Havanese are bright, social companion dogs that usually respond well to patient, reward-based training. The most effective plan is simple: teach one small step at a time, reward the behaviour you want, prevent unwanted behaviour from becoming a habit, and practise consistently.
This guide avoids “alpha,” dominance and pack-leader techniques. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based methods for dog training and behaviour modification. VCA Canada also describes positive reinforcement as the best training approach for Havanese.
Are Havanese easy to train?
Most Havanese are eager to interact with people and learn quickly when training is clear and rewarding. They can also be sensitive, easily distracted and slow to generalize a skill from one setting to another. Short sessions, gentle handling and frequent practice tend to work better than long drills or physical corrections.
The foundations of Havanese training
- Use rewards your dog values. Small food treats are convenient, but toys, praise, sniffing and access to play can also reinforce behaviour.
- Mark the correct moment. Use a clicker or a short word such as “yes” immediately when the desired behaviour happens, then deliver the reward.
- Keep sessions short. One to five minutes is often enough, especially for puppies.
- Make the right choice easy. Use gates, leashes, closed doors and supervision to prevent rehearsing unwanted behaviour.
- Increase difficulty gradually. Add distance, duration and distractions one at a time.
- Be consistent. Everyone in the household should use the same cues and rules.
Start with these essential skills
Name response and attention
Say your dog’s name once. When they look toward you, mark and reward. Practise in a quiet room before trying the exercise outdoors. A reliable response to their name makes every other lesson easier.
Recall
Begin indoors at a short distance. Use an upbeat recall cue, move away from your dog and reward generously when they reach you. Never punish a dog after they come to you, even if they were slow. Use a long line in unsecured outdoor areas while the skill is developing.
Settle on a mat
Place a mat nearby and reward your Havanese for looking at it, stepping onto it and eventually lying down. Build duration gradually. This gives your dog a clear, comfortable job during meals, visitors or busy household moments.
House-training a Havanese puppy
House training depends on supervision, frequent opportunities and reinforcement—not punishment. Take a young puppy to the toilet area after waking, eating, drinking, play and naps, as well as at regular intervals. Quietly reward immediately after they finish in the correct place.
- Use the same exit and toilet area when practical.
- Watch for sniffing, circling, wandering away or sudden restlessness.
- If you cannot supervise, use a safe pen or appropriately sized crate for a short period.
- Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner.
- Do not scold after an accident; the dog will not connect delayed punishment with the earlier behaviour.
Progress varies with age, routine and the individual dog. Sudden house-soiling in a previously trained dog can have a medical cause, so consult your veterinarian.
Crate training without force
A crate can be useful for travel, rest and short periods of management, but it should not be used as punishment or for excessive confinement.
- Leave the crate open and place treats near and just inside the entrance.
- Feed meals or special chews in the crate while the door remains open.
- Close the door briefly while your dog is relaxed, then reopen it before they become worried.
- Increase duration in small steps and practise while you remain nearby before adding distance.
If your dog is panting, drooling, trying to escape or vocalizing intensely, the exercise has progressed too quickly. Reduce the difficulty and seek professional help for persistent distress.
Loose-leash walking
Start in a low-distraction area. Reward your Havanese for standing near you and for taking a few steps with a loose leash. If the leash becomes tight, pause or change direction instead of jerking it. Increase the number of steps between rewards gradually.
See our detailed Havanese leash-training guide for a step-by-step plan.
Barking
Barking is communication, so first identify the trigger: visitors, outdoor activity, fear, frustration, attention or boredom. Prevent repeated exposure where possible, reward quiet behaviour and teach an alternative such as going to a mat. Avoid shouting, which can add excitement or fear.
For more detail, read Training a Havanese Not to Bark.
Common training mistakes
- Repeating a cue many times instead of making the exercise easier.
- Expecting a skill learned indoors to work immediately in a busy park.
- Training for too long and continuing after the dog loses focus.
- Punishing fear, growling or accidents instead of addressing their cause.
- Using “alpha,” dominance or pack-leader techniques that rely on intimidation or force.
When to get professional help
Seek qualified help for aggression, biting, severe fear, separation-related distress, persistent resource guarding or behaviour that changes suddenly. A veterinarian should rule out pain or illness. Choose a trainer or behaviour professional who uses reward-based methods and can explain their plan clearly.
Havanese training FAQ
How long should a training session be?
For most Havanese, several short sessions of one to five minutes are more productive than one long session.
Should I eat before my dog or walk through doors first?
No special order is required to establish status. Teach safe door manners because they are useful, and manage meals in whatever routine works for your household.
Do rewards have to be food?
No. Food is convenient, but play, toys, praise, access to sniffing and other activities your dog enjoys can all reinforce behaviour.
The bottom line
Successful Havanese training is built on clear communication, prevention, consistency and rewards. Teach small steps, practise in different places and get professional help early when a behaviour creates fear or safety concerns.
