How to Care for Havanese Dogs

Training, Exercise, and Grooming Tips for the Havanese Breed

May 6, 2009 Marcy Paulson

Havanese dogs have unique needs when it comes to their daily care. They're an excellent breed, but aren't the right match for everyone's personality and lifestyle.

Before bringing a Havanese dog into the family, individuals need to do their research. Like most dog breeds, the Havanese breed has unique training, exercise, and grooming needs that must be met in order to raise a happy and healthy dog.

Training Havanese Dogs

Playfulness is one charm of the Havanese breed . This playfulness though, can lead to many distractions during training sessions. Patience is the key to a well-trained Havanese dog.

A desire to please its master gives a pet owner a head start in training Havanese dogs. Since this breed tends to repeat behaviors that evoke praise, family members should be careful to laugh or reward a Havanese dog only for actions they want to see over and over again.

Harsh scolding is ineffective with the Havanese breed. Owners will discover the best results with positive reinforcement and affection.

Exercise and Attention Needs of Havanese Dogs

Havanese dogs don’t require much space and often do well with apartment life. Like any other dog though, the Havanese breed needs exercise. Daily walks are ideal. They also enjoy romps in the yard. Two Havanese puppies can pretty much exercise themselves running, bouncing, and making up their own games.

Perhaps the most important thing individuals should consider before bringing a Havanese dog into their family is the breed’s need for interaction. The Havanese is not a dog that will enjoy patrolling the yard while its family is inside the house. The Havanese breed also doesn’t tolerate more than an hour or two alone in a crate. Havanese dogs are happiest and on their best behavior as indoor pets with someone home most of the day. Dogs left to their own devices are prone to get bored, and boredom can lead to some type of destructive behavior.

Grooming a Havanese Dog

One big plus concerning the silky coat of the Havanese breed is that it won’t shed. One drawback is that it must be brushed frequently to prevent tangling and matting. Havanese dogs can only be shown in their abundant, full-length coat, but most owners keep their Havanese in a pet cut to make it easier to take the dog outdoors and to cut down on grooming.

Pet owners considering a Havanese dog will need to take into account the cost of professional grooming three or four times a year. Many pet owners have figured out how to save by grooming their own dog. Owners who want to try this need to start grooming early so their puppy becomes comfortable with the process.

Individuals who take the time and energy to properly raise a Havanese dog will be rewarded with one of the most lovable, comical, and charming friends on four legs. Those interested in this dog will also want to research some basic facts and history concerning the breed. And since proper breeding for temperament and early socialization are key, these dogs are best acquired from knowledgeable and reputable Havanese puppy breeders.

Information gained in conversation with Lynne Brinkley of Excalibur Farms on May 1, 2009.

The copyright of the article How to Care for Havanese Dogs in Dogs is owned by Marcy Paulson. Permission to republish How to Care for Havanese Dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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