How to Potty Train a Havanese Puppy

Did you just go out and get yourself a new Havanese puppy? Wow, congratulations, we are jealous! These long-haired dogs are ideal companion dogs and will give you many happy years together. Cheerful, energetic, and extremely trainable, training a Havanese still comes with its own share of challenges, especially during the first few weeks of potty training.

While it may seem like a daunting task, potty training your dog is actually fairly simple, and there are several good reasons to do it.

For starters, potty training will help keep your home clean and free of accidents. It will also enable you to take your dog with you on trips and to visit friends and family without having to worry about accidents. And finally, potty training is simply the responsible thing to do – it shows that you are willing to take care of your dog and create a harmonious living situation for both of you.

In this blog post, we’ll look at everything there is to know about potty training your Havanese puppy.

When Should You Start Potty Training a Havanese Puppy?

You can start potty training your Havanese the moment you take them home, after a day or so of letting them settle in.

However, young puppies below eight weeks pee many times a day, and cannot be expected to control their tiny bladders till about 12 weeks old. You’ll need some patience and loads of cleaning supplies for the first few days after bringing back your Havanese puppy!

At 3 months old, your Havanese will barely be able to hold their pee for more than three hours at a time. You might want to break out puppy pee pads if you are unable to take your new pup out many times a day. By six months, your Havanese should be able to hold its pee for about 8 hours a day, which is the time you get to sleep through the night (you might also want to read about the sleeping habits of Havanese dogs)!

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Havanese?

Potty training can be a long, arduous process that requires loads of patience and consistency. Your puppy’s bladder and bowels are still developing and their bodies are growing rapidly and going through many changes.

Potty training on average can take about six to eight weeks, although some dogs just get it sooner. Once your pup is about three to four months old, it can hold its pee for about four to six hours, which makes potty training way easier. When your pup is about six months old, the growth of its bladder and bowels will start to slow, and your dog will be able to manage his peeing and pooping habits more.

Potty training can be more difficult to teach than other commands like “sit” or “come.” It takes loads of time and patience while your pup has accidents all over your home. However, the reward for your perseverance will come when your gorgeous puppy is reliably potty trained and you can safely leave your pooch at home, knowing that it isn’t likely you’ll come home to a mess.

Are Havanese Easy to Potty Train?

It is generally agreed that toilet training toy dogs like the Havenese and the bichon frise can be more difficult. Some Havanese dogs developed negative tendencies while being confined as puppies. Often, breeders and rescue centers don’t let the dogs out to poop and pee, and a pup gets used to sleeping and eating where he goes to the toilet.

In this case, it is more difficult to break a pup’s habit of soiling its living space, and you’ll have to condition them all over again to avoid messing up their bed and going outside or on pee pads instead.

Because Havanese are little dogs, owners take their dogs everywhere. Dogs are creatures of habit, and you might want to avoid taking your Havanese to hotel rooms or other living environments until they are reliably potty trained.

Always try to have your Havanese go potty at a specific spot in your yard or somewhere outside during your walks, and treat and praise lavishly when your pup does his business there. Over time, he’ll realize where he should be going to the toilet.

Although toilet training a Havanese can be difficult, success ultimately depends on how you instruct and handle your dog.

How To Potty Train A Havanese Puppy

Potty training should begin as soon as possible. Make sure you are prepared to start training as soon as you bring the new puppy home. It would be simpler to educate your small dog if you start the association between going to potty and the proper place as soon as possible.

Remember that every breed is unique, and your tiny dog is a unique individual. While some dogs are quick to pick up potty training, others require more effort. Although you can begin the training process while your Havanese is still a puppy, keep in mind that young puppies cannot hold their pee for about two to three hours at a time, so take your pup out as much as you can.

Step 1: Select a Potty Spot

Choose an outdoor location where you want your dog to go. Take your Havanese outdoors and lead it straight there. If it’s time to use the restroom, try not to let it wander. Wherever you go outside, make it a practice to let the Havanese out to pee first. Only after he pees or poops at the appropriate spot, then resume your walk.

Step 2: Give a Verbal Command

Say a command like “go potty” while you lead your dog outside to the spot, and allow him to roam and sniff around a little. If he has peed there before, it is likely that the ground still has his scent. If he goes, praise him like he just did the best thing in the world.

Step 3: Remember the Reward

Go over the top and give loads of treats and excitement, and he should get the idea that he did something right. Keep doing this day after day and over time, your Havanese should know where the toilet is.

Step 4: Clean Up Accidents

Dogs will pee over their own scent, so if your pup has an accident in your home, which he most certainly will, don’t yell, get mad, or punish. Say “no,” and lead your pup outside to his potty spot. If he goes there, treat and praise him.

Then go back to the site of the accident and simply clean it up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner, use an odor eliminator, and get on with life.

Can You Train A Havanese To Use A Litter Box?

Havanese are small dogs that can be trained to use the litter box. Simply apply all the training as you would if you want your Havanese to go potty outside, but instead, direct him to his litter box.

Pups need to pee many times a day, including:

• When they wake up
• After they eat
• A few minutes after they drink
• When they first get out of their crate after a few hours

Several times a day when you think it’s time for your Havanese to pee, take your Havanese to the litter box and use any other potty training techniques you are familiar with. When your pup eliminates at the proper location, reward and praise him.

Location is crucial when litter-box-training your Havanese. Pick a location that is convenient for your Havanese but away from living, eating, and sleeping spaces.

For many people, such as those who live in apartments, are elderly, or frequently travel with their dogs, litter box training can be a useful alternative. Another benefit of using a litter box is that it prevents your lawn from developing dead grass patches, which are typical in the yards of dog owners. Living in a condo means that you and your neighbors share a yard.

In addition, when it rains or snows, you might want to keep yourself and your pooch indoors, and that’s where a litter box can be an invaluable tool.

Havanese Potty Training: Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks

Lastly, here are som extra tips to keep in mind while you potty-train your Havanese.

1. Crate Training

Because it keeps your dog safe and expedites the toilet training process, crate training is crucial. Make sure the crate you choose for your dog is the right size.

2. Lack of Supervision

If you’re a first-time canine parent, ensure to keep a watch on your pooch because it only takes a few seconds for them to have an accident indoors. Use a crate if you find it difficult to maintain your attention on them.

3. Lack of Attention to the Cues

Several different behaviors could constitute a red flag, including crouching, acting distracted, sniffing about, and more. Pay attention to these cues and you’ll know when your Havanese is about to do its thing.

4. Punishing Your Havanese

Do not hit, yell, or punish your pup. They are puppies, and much like children, have very little control over their potty habits until they get slightly older. Simply clean up the mess and move on with life.

Summary

Anyone who has ever lived with a dog knows that they can be wonderful companions. They provide us with love and companionship, and they’re always up for a game of fetch or a walk around the block. But living with a dog also comes with certain responsibilities, one of which is potty training.

With these tips, we hope that you get your Havanese quickly potty trained, and trust us, a solid potty training regimen will benefit both of you in the long, happy years to come!