Training Havanese Can Be Fun

The Havanese breed of small dogs is possibly one of the most fun breeds to train, provided the right approach is used. They are a playful animal and if training begins while they are puppies it can go quick and easy. Consider the puppy like a small child learning what the owner expects and despite a couple of Havanese problem behaviors is willing to learn and please their owner. However, time and patience can do wonders in its training.

Positive reinforcement goes a long way to help the puppy understand what is expected of it and if made to feel they are the center of attention during training exercises, they will be exceptionally happy to show off what they have learned. Most importantly, through patience and understanding the Havanese puppy has to know who is in charge of its training and once that is established will offer little resistance in learning new tricks.
Just as people are not born with the natural ability to be a dog trainer, Havanese pups are not born to be obedient. Some of the Havanese problem behaviors are not necessarily because they want to be contrary, but because they do not know any better. Many Havanese pups are prone to have accidents and may be difficult to train, even when using a littler box. However, consistency and understanding can have them having fewer accidents over time.

Instead of using cat litter, which the small dog can eat, veterinarians and trainers recommend using the paper pellet litter to attract the puppy to use the litter box regularly. Not using the floor as a bathroom is simply a behavior that will need modified as this little pup also has a small bladder. It may be playing and simply forget until it is too late and by using positive reinforcement, its memory to use the box can be improved.
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.

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. Past experience training dogs can be helpful with a new Havanese puppy, but many of the dog training books may not offer full insight into the training needs of the Havanese.