Potty training isn’t something most owners look forward to. Nevertheless, it is an essential part to training your Havanese puppy. Havanese dogs are highly trainable, but potty training is difficult no matter the breed. Here, we discuss some of our top tips to making potty training your Havanese puppy easier.
Are Havanese Puppies Hard to Potty Train?
Yes and no. Havanese dogs are quite intelligent, so they’re easier to train. However, potty training is never easy, especially for toy dogs that have smaller bladders. Additionally, dogs that were raised in confinement will have more trouble as they got used to eating, sleeping, and pooping in the same place. Nevertheless, potty training is not impossible. With patience and the right training tools, you can potty train your Havanese puppy in no time!
Things to Avoid
Before we get into the steps for potty training your Havanese, it’s important to cover what not to do.
First, don’t carry your dog around. With toy dog breeds, many owners are tempted to pick their dogs up and place them outside to do their business. However, this method could backfire. Instead, let your dog go to their designated spot themselves. This will further cement the idea that they need to go outside to go potty.
Secondly, don’t yell at your dog when they have an accident. This will not teach them it’s bad to go potty indoors and will only scare them. Positive reinforcement (see below) is the best method to potty training your dog.
Watch for signs
The more frequently you take your dog outside to go potty, the quicker they will be potty trained. As such, you will need to keep an eye on your dog and watch out for signs that they need to go to the bathroom. Below are some of the most common signs:
- Barking
- Scratching at the door
- Squatting
- Restlessness/pacing
- Sniffing around
- Circling
Have a designated potty spot
When you notice your dog needs to go to the bathroom, grab a leash and take them outside immediately. But don’t just take them anywhere. Have a designated potty spot either in your backyard or front yard that you take your dog to every time they need to go potty.
Use positive reinforcement
As we said before, yelling or scolding your dog will not teach them anything. Dogs learn best through praise and rewards. If your dog goes potty inside, simply clean up the mess and try better next time. When you do get them outside to go potty, reward them with praise and a treat. Do this every time your dog goes outside.
Get them on a regular feeding schedule
Havanese puppies will need to eat at least two or three times a day. If you get them on a regular feeding schedule, then they will likely need to go to the bathroom at similar times each day. This will make it much easier for you to tell when your dog with need to go potty.
Use a crate
Crate training can be a good way to also potty train your pup. Most dogs do not like to go to the bathroom, sleep, and eat in the same place. By crate training them, they will be less likely to have accidents.
Are you looking to adopt a Havanese puppy into your family? Then turn to Family Puppies. We have many Havanese pups still looking for their forever homes. Contact us today to learn more!
