will naturally lower into a sit position. As soon as they sit, say “Sit” and give them the treat and praise.
2. Stay: Once your puppy knows how to sit, ask them to sit. Then, hold your hand up in a stop gesture and say “Stay.” Start with short durations (a few seconds) and gradually increase the time as they improve. Reward them with a treat and praise if they stay.
3. Come: Use a happy and enthusiastic tone of voice to say “Come.” As your puppy comes to you, praise them enthusiastically and give them a treat. You can also use a long leash initially to guide them.
4. Down: Hold a treat in front of your puppy’s nose and slowly lower it to the ground. As they follow the treat, they will naturally lie down. As soon as they are in the down position, say “Down” and give them the treat and praise.

Important Considerations:

• Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) to reward desired behaviors.
• Be Consistent: Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Use the same commands every time and be clear about what you want your puppy to do.
• Practice in Different Locations: Once your puppy has mastered the commands in a quiet environment, practice them in different locations with more distractions.

5. Leash Training: Getting Ready for Walks

Leash training is important for your Havanese’s safety and well-being. Start by getting your puppy used to wearing a collar and leash indoors.

Steps:

1. Introduce the Collar: Start by letting your puppy wear a lightweight collar for short periods of time. Gradually increase the amount of time they wear the collar as they get used to it.
2. Attach the Leash: Once your puppy is comfortable wearing the collar, attach a lightweight leash. Let them drag the leash around the house for short periods of time.
3. Walk on Leash Indoors: Start by walking your puppy on leash indoors. Use treats to lure them along and reward them for walking nicely beside you.
4. Take Walks Outdoors: Once your puppy is comfortable walking on leash indoors, you can start taking them for short walks outdoors. Choose a quiet area with few distractions.
5. Reward Good Behavior: Reward your puppy for walking nicely beside you and for ignoring distractions.

Important Considerations:

• Choose the Right Equipment: Use a lightweight collar and leash that are appropriate for your puppy’s size. Harnesses can also be a good option for Havanese.
• Keep Walks Short and Positive: Keep walks short and positive, especially when your puppy is first learning to walk on leash.
• Avoid Pulling: If your puppy starts to pull on the leash, stop walking and wait for them to stop pulling. Then, start walking again and reward them for walking nicely beside you.
• Be Patient: Leash training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t take to it immediately.

Intermediate Training (6 Months and Older)

Once your Havanese has mastered the basic commands, you can start working on more advanced training exercises.

1. Recall Training: Ensuring Your Dog Returns When Called

A reliable recall (coming when called) is one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. It can be a lifesaver in potentially dangerous situations.

Steps:

1. Start in a Controlled Environment: Begin recall training in a quiet, enclosed area with minimal distractions.
2. Use a High-Value Reward: Use a high-value treat or toy that your dog loves as a reward for coming when called.
3. Use a Happy and Enthusiastic Tone: Say your dog’s name followed by the command “Come” in a happy and enthusiastic tone of voice.
4. Back Away: As you say “Come,” back away from your dog. This will encourage them to come towards you.
5. Reward Immediately: As soon as your dog reaches you, praise them enthusiastically and give them the high-value reward.
6. Gradually Increase Distance: Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog as they become more reliable with their recall.
7. Practice in Different Environments: Once your dog is reliable with their recall in a controlled environment, practice it in different locations with more distractions.
8. Use a Long Leash: When practicing recall in unfenced areas, use a long leash to prevent your dog from running away.

Important Considerations:

• Never Punish for Coming: Never punish your dog for coming to you, even if they took a long time or did something wrong before coming. You want them to always associate coming to you with positive experiences.
• Make it Fun: Make recall training fun and engaging for your dog. Use games and rewards to keep them motivated.
• Be Consistent: Be consistent with your commands and expectations. Use the same command every time and be clear about what you want your dog to do.

2. Loose-Leash Walking: Enjoyable Walks Without Pulling

Loose-leash walking is a valuable skill that allows you and your Havanese to enjoy walks without constant pulling and frustration.

Steps:

1. Start with the Right Equipment: Use a comfortable harness or a well-fitting collar and a lightweight leash.
2. Find a Low-Distraction Area: Begin practicing in a quiet area with few distractions.
3. Keep the Leash Loose: Hold the leash loosely and allow your dog to walk beside you without pulling.
4. Reward for Walking Nicely: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they walk nicely beside you without pulling.
5. Change Direction: If your dog starts to pull, immediately stop walking and change direction. This will teach them that pulling does not get them where they want to go.
6. Use a Verbal Cue: Use a verbal cue, such as “Easy” or “Let’s go,” to remind your dog to walk nicely beside you.
7. Be Patient: Loose-leash walking takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t get it right away.

Important Considerations:

• Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial for successful loose-leash walking. Practice regularly and be consistent with your commands and expectations.
• Avoid Punishment: Never punish your dog for pulling. This will only create fear and anxiety.
• Make it Fun: Make loose-leash walking fun and engaging for your dog. Use games and rewards to keep them motivated.

3. Trick Training: Mental Stimulation and Bonding

Trick training is a fun and engaging way to provide mental stimulation for your Havanese and strengthen your bond. Havanese are intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for trick training.

Examples of Tricks to Teach:

• Shake: Teach your dog to offer their paw.
• High Five: Similar to shake, but with a high five gesture.
• Play Dead: Teach your dog to lie down on their side and pretend to be dead.
• Roll Over: Teach your dog to roll over on command.
• Fetch: Teach your dog to retrieve a toy and bring it back to you.
• Speak: Teach your dog to bark on command.
• Crawl: Teach your dog to crawl on their belly.

Steps (General Approach):

1. Break Down the Trick: Break down the trick into smaller, manageable steps.
2. Use a Lure or Shaping: Use a lure (treat or toy) to guide your dog into the desired position or shape the behavior by rewarding successive approximations of the trick.
3. Mark the Behavior: Use a marker word, such as “Yes” or “Good,” to mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior.
4. Reward Immediately: Reward your dog with a treat and praise immediately after marking the behavior.
5. Repeat and Practice: Repeat the steps and practice regularly until your dog has mastered the trick.
6. Add a Verbal Cue: Once your dog is performing the trick consistently, add a verbal cue, such as “Shake” or “Roll over.”

Important Considerations:

• Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your dog’s interest and motivation.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) to reward desired behaviors.
• Be Patient: Trick training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t get it right away.
• Have Fun! Trick training should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

4. Addressing Common Havanese Behavior Problems

While Havanese are generally well-behaved dogs, they can be prone to certain behavior problems, such as barking, separation anxiety, and chewing.

Barking:

• Identify the Cause: Determine the cause of the barking. Is it due to boredom, anxiety, territoriality, or attention-seeking?
• Provide Mental Stimulation: Provide plenty of mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive games.
• Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking: If your dog is barking for attention, ignore the barking. Only give them attention when they are quiet.
• Desensitize to Triggers: If your dog is barking at specific triggers, such as people or other dogs, gradually desensitize them to those triggers.
• Teach a Quiet Command: Teach your dog a “Quiet” command to stop barking on cue.

Separation Anxiety:

• Gradual Desensitization: Gradually desensitize your dog to being alone by starting with short periods of separation and gradually increasing the duration.
• Provide a Safe and Comfortable Space: Provide your dog with a safe and comfortable space, such as a crate or a bed, where they can relax when you are gone.
• Leave the Radio or TV On: Leave the radio or TV on to provide background noise and help your dog feel less alone.
• Consult with a Veterinarian or Behaviorist: If your dog’s separation anxiety is severe, consult with a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer for guidance. They may recommend medication or other interventions.

Chewing:

• Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Provide your dog with a variety of appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural chewing instincts.
• Supervise Closely: Supervise your dog closely when they are indoors and redirect them to a chew toy if they start chewing on inappropriate items.
• Make Inappropriate Items Unattractive: Make inappropriate items unattractive by spraying them with a bitter-tasting spray.
• Crate Training: Use crate training to prevent destructive chewing when you are not able to supervise your dog.

Advanced Training (Optional)

For Havanese owners who want to take their training to the next level, consider these advanced options:

• Agility Training: Agility training is a fun and challenging activity that involves navigating a course of obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles.
• Obedience Competitions: Obedience competitions test a dog’s ability to perform a variety of obedience exercises, such as heeling, retrieving, and staying.
• Therapy Dog Training: Therapy dog training prepares dogs to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to provide comfort and companionship to people in need.
• Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification: The Canine Good Citizen program is a nationally recognized certification program that demonstrates a dog’s good manners and obedience skills.

Tips for Successful Havanese Training

• Start Early: Start training your Havanese puppy as early as possible. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to establish good habits.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key to successful training. Be consistent with your commands, expectations, and rewards.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Always use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) to reward desired behaviors. Avoid using punishment or harsh methods, as they can damage your relationship with your dog and create fear and anxiety.
• Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Havanese have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun.
• Be Patient: Training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t get it right away. Just keep practicing and stay positive.
• Socialize Your Dog: Socialization is crucial for Havanese. Expose your dog to a variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted and confident.
• Provide Mental Stimulation: Havanese are intelligent dogs and need plenty of mental stimulation. Provide them with puzzle toys, training exercises, and interactive games to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
• Exercise Regularly: Havanese need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Take them for walks, play fetch, or engage in other activities that will get them moving.
• Consult with a Professional Trainer: If you are struggling with training your Havanese, consult with a certified professional dog trainer for guidance.

Conclusion

Training your Havanese is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and ensures a well-behaved and happy companion. By understanding their temperament, using positive reinforcement methods, and being consistent with your training efforts, you can successfully train your Havanese to be a well-mannered member of your family. Remember to be patient, have fun, and enjoy the journey!