6 Training Tips for Havanese Dog Owners
So, you’ve decided to bring a Havanese into your life—congrats! These pint-sized charmers are playful, intelligent, and adorable enough to get away with way too much ;).
But don’t let their cuteness fool you. Training a Havanese is just as important as training any other breed, even if their mischief seems harmless at first.
To help you raise a happy, well-behaved little fluffball, here are 6 essential training tips for Havanese dog owners.
1. Start Training ASAP (Like, Right Now)

Havanese puppies may be small, but they grow fast—and so do their habits. Start training as soon as you bring them home. Puppies are like little sponges, soaking up information (both good and bad) from day one.
Focus on basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” first. Consistency is key here. Don’t let that adorable face tempt you into skipping a training session. Would you let a toddler skip their homework just because they’re cute? (Okay, bad example, but you get the point.)
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Join The Club Today! 🐾2. Positive Reinforcement Is the Way to Go
Havanese thrive on praise, treats, and love. They’re sensitive little dogs who don’t respond well to scolding or harsh discipline. Reward good behavior with treats and lots of enthusiastic praise—think of yourself as their personal cheerleader.
For example, if they sit on command, throw them a mini party: “Good job, buddy! Who’s the best dog? You are!” This breed loves pleasing their humans, so make it clear when they’re doing something right.
3. Socialization Is a Must

Havanese are naturally friendly, but that doesn’t mean you can skip socialization. Expose your pup to a variety of people, dogs, and environments early on. The goal is to help them grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
Take them on walks in the neighborhood, invite friends over, or join a puppy playgroup. (Bonus: watching a group of Havanese puppies play together is basically the cutest thing ever.) If you skip socialization, they might become shy or overly dependent on you—and trust me, no one wants a velcro dog that freaks out when you leave the room.
4. Potty Training Requires Patience (and a Schedule)
Let’s talk about potty training—one of the biggest challenges for small dog owners. Havanese have tiny bladders, which means accidents will happen. Set up a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, or playtime.
Crate training can also help, as dogs generally don’t like to soil their sleeping area. And when they go potty in the right spot? Praise them like they just won the lottery. Consistency and patience are your best friends here. (Oh, and maybe a good stockpile of cleaning supplies.) 😉
Here’s a great video on potty training that you should watch.
5. Keep Training Sessions Short and Sweet
Havanese are smart, but they also have short attention spans. (Think of them as toddlers with fur.) To keep them engaged, make training sessions short, fun, and full of variety. Aim for 5-10 minutes at a time, a couple of times a day.
Mix up commands and activities so they don’t get bored. For example, practice “sit” and “stay” during one session, then switch to “come” and “leave it” in the next. And always end on a positive note—your Havanese should walk away feeling like the star of the show. 🙂

6. Stay Consistent, Even When It’s Hard
Here’s the thing: Havanese are smart enough to figure out loopholes in your rules. If you let them get away with begging at the table just this once, guess what? They’ll do it every time. Consistency is crucial if you want your training to stick.
Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. If one person allows behavior that others don’t, your Havanese will be confused—and probably a little sneaky. Set clear rules, stick to them, and remind yourself that the effort now will pay off later when you have a well-mannered dog.

FAQ
1. Do Havanese dogs bark a lot?
Let’s just say they’re enthusiastic communicators. Havanese dogs aren’t yappy by default, but they’ll definitely alert you to anything that catches their attention—whether it’s the mailman, a leaf blowing across the yard, or a suspicious squirrel. With proper training, you can manage their barking, but some level of chatter is just part of their charm.
2. Are Havanese good with kids?
Absolutely! Havanese are playful, gentle, and patient, making them a great match for families with children. That said, supervision is always a good idea, especially with very young kids who might not know how to handle a small dog gently.
3. Do Havanese need a lot of grooming?
Yes, their beautiful, silky coats don’t maintain themselves! Regular grooming is a must, whether it’s daily brushing to prevent tangles or scheduling regular trips to a professional groomer. If you don’t have time for all that maintenance, you can keep their coat trimmed short for easier care.
4. Are Havanese easy to train?
Yes—and no. Havanese are smart and eager to please, which makes them quick learners. But their intelligence can also make them a little manipulative. Stay consistent and use positive reinforcement, and they’ll quickly figure out what you expect (and how to get those tasty treats).
5. Do Havanese need a lot of exercise?
Not really. Havanese are relatively low-energy compared to some other breeds, but they still need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy. A 20-30 minute walk, plus some indoor play, is usually enough to meet their needs.
6. Are Havanese good for first-time dog owners?
Totally! Havanese are affectionate, friendly, and adaptable, making them a great choice for newbies. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve with training and grooming. And remember: no dog is perfect, but a Havanese comes pretty close. 😉
Final Thoughts
Training a Havanese might take a little patience, but these affectionate, smart, and playful dogs are more than worth the effort. Stay consistent, keep sessions fun, and don’t forget the power of positive reinforcement (and treats). With the right approach, you’ll have a happy, well-behaved pup who’s a joy to live with.
Just remember, every Havanese has their own personality—so embrace the quirks, laugh at the silly moments, and enjoy the ride. 😊

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉