Like all breeds, Havanese dogs can develop certain behavioral issues that require patient training and understanding. Whether you’re a new Havanese owner or experiencing challenges with your current companion, this comprehensive guide will help you identify and address the most common behavior problems in this delightful breed.
1 😰 Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is perhaps the most prevalent issue among Havanese dogs. These companion dogs were bred specifically to be close to their owners, making them particularly susceptible to distress when left alone. Signs include excessive barking, destructive behavior, house soiling, and anxious pacing when you prepare to leave.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Start by desensitizing your Havanese to your departure cues. Practice putting on your coat or grabbing your keys without actually leaving. Gradually increase alone time, starting with just a few minutes and slowly building up. Create a safe, comfortable space with familiar toys and consider leaving an item with your scent. Crate training can provide security for anxious dogs. For severe cases, consult a veterinary behaviorist who may recommend anxiety-reducing supplements or medications alongside behavior modification.
2 🔊 Excessive Barking
Havanese dogs are naturally alert and vocal, which can escalate into problematic barking. They may bark at passersby, other animals, doorbells, or seemingly nothing at all. While some alertness is normal, excessive barking can strain relationships with neighbors and household members.
🔧 How to Fix It:
First, identify what triggers the barking. Address the root cause rather than just the symptom. Teach the “quiet” command by rewarding your dog when they stop barking on cue. Ensure your Havanese receives adequate mental and physical exercise, as boredom often contributes to excessive vocalization. Avoid inadvertently rewarding barking with attention. Instead, reward calm, quiet behavior consistently. For territorial barking, limit your dog’s view of triggering stimuli and redirect their attention to positive activities.
3 ⬆️ Jumping on People
With their enthusiastic, people-loving nature, many Havanese greet everyone by jumping up. While this might seem endearing with a small dog, it can be problematic with children, elderly visitors, or anyone uncomfortable with dogs.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Consistency is crucial. Everyone who interacts with your Havanese must follow the same rules. When your dog jumps, turn away and ignore them completely—no eye contact, touch, or talking. Only provide attention when all four paws are on the ground. Teach an alternative greeting behavior, such as “sit” for attention. Practice with friends and family, gradually increasing the difficulty level. Reward calm greetings enthusiastically to reinforce the desired behavior.
4 🏠 House Training Challenges
Small breed dogs like the Havanese can be more challenging to house train than larger breeds. Their small bladders require more frequent bathroom breaks, and accidents can be easier to miss, leading to incomplete training.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, water, and bathroom breaks. Take your Havanese outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after play sessions, and before bed. Choose a designated potty spot and use a verbal cue. Supervise constantly when indoors or confine to a crate or small area when unsupervised. Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners to eliminate odor traces. Reward successful outdoor elimination immediately with praise and treats. Be patient—consistency and positive reinforcement will eventually succeed.
5 🦴 Resource Guarding
Some Havanese may guard food, toys, or favorite spots from family members or other pets. This behavior can range from mild stiffening or growling to aggressive snapping, and should be addressed promptly for safety.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Never punish growling, as this is your dog’s warning system. Instead, work on positive associations. Practice “trade-up” exercises where your dog learns that giving up resources results in something even better. Drop high-value treats near your dog when they’re eating or playing with toys. Gradually work closer as they become comfortable. Teach a solid “drop it” command using positive reinforcement. For serious guarding behavior, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in aggression issues.
6 🚶 Leash Pulling
Despite their small size, many Havanese pull enthusiastically on leash, making walks frustrating rather than enjoyable. This behavior often develops because dogs naturally walk faster than humans and are excited about exploring their environment.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Use a front-clip harness that redirects your dog’s momentum when they pull. Practice the “stop and go” method: whenever tension appears in the leash, stop walking completely. Only resume when your dog returns to your side and the leash slackens. Reward frequently for walking beside you with a loose leash. Keep early training sessions short and in low-distraction environments. Gradually increase difficulty as your dog improves. Consider teaching “heel” as a formal command for situations requiring close attention.
7 🦷 Destructive Chewing
Puppies naturally explore through chewing, but adult Havanese may also engage in destructive chewing due to boredom, anxiety, or insufficient outlets for their energy.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys with different textures and types. Rotate toys to maintain interest. Ensure your Havanese receives adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive play. Supervise your dog when free in the house, and use crate training when you cannot supervise. Redirect inappropriate chewing to acceptable alternatives immediately. Make forbidden items unappealing with bitter spray, and keep valuable items out of reach. Exercise before leaving your dog alone to reduce restless energy.
8 😨 Fearfulness and Shyness
Some Havanese display excessive fearfulness toward new people, dogs, or situations. This can stem from inadequate socialization, genetic predisposition, or negative past experiences.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Gradual, positive exposure is key. Never force your dog into situations that terrify them, as this can worsen the problem. Instead, work at a distance where your dog notices the trigger but remains calm, and pair the presence of scary things with high-value treats. Slowly decrease distance over multiple sessions. Create positive associations through reward-based training. Consider enrolling in a positive reinforcement training class to build confidence. Maintain a calm, confident demeanor yourself, as dogs read our emotions. For severe fear issues, consult a veterinary behaviorist.
9 👋 Attention-Seeking Behavior
Havanese thrive on companionship and may develop demanding behaviors like pawing, whining, nudging, or barking for attention. While their desire for interaction is endearing, constantly giving in reinforces pushy behavior.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Teach your Havanese that calm, polite behavior earns attention while demanding behavior is ignored. When your dog demands attention, completely ignore them—no eye contact, touch, or verbal response. Wait until they settle quietly, even for just a moment, then reward with attention. Schedule regular quality time for play, training, and affection so your dog’s needs are met proactively. Provide mental enrichment through puzzle toys and training exercises to keep them occupied independently.
10 🐕 Difficulty with Other Dogs
While generally friendly, some Havanese struggle with appropriate dog-to-dog interactions. They may become overly excited, fearful, or occasionally reactive toward other dogs.
🔧 How to Fix It:
Socialization should begin early and continue throughout your dog’s life. Arrange controlled play dates with calm, well-mannered dogs. Watch for signs of stress or overstimulation and intervene before interactions become negative. Reward calm behavior around other dogs consistently. Practice basic obedience in the presence of other dogs at a distance, gradually closing the gap as your dog improves. Consider structured group training classes where dogs learn to focus on handlers despite distractions. If your Havanese shows aggression toward other dogs, seek professional help immediately.
🎯 Conclusion
Havanese behavior problems are manageable with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training. Remember that these issues don’t reflect a “bad” dog—they’re often natural behaviors that need proper channeling or result from unmet needs. Early intervention produces the best results, but it’s never too late to work on behavioral issues. Building a strong bond through training not only resolves problems but deepens your relationship with your Havanese companion, ensuring years of happy coexistence with this wonderful breed.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Consistency is everything – All family members must follow the same training rules
- Positive reinforcement works best – Reward desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones
- Exercise and mental stimulation prevent most behavior problems
- Never punish fear or anxiety – This makes problems worse, not better
- Early socialization is crucial – Expose your Havanese to various people, places, and situations safely
- Patience pays off – Behavior change takes time, but consistent effort yields results
- Professional help is available – Don’t hesitate to consult trainers or behaviorists for serious issues
