8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Havanese’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Havanese’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Havanese is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your Havanese may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Havanese’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Havanese pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
• Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
• Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Havanese’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

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2. Desensitize Your Havanese to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Havanese’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Calming Treat for Dogs

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3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Havanese and Playing Loud Music

Many Havanese’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

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4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Havanese)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Havanese during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Havanese with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Havanese stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option.

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Havanese

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

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7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep. All these of these ingredients are available in some chews such as this. This calming chew is also available on Amazon and Chewy.  

 

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8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Havanese

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

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Defeating your Havanese anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Havanese Anxiety

1. Why are Havanese prone to anxiety?

Havanese are companion dogs bred to be close to their families. Because of their affectionate and people-oriented nature, they are more prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Havanese?

Signs of anxiety may include excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive chewing, trembling, panting, and attempts to escape. Some Havanese may also cling to their owners or hide when anxious.

3. Can separation anxiety be managed in Havanese?

Yes, with consistent training, gradual desensitization, and providing enrichment while you’re away, Havanese can learn to feel calmer and more secure when alone.

4. How does exercise help calm Havanese anxiety?

Regular physical activity helps release excess energy, reduce stress, and stimulate the mind. Daily walks, playtime, and agility games can significantly reduce anxious behaviors in Havanese.

5. Do calming routines work for anxious Havanese?

Yes, dogs thrive on routine. Feeding, walking, and playtime at consistent times each day help Havanese feel secure and reduce stress caused by unpredictability.

6. Can crate training help with anxiety in Havanese?

When introduced positively, a crate can become a safe, cozy space for your Havanese. It should never be used for punishment but rather as a calming retreat.

7. What role does mental stimulation play in reducing anxiety?

Providing puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive play helps keep your Havanese mentally occupied, reducing boredom and the stress that comes with it.

8. Are calming aids or supplements safe for Havanese?

Calming treats, CBD oil (vet-approved), and natural supplements such as chamomile or L-theanine can sometimes help reduce anxiety. Always consult your veterinarian before giving supplements.

9. How can socialization reduce Havanese anxiety?

Proper exposure to new people, pets, and environments from a young age helps Havanese feel more confident and less fearful, lowering the likelihood of anxiety as adults.

10. Can training techniques calm an anxious Havanese?

Yes, obedience training builds confidence and trust between you and your dog. Positive reinforcement and rewarding calm behavior can gradually reduce anxiety triggers.

11. Are Havanese more sensitive than other breeds?

Yes, Havanese are considered emotionally sensitive and can easily pick up on their owner’s stress. Staying calm yourself can help your dog remain more relaxed.

12. Do Havanese benefit from music or sound therapy?

Yes, soft classical music or white noise can soothe anxious Havanese, especially during thunderstorms, fireworks, or when left home alone.

13. Can a change in diet help with anxiety?

A balanced diet with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can support brain health and overall wellbeing, which may help reduce anxiety symptoms.

14. How do I comfort my Havanese during thunderstorms or fireworks?

Provide a safe, quiet space indoors, close windows to reduce noise, and consider using calming wraps or anxiety vests. Staying calm and reassuring without over-coddling also helps.

15. When should I seek professional help for my Havanese’s anxiety?

If your Havanese’s anxiety is severe, persistent, or interfering with daily life, consult your veterinarian or a certified canine behaviorist. They may recommend behavior modification plans or medication if necessary.

Helping Your Havanese Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Havanese, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Havanese can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Havanese feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

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