If you’ve welcomed a charming Havanese into your home or are considering adding one of these delightful little dogs to your family, you’ve made an excellent choice. With their lively personalities and mischievous tendencies, they can be both a joy and a challenge to train. But thanks to the 11 Havanese training tips you’ll learn in this article, you’ll be ready for it all. Let’s begin!

1. Havanese Barking: Managing the Noise

Why Havanese Bark

Havanese dogs are known for their frequent barking. They bark when they are happy, excited, anxious, defensive, or bored. This vocal nature can sometimes be overwhelming if not managed properly. Understanding that barking is a way for Havanese to communicate will help you approach the problem with patience.

Types of Barking

There are different reasons your Havanese might be barking. They might bark when they see someone passing by, out of boredom, or because they are anxious when left alone. Identifying the triggers can give you clues on how to handle the behavior.

How to Stop Havanese Barking in 4 Steps

1. Identify the Trigger: Observe your Havanese to understand what prompts the barking. Is it the mailman, a neighbor’s dog, or when you leave the house?

2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: A tired dog is a quiet dog. Ensure your Havanese gets ample physical exercise and mental challenges daily. Puzzle toys and games are excellent for keeping their minds occupied.

3. Teach the “Quiet” Command: When your Havanese starts barking, say “Quiet” in a calm but firm voice. When they stop barking, even for a few seconds, reward them with a treat. Consistently practicing this will help them associate silence with rewards.

4. Create a Safe Space: Sometimes, barking stems from anxiety. Create a calm and secure space where your Havanese can retreat, complete with their favorite toys and a comfortable bed.

These steps will help manage your Havanese’s barking, but it’s important to remember this behavior is often a sign of deeper issues such as anxiety, boredom, or a lack of stimulation.

And until those root issues are addressed directly, they’ll continue to cause you problems with your Havanese in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

2. Havanese Playfulness

While high-energy, Havanese are always ready for a game of fetch or a playful romp in the yard. They require regular playtime to burn off energy, which also helps in reducing unwanted behaviors like chewing or digging.

3. Havanese Socialization

Havanese are naturally social dogs. Introducing them to new people, animals, and environments from a young age can help prevent shyness and aggression. Regular trips to the dog park or playdates with other dogs can be beneficial.

4. Havanese Separation Anxiety

Havanese can become very attached to their families, which may lead to separation anxiety. To help ease this, practice leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the time. Providing chew toys or puzzle games can distract them while you’re away.

5. Havanese Obedience Training

Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. These commands form the foundation of a well-behaved dog. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage good behavior.

6. Havanese Grooming Habits

With their beautiful, long coats, Havanese require regular grooming. Brush their fur several times a week to prevent matting and take them for professional grooming every few months.

7. Havanese House Training

House training a Havanese can be straightforward if you remain consistent and patient. Use a regular schedule for feeding and potty breaks. Praise and reward them when they go outside, and clean up accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to reduce odors.

8. Havanese Learning Tricks

This breed is intelligent and loves to learn new tricks. Teach them fun tricks like roll over, play dead, or fetch. Training sessions should be short and enjoyable to keep their interest piqued.

9. Havanese Nutrition

Feeding your Havanese a balanced diet ensures they stay healthy and energetic. Talk to your vet about the best type of food and portion sizes for your dog. Avoid giving them table scraps, as it can lead to obesity and other health issues.

10. Havanese Health Concerns

Havanese are generally healthy, but they can be prone to specific issues such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and eye disorders. Regular visits to the vet, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help keep them in good health.

11. Havanese Travel Tips

When traveling with your Havanese, ensure they are comfortable and secure. Use a pet carrier or a dog seatbelt while in the car. Bring their favorite toys, a blanket, and enough food and water for the journey.

12. Havanese Bonding Time

Spending quality time with your Havanese helps strengthen your bond. Regular playtime, training sessions, and simply cuddling on the couch can make your furry pal feel loved and secure.

FAQ About Havanese Dogs

Are Havanese Good with Kids?

Yes, Havanese are known to be excellent with children. Their playful and gentle nature makes them great family pets. Always supervise interactions between your dog and young children to ensure safety for both.

How Much Exercise Does a Havanese Need?

Havanese are small, but they have high energy levels. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can include walks, playtime in the yard, or interactive games.

Are Havanese Easy to Train?

Havanese are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. Short, fun sessions will keep them engaged.

Conclusion

Training your Havanese can be a delightful experience with the right approach. With patience, consistency, and love, you’ll mold your furry pal into a well-behaved and happy dog. Keep these tips in mind, and enjoy the journey with your Havanese!

P.S. Be sure to pin this so you can refer back to the tips!