The good news about training a Havanese puppy is that they are eager to please and willing to learn. Because they are willing to please their owners, once they understand who is in charge in the home, they can be willing partners in a training program. There are very few Havanese problem behaviors that cannot be overcome with patience and a dedicated training schedule, but like newborn babies, they need to be in a daily routine in order to understand what is expected of them.

While Havanese puppies love attention, they thoroughly enjoy being the center of attention and if performing some tricks for their owner provides that attention, then they are willing to learn them. They are highly intelligent animals and quick to remember simple commands such as sit, stay and down and with the correct reinforcement of commands are more than willing to go along with directions. Once the chain of command has been established, Havanese training should be quick and painless.

Early training is important with Havanese dogs as they have a tendency to learn quicker when they are young. One of the characteristics of the Havanese breed that many folks find attractive is their small size. However, a small dog will also have a small bladder and can present one of the most Havanese problem behaviors that take time to overcome. They may be quite capable of understanding commands, but they have trouble holding in their need to go to the bathroom. It can take up to a year of steady working with the puppy to housebreak them.

Many Havanese owners believe that using cat litter in a box will help train the animal not to use the floor, but the puppy can become ill if they eat the litter. Most veterinarians and dog trainers recommend the use of paper pellets in a box that can attract a young Havanese pup, helping it to learn where to do his business. Although daily walks and running are needed for it to receive adequate exercise, it may not always do what comes naturally while outside. Training a new Havanese puppy can be exasperating at times as they may seem more interested in playing than in learning, but when they realize that their owner is happier with each new trick they learn, they become a more willing student. Havanese pups when left alone too long may start to entertain themselves, and that is not always a good thing as these frisky critters can have a destructive nature in their playing.

Providing plenty of chances to exercise the owner can help work through some of the Havanese problem behaviors with patience and gentle guidance. Similar to children these puppies react better to positive reinforcement than they do to harsh punishment. Their playful nature may belie the fact that they really do want to please their owner, yet once their role has been established and accepted, they are more than willing to become a vital part of the family.

Fiona Kelly is experienced working with the breed and has extensive knowledge of the Havanese dogs. Understanding the puppy’s needs is as important as the puppy understanding what its owner expects. Havanese training is relatively easy and once the puppy becomes comfortable with the owner’s leadership role, will be a capable and willing student. Training a Havanese can be fun for the animal as well as its owner, but there may be some special needs of the breed that is not covered in generic dog training books
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