11 Things NOT to Do with a Havanese Puppy — and What to Do Instead
Raising a Havanese puppy requires intention, patience, and awareness of how this sensitive, intelligent breed learns. Here are ten common mistakes—and what you should do instead.
1. Don't rush the puppy's adjustment to your home.
✅Do: Give the puppy a few days to get used to being a new place and in a new home. Bonita Havanese puppies are ready to go home with their new owners at around 10 weeks. Give them time to settle in.
2. Don’t yell when your puppy has an accident
✅Do: Calmly clean it up and redirect to the proper potty area with praise. Punishment causes anxiety, not learning.
3. Don’t allow rough play with children
✅Do: Teach kids to sit calmly and use gentle hands. Havanese are small and can be easily injured.
4. Don’t leave your puppy unsupervised for long periods
✅Do: Use baby gates or crates to keep them safe and establish a structured environment when you can’t supervise directly.
5. Don’t wait too long to introduce training words
✅Do: Prepare for when you start training the puppy (around 3-4 months) by introducing basic commands at 10-11 weeks, like “sit” and “come” for fun. Do very short sessions with lots of rewards.
6. Don’t assume socialization means chaos
✅Do: Introduce new experiences slowly, with calm energy and treats to build confidence, not overwhelm.
7. Don’t skip crate training
✅Do: Make the crate a positive, quiet space where your puppy feels secure—not a punishment.
8. Don’t feed inconsistently
✅Do: Create a daily routine for meals, water, play, and naps. Havanese thrive on predictability.
9. Don’t ignore chewing
✅Do: Redirect chewing to safe toys and praise when your puppy chooses them. It’s how they explore the world.
10. Don’t expect adult-dog behavior
✅Do: Remember your puppy is still developing physically and emotionally. Be patient and nurturing.
11. Don’t isolate your puppy to avoid messes
✅Do: Include them in daily life, offering supervised exploration and lots of affection. Connection builds trust.
Raising a Havanese puppy is an investment in emotional intelligence, structure, and trust. Avoid these common missteps and choose supportive, compassionate approaches instead, and you lay the groundwork for a well-adjusted, confident companion for years to come.