Grooming
Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind for your Havanese:
Brushing: Havanese have a silky double coat, and brushing daily is necessary if you leave it long. (A dog with a double coat has two layers of coats: The undercoat is typically dense and more “wooly” and regulates body temperature. The top coat is longer and repels dirt and water.)
Known for their silky locks, they’ve been rocking the high-ponytail since before it was fashionable, not only because it looks good, but it also keeps that glorious coat out of their eyes. A pin brush works best for longer hair, and it’s recommended you use a moisturizing spray when brushing. If your dog ends up with tangles, a detangling brush and some detangling spray might save you from an emergency trip to the groomer. You can clip Havanese’s fur short and give regular haircuts if you prefer to prevent matting.
Nail trimming: Your dog’s nails will need to be trimmed about once a month or whenever you hear them click-clacking on the hardwood floors. Here’s how to trim your dog’s nails.
Bathing: Bathing is necessary every one to three weeks, depending on how dirty your pup gets outside. If you have a lighter color Havanese, you may also need to use tear stain wipes around their eyes. Keeping the hair around the eyes clipped also helps with staining.
Dental care: Don’t forget about their teeth. Brushing will keep their teeth healthier longer and lessen the need for extractions. Start brushing your Havanese pup’s teeth early to get them used to the feeling, starting twice a week and working up to daily. Your veterinarian can show you the correct technique and help you set up a yearly teeth cleaning in their office.
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Training
Building confidence in your Havanese puppy will help them be the social butterfly they were meant to be. You can help them along by introducing them to new people, places and other dogs in a controlled and calm manner. Creating positive interactions will help them see that the world is full of new friends they just haven’t met yet. Puppy kindergarten (where puppies learn to play together and they meet other pup parents) is a great place to start. While this breed thrives on meeting new people and visiting new places, like any creature, they can grow accustomed to isolation and routine. And that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Havanese are intelligent and easy to train. They enjoy learning new tricks and might even invent a few to get a laugh. If you’re looking for activities to keep your puppy from getting bored, consider competitive obedience and agility trials. They may be small, but these dogs are highly capable, and they respond well to treats and praise.
One potential area of difficulty is potty training. Sometimes small dogs are just harder to train; they have small bladders and need to go out more frequently, and their “must-potty-now” cues aren’t as obvious as, say, a Great Dane‘s. Consistency is the key. Be sure to take your pup out about 20 minutes after every meal and reward them when they potty outside. (Uuse the same cue words, like “Let’s go potty,” so they start to learn what it means.)
Crate training is a great way to help potty train your puppy. Dogs like to keep their “dens” clean, and a crate that’s just the right size mimics that den-like feel. Find a crate that fits the “goldilocks” zone: not too small and not too large. You want a crate with enough room they can turn around in, not one so large your puppy chooses to use one end as a bathroom.
Remember that potty training works best with positive reinforcement. Puppies avoid negative reinforcement by hiding their accidents. A covered area outside for potty training might also help, as some puppies will avoid going out in the rain at all costs.
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Diet
The Havanese breed does well on a high-quality commercial dog food. You’ll want to choose food for your Havanese that is balanced and life-stage appropriate (puppy, adult or senior). Your veterinarian can help you choose the perfect food and the correct amount to feed your pup.
Because they are a petite dog, even one extra pound can make a difference in your pup’s overall health. Resist the temptation to give them extra treats (either because they’re so cute or they’re begging for it). But those treat calories count, too. Obesity can lead to bone and tendon issues, diabetes and other illnesses. If you see your pup with more waddle than wiggle, talk with your vet. They can help you put together a diet and exercise plan to help shed the extra weight and still give your pup the nutrition they need.
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Exercise
They may be small, but Havanese have a bit of energy to burn. Playing chase and speeding around the yard, taking walks, learning to fetch and other play activities are important. They help keep your Havanese healthy, and they also burn energy and keep their mind busy. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to maintain health and energy levels.
If your schedule becomes unexpectedly busy, consider hiring a dog walker or letting your pup socialize and play with other dogs at a doggy daycare. Training for agility or obedience competition is also an excellent way to bond with your dog, keep their mind busy and burn off some energy.
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Environment
Small apartment or big house with a backyard, your Havanese won’t care. Their primary goal is to be with you, whether that’s in a mansion the size of a small island or a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city. But note that the Havanese is not necessarily suited to farm and country life unless they stay in the house, and you keep them clipped short or commit to regular grooming.
A truly adaptable companion, Havanese play well with others. No kids or five kids, no pets or a veritable menagerie of cats, dogs, fish and birds, it’s all good. If you love playing hostess, you’re in luck! Your Havanese will happily play butler and greet your company at the door with wags and bounces. The more hands to be pet by, the merrier.
Are you a first-time pet parent? The Havanese is still a good fit for you. As long as you meet their needs, they will live a long, happy life as your dedicated companion.
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