Did you know the Havanese, a fluffy, small dog breed with a playful and friendly disposition, is an internationally renowned circus performer? Yes, you heard it right! These little bundles of energy, sourced from the nation of Cuba, have a rich history of being stellar performers, ridden with unique abilities that make them stars in dog shows!
Now, if you are a proud owner of a Havanese or planning to bring one home, you might have a few questions about its trainability. Well, let me assure you, you are in the right place. Let me unfold the answer to the million-dollar question – Is a Havanese easy to train?
The Havanese, blessed with an intelligent mind and a lively spirit, is indeed easy to train, as long as you use the right methods. Given their eager-to-please nature and reputation as quick learners, you will often find it a joyous experience to train them, not to mention, a rewarding one too.
At this point, you might be wondering what exactly goes into training a Havanese. Relax, we have got you covered. Let’s dive straight in and explore some of the vital aspects of training a Havanese.
First off, remember that young puppies are like tiny sponges waiting to soak up the world around them. Start introducing your Havanese pup to basic commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come.” Employ a positive reinforcement approach where you reward your pup for every command effectively followed. This could be a favorite treat, a soft pat, verbal praises, or anything that communicates the message, “Good job!”
Potty training is another aspect you’d want to tackle early on. Instead of punishing accidents, encourage the right behaviors. Establish a regular bathroom schedule and take your puppy to the potty spot frequently. Consistency is the key in this case. Your fluffy friend will soon understand what is expected of them.
Another crucial area is leash training. Havanese, with their sociable disposition, have a natural tendency to approach people, and are easily distracted by the environment. Start by allowing your puppy to get used to the collar and leash inside the comfort of your home, before you start explorative walks outside.
During the leash training, instill the habit that pulling will get them nowhere. This can be done by standing still whenever they start pulling. Conversely, when they walk calmly by your side, generously reward them to reinforce that behavior.
Vital to a Havanese’s training are socializing opportunities. Start introducing them to a variety of sights, sounds and faces from early on, which would help nurture their affable nature. This also conditions them to be less anxious or fearful in unfamiliar surroundings.
Above all, never underestimate the power of patience. Your cute Havanese may not get it right on the first attempt, or the second or even the tenth. Patience is a virtue that every dog trainer should have abundantly. And remember, the best training is done when you both are having fun!
Amidst all these trainings, do take note that Havanese is a breed predisposed to a condition called “Small Dog Syndrome.” This is when a small dog, like the Havanese, assumes they are the pack leader, leading to behaviors like barking, aggression, dominance, and separation anxiety. From day one, establish your role as the leader to prevent such issues.
While it’s true that everyone does not have the knack to train a Havanese, or any dog for that matter, this should not deter you. There are professional dog trainers who are just a call away. Whether it’s a one-on-one session or a group class, these pros can help groom your fluffy companion into a well-behaved, disciplined, and more enjoyable pet.
To sum up, training a Havanese, while it requires time, patience and understanding, is generally an uncomplicated and delightful experience. Remember, when it comes to training any dog breed, a consistent, positive, and patient approach always wins. Treats and praises only add icing to the cake!
After all, when you have a well-trained Havanese, you aren’t just living with a pet, but a star performer that will fill your lives with laughs, cheers, and unconditional affection. Who wouldn’t want that? Enjoy the journey of co-living with a Havanese – an adventure filled with fun, frolic, and plenty of pawsomeness!
