How to Train a Havanese Dog with Confidence

Families often ask how to train a Havanese dog in a way that feels positive, gentle, and effective. The good news is that the Havanese is one of the easiest companion breeds to train because they are intelligent, people-focused, and eager to please. At Havana Luxe Pups, we prepare each puppy for early learning through daily handling, socialization, and enrichment so new families can continue that foundation at home. For families who want a head start, Darrel’s Training Center offers a step forward with structured, professional puppy training.

If you want to understand how to train a Havanese dog in a way that builds confidence and trust, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Training Matters for a Havanese Puppy

The Havanese thrives on connection. Training gives them clarity, structure, and emotional security. Because the breed is sensitive to tone and highly motivated by praise, gentle methods are most effective. When families learn how to train a Havanese dog using consistency, encouragement, and patience, the puppy quickly becomes a well-mannered, joyful companion.

Start Training the First Week Home

Training a Havanese puppy should begin as soon as they arrive. Short, playful sessions help your puppy understand basic communication. Use a cheerful voice, lots of praise, and tiny treats.

Some of the easiest early commands include:

• Sit
• Come
• Down
• Watch me
• Touch

The key is to keep sessions short and engaging so your puppy stays excited to learn.

House Training a Havanese

House training is one of the first skills families focus on. Because Havanese puppies are sensitive and eager to please, they do very well with gentle structure and predictable schedules.

A simple schedule includes:

• First thing in the morning
• After meals
• After naps
• After play
• Before bedtime

Reward immediately when your puppy goes outside. If accidents happen, increase supervision or use a crate or small play area to reinforce routine. Learning how to train a Havanese dog successfully means being patient and consistent.

Crate Training Builds Confidence

Crate training is not punishment. It becomes a safe, cozy space that helps your puppy relax. Introduce the crate slowly with soft bedding, treats, and short sessions. Over time, your Havanese learns the crate is a calm, predictable place to rest.

Crate training also helps with:

• House training
• Separation confidence
• Preventing chewing
• Reducing nighttime anxiety

Socialization Shapes Your Puppy’s Personality

Socialization is one of the most important parts of how to train a Havanese dog. A well-socialized Havanese becomes friendly, adaptable, and confident in new environments.

Introduce your puppy to:

• Gentle children
• Friendly adult dogs
• Car rides
• Safe household noises
• Soft grooming tools
• New textures and surfaces

At Havana Luxe Pups, we begin this process early. When families continue it at home, the puppy grows into the affectionate, level headed companion the breed is famous for.

Positive Reinforcement Is Essential

Havanese puppies respond beautifully to reward-based training. Harsh corrections can damage trust and lead to fear-based behavior. Praise, treats, toys, and gentle excitement work best.

Reward the behaviors you want, redirect the ones you don’t, and always keep training upbeat and encouraging.

Mental Enrichment Helps Your Puppy Learn Faster

A smart dog needs both physical activity and mental stimulation. Add simple puzzle games, scent trails, short trick sessions, or hide and seek to your routine. This not only keeps your puppy’s mind sharp but also strengthens your bond.

Professional Training with Darrel’s Training Center

For families seeking structured guidance, Darrel’s Training Center offers a clear pathway to help your puppy transition into a well-mannered, confident young dog. Darrel and Maria Herschberger live in the country with their six children and raise puppies around dogs, cats, chickens, horses, and ponies. This natural environment provides a rich real-world training backdrop.

Darrel has spent years studying animal behavior and has trained dogs, horses, and mules using a thoughtful approach based on positive reinforcement, reading body language, and releasing pressure at the right moment. He incorporates natural props like hills, logs, trees, and swing sets to make the learning process realistic and enjoyable.

Here’s what families can expect from his program:

Week 1
Crate training begins along with basic commands such as sit, lay down, stay, and name recognition. Cost is 500 dollars.

Week 2
Continued crate work, plus new commands like crate up, leave it, wait, shake a paw, and navigating stairs. Cost is 500 dollars.

Week 3
Introduction to house training and solidifying earlier commands. Cost is 400 dollars.

Week 4
Advancing house training and basic obedience, and beginning fun tricks such as roll over, ride tricycle, wagon, or jumping through a hoop. Cost is 400 dollars.

Additional Weeks
Optional training at 400 dollars per week, with ongoing updates, photos, and personalized progress.

Darrel emphasizes that each puppy learns at its own pace, and while these timelines are typical, every puppy’s personality shapes its progress.

A Better Start Leads to a Better Trained Companion

Because our puppies at Havana Luxe Pups are raised with daily interaction, early neurological stimulation, gentle grooming exposure, and positive experiences, they start life ready to learn. When families build on that foundation or choose professional training through Darrel’s program, the results are remarkable. A well-trained Havanese becomes a joyful, polite, and deeply connected member of the family.

Want Help Training or Choosing Your Havanese Puppy

If you’re learning how to train a Havanese dog or preparing to bring home your first puppy, we’re here to help. You’re welcome to explore our available puppies, ask training questions, or reserve a spot in Darrel’s Training Center. Together, we can give your puppy the best possible start in life.

FAQ

Is it easy to learn how to train a Havanese dog?
Yes. With gentle guidance and consistency, the Havanese learns quickly and responds beautifully to positive reinforcement.

How soon should I start training my Havanese puppy?
Immediately. Early routines and simple commands help your puppy build confidence and good habits.

Do Havanese need professional puppy training?
They don’t require it, but many families appreciate the structure and accelerated progress of professional programs like Darrel’s Training Center.

How long should training sessions be?
Short five to ten-minute sessions keep your puppy focused and successful.

What training methods work best for a Havanese?
Positive reinforcement, soft voices, reward-based teaching, and lots of encouragement.