Training Problems with Havanese

Whenever a new puppy comes into the house, it will have to learn its boundaries as well as what the new owner expects in the way of behavior. If that new puppy happens to be Havanese training can be anywhere from fun to troublesome as these active little dogs love to play and often confuse playing with learning. However, their eagerness to make a god impression on their new owner also makes them very good students.

Despite their small size, Havanese make great watchdogs, if for nothing else but their lack of fear and relatively loud bark. It is not so much that they are mean spirited as it is they are trying to protect their human family. Despite them being a loyal and friendly breed, Havanese problems can include the need to be the center of attention as well as having a short attention span. They can also be destructive if left alone very long and they grow bored. How the owner goes about teaching the dog new behaviors will determine their success. Havanese training requires a lot of patience and consistency as well as an established schedule. If a person is unable or unwilling to devote the necessary time to teach their dog obedience training as well as some basic rules of the house, they may want to consider outside help for obedience. Rules of the home, on the other hand, will have to be discussed between the dog and the owner.

Positive reinforcement is the best method of training these toy dogs as they are willing to please their owners. When the owner reacts positively with praise, the animal is more likely to respond willingly to the commands. The Havanese is a smart breed and they can quickly detect the words as well as the tone in their owner’s voice. Most veterinarians do not recommend dog treats for rewards as they can be overused, causing the animal to gain weight. Overall, the Havanese can be a loyal and fun companion. Their playful spirit is delightful for all ages and they typically get along well with children. These toy dogs are small enough not to be intimidating to younger family members, but their heart is so large as to not be intimidate by strangers. However, they are quickly appeased in the presence to a new person or animal in the house and once they have been properly introduced, they will try to form a bond.

Of all the Havanese problems new owners are likely to find is they can be destructive if they do not feel they are getting enough attention from the family. They can be demanding of the family’s time and, until they know their place and proper role, will do whatever they think of to make themselves the center of attention. It is their desire to be in center stage that makes them easy to train.

Fiona Kelly is a breeder of Havanese, and has spent a significant amount of time studying this cute and unique breed. The gentle nature of the Havanese breed and its desire to please its owner makes Havanese training so much easier than many would expect. The personalities of the Havanese dog are just as different as the people who own them. While different methods of teaching are available in dog training books, learning the dog’s individual personality will take time.