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Potty training is an essential aspect of owning a Havanese dog, as it helps them develop good habits and prevents accidents in your home. However, it can be a challenging and time-consuming task. Fortunately, there are some secrets that can make potty training your Havanese much easier and faster. These secrets involve understanding your dog’s signals, establishing a routine, and using positive reinforcement techniques. By following these tips and tricks, you can successfully potty train your Havanese and enjoy a happy and clean home. In this article, we will reveal 7 secrets to quickly potty training your Havanese.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Havanese, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.
1. Start Potty Training Your Havanese Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Havanese, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Havanese to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Havanese Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Havanese successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Havanese Behavior
Pay attention to your Havanese’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Havanese quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your Havanese to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Havanese, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Havanese Freedom
As your Havanese becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let you Havanese know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Havanese to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
7. Be Patient with Your Havanese and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Havanese for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Havanese is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Havanese quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Havanese
How do I know when my Havanese needs to go potty?
A Havanese may give certain signs when they need to go potty, such as sniffing around, circling or whining. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior and body language to anticipate when they may need to go out.
At what age should I begin potty training a Havanese puppy?
Potty training for Havanese puppies should start as early as possible, ideally between 8 to 12 weeks of age. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key in potty training any puppy.
How can I potty train an adult Havanese?
Potty training an adult Havanese may require more patience and consistency. You should start by establishing a regular schedule for potty breaks and rewarding good behavior. It’s also important to be aware of any underlying medical issues that may affect the dog’s potty habits.
How long does it take to potty train a Havanese puppy?
The duration of potty training for a Havanese puppy may vary depending on the dog and the consistency of the training. It may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for a Havanese puppy to be fully potty trained.
How often should I take my Havanese outside for potty breaks?
Havanese puppies may need to go out for potty breaks every 2-3 hours, while adult Havanese may be able to hold their bladder for longer periods of time. It’s important to establish a consistent routine and gradually increase the time between potty breaks.
How should I potty train my Havanese in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
Potty training a Havanese in an apartment without a yard may require a bit more creativity. You can use potty pads or indoor litter boxes and gradually transition to outdoor potty breaks. It’s important to establish a designated spot for potty breaks and reward good behavior consistently.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Havanese?
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Havanese quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
In conclusion, potty training a Havanese requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. By following the right steps and techniques, you can make the process easier and quicker for both you and your furry companion. Remember to keep a schedule, use positive reinforcement, and be consistent with your commands and expectations. It is also important to pay attention to your Havanese’s body language to understand when they need to go potty. With these tips and tricks, you can successfully potty train your Havanese and enjoy a clean and hygienic living space with your beloved pet.
Toledo, United States.
