How to Handle a Havanese

The Havanese is a considered to be of medium build under the toy breeds. This pooch may be tiny but it packs a lot of spirit. It just loves playing and pleasing its master. It loves being the center of attention, and being with its human owners. A very sociable pet if taught properly. Beautiful and smart as well, it's no wonder that there was a sudden increase in its popularity once people got to know it better. Because of its size, it has been the preferred choice of many people living indoors, especially apartments. A very sweet dog indeed, it loves running around inside the house in an attempt to catch your attention.

Even as they grow old they don't lose their playful spirit. However, there are times when this breed can get too hyperactive, which many owners find to be quite annoying. Some find it cute seeing how playful it can get, but all eventually get tired of such rowdy behavior. Therefore, training will be needed at an early age. Starting young would be your greatest advantage – you may be able to shape the exact way you want your Havanese to turn out. As it matures you can pinpoint signs of unwanted behavior and “destroy” it before it gets any worse. You can be the one to mold its personality and behavior.

To start training it's important not to push it over its limit. Don't hold routines for too long or it'll lose its will to learn and do other unproductive things instead. Remember that it enjoys playing as I've mentioned several times in the previous paragraphs; it will rather have fun than learn. Show it who's boss; not the other way around. You wanna appear to be its parent that knows what's best for it. Never be too harsh on it nor should you be too lax. Ignore its bad behavior but praise it for good behavior. Give it doggy treats for obeying commands.

Keep the atmosphere fun, nobody likes a boring teacher – this dog is definitely no exception to the rule. Showing that you love it but not giving it too much of something can make it respect you more. You have to set up boundaries where both you and your pet will be comfortable. After training sessions, play with it. This will help it establish the fact that there's something to look forward to every time the class ends, making it more willing to learn. A Havanese has the instinct of protection and loyalty. These two attributes could be used to make it a watch dog as well.

It's small but has heart – it's considered by many owners to be brave and territorial. Having it as watchdog can be handy. It easily grows suspicious of strangers entering the house. But before making it fill that position, training it would be again necessary. You don't want it barking at friends and important guests. To fix that you have to condition it to stop barking with a single gesture or command of choice. Allowing it to socialize with humans and pets also does good. With proper training methods and patience anyone can create the perfect Havanese, even you.