One of the most important things you need to be willing to give your Havanese - whether it's a brand new puppy or a mature dog, is your attention. The more you give them, the more they thrive. They derive their confidence from you and in pleasing you. In fact, they're a lot like kids! Be patient and kind, using a gentle voice, yet be firm in what you do not want to become bad habits. Because they are so smart, they are smart enough to figure out what they can get away with as well as what they can't. - and they will test you!
Peekaboo Havanese
Your New Puppy...
Bringing a new puppy into your home is a lot like bringing home a brand new baby - they really will need that much attention at first. You are now their protection and their comfort, and they are totally dependant upon you for their care, their safety and their well being. Bringing a new puppy into your family is a commitment that should be well thought out before hand. Puppies all too soon grow up to be dogs - and although they may not need the total attention of a new puppy - your mature dog will still need loving care and individual attention each and every day.
The Havanese is a very intelligent, sensitive and intuitive breed, thriving on mental and physical stimulation, activity and company. They love to play games - hide and seek is a big one for us. Fetch is a good one too - and - if no one else will play with them they will often toss a toy around for themselves! They have a need for fun and they are great at figuring things out! This is where having two or at least another companion animal for them is best. In having just one you miss out on another entire dimension of their being. I don't know the author of the saying "boredom breeds misery" but it sure applies to these guys.
Equipment for You and Your Puppy...
Caring for your Havanese Puppy...
These are comical, energetic, sweet, little dogs - who don't really know they're little - and who just love to show off! But most of all you'll find them to be unconditional in their genuine devotion to their people.
It won't take you long to find out that they are very athletic and they love to climb - so boxes and step stools make for great fun - a tunnel is good - and water, snow and mud puddles seem to be right up there at the top of their list of fun. And for those places where they can't climb - they may just simply jump - as they have an amazing ability to spring from their hind legs. As far as toys go - sometimes it's what they think they're not supposed to have that seems most amusing - like toilet paper, paper towels, your favorite socks, not to mention the remote control! Naughty is a good word for them. (I don't find them to be destructive - in fact I have never had a "chewer" - but they sure love to think they're being bad.) I love them this way and I wouldn't change them for the world - they're just naughty enough to be totally amusing!
Animated is one of the best ways to describe them, and it's this pure and simple joy that makes them so irresistible.
There are two pieces of equipment that I could not imagine having to be without while raising a new pup - a crate and an x-pen (exercise pen). Both of these are not only convenient for you and your puppy - they are safe. Crates (or beds for sleep, rest and/or travel) are a safe and secure escape for your young puppy when things get too busy, or when you need to get something done - without their help! Add their favorite blanky and a couple of stuffed toys - and you've got one happy baby. And regardless of the reputation the word "crate" often implies - my dogs love their crates - in fact, that's usually where I find them sneaking in a little nap when they think I'm not looking!
An x-pen is irreplaceable as far as I'm concerned for giving your puppy a safe play area. Most people can't watch their puppy ALL of the time - so when you need a break - or they do - and there is no need to confine them in their crates - let them entertain themselves in the x-pen. X-pens allow enough room for a potty area too, so this gives them just one more reason to be really good - and for you to lavish them with praise! In fact, if you have the room you can set your pen up so that you can put the crate inside of the pen too - and then puppy has all the creature comforts in one spot!) Remember, they want to be good so as to please you - they've been bred for 100's of years to be a companion - so give them every advantage you can - you'll all be the happier for it!
