Take a Hike!

Since Havanese are such a small dog breed, the type of collar and leash you choose for your Havanese is essential to not only the dog's happiness, but yours as well. Did you know? When a dog's leash is too tight or he pulls too much, it causes restriction of the airways, which in the future can cause serious permanent damage.

Here are some easy tips for getting your dog leash trained.

1. 100% Consistency! Don't let your dog take control. Consider purchasing a no-pull harness or head halter, this will eliminate the pull on the throat and airways and allow the dog to walk at his own pace when there is no time for training.  If you are training, don't give him any leeway at all. That's right, not even an inch.

2. Be a Statue: If your puppy starts pulling, stop walking. Your puppy will quickly learn that it is quicker to walk with you instead of pulling against you.

3. Walk Towards a Goal: When on your walk, there will be places that your puppy will be more excited to reach than others. As soon as your puppy starts to pull towards that place, stop, until he does as well.  Once stopped, turn around and walk back a few paces. Make this your starting point and do this consistently every time your puppy pulls towards that goal until he will walk with you to the spot he has been pulling toward. Give your puppy a second to enjoy the spot and then continue on your walk.

4. Be Different and Unpredictable: If the statue method isn't working try mixing it up.  It is easier to do this in a large field or open space rather than on a sidewalk.  Walk sideways, backwards, forwards, make it different. The dog will be confused and will learn to follow you.

5.  Don't let the Dog forget you are there: Reward the puppy with treats when they are doing well. They will be more likely to respond positively.  Make a fuss when the dog does something well. Get excited for him.

These are just a few examples of how easy it can be to train your new puppy to walk with you.  The next post will talk more about leashes, collars and what may work best for you and your new puppy. It is important to give your puppy a space that he can run without a leash as well, so as to help him feel less like a prisoner.

Visit http://www.havanesepuppies.com to learn more about the benefits and love of these special puppies!

Tips from the Trainers

Perhaps the most important tip for training your new puppy is Positive Reinforcement! It doesn't matter if you are house training your puppy or just simply teaching it not to bark, positive reinforcement has been proven to be the method that works the best in every situation.When you teach your puppy with positive reinforcement instead of fear, the problems of anxiety, and meanness, etc. are usually avoided. Positive reinforcements can be anything from play time to treats to a happy tone and belly rub.


The second most important tip when training a new puppy is Consistency! Being consistent while training will help the puppy feel both safe and loved.  When this happens, it will become much easier to gain the puppy's trust and a loving bond will form between you, making training a breeze.

However, while establishing trust and love with your new puppy, be sure to make sure it knows who the top dog is. You are Top Dog. This doesn't necessarily mean treating your puppy like you are the alpha dog, just take care of it and let it know that what you say goes, and it will be easy to gain your puppy's love and respect.

We will have more in depth training tips each week which will be more catered towards the Havanese breed. These will help you become more effective and ready to take care of and love your Havanese puppy.