The number one fear of any Havanese owner is that their dog will get out the front door and immediately run into the street where they will get hit by a car. It’s a horrible fate and one that even the best behaved dog is in danger of if you’re not careful.

So, how do you stop your dog from running off and getting hit by a car? There are a few specific training exercises that will get your dog in line. But, be prepared to pour a bit of effort into the process. After all, they want out that door.

Keeping Them in the House

Number one, and always most important is to keep your Havanese in the house. Most dogs that get away and hit, are ones that managed to sneak out the door to enjoy the great outdoors. You can’t blame them. It’s all they want – a chance to get outside and see everything the world has to offer.

But, simply sticking your foot out when you go out the door isn’t going to get the job done. You need to teach her that the door is yours and they cannot go through it. To do this, train them to sit and wait whenever you go near the door.

You’ll need to set a boundary near your door and not let your dog ever pass this boundary without your leave. Everyone in the family will need to abide by the same rules – something that can often be hard to control.

As you train her, provide treats whenever she sits and waits successfully for you to open the door. Eventually, if you can go to the door, open it and step foot outside without your dog trying to go with you, you’ll be able to worry far less when someone else opens that door.

Leash Training and Curb Control

Another important way to protect your dog is to properly train them on a leash. A dog that has proper respect of the leash and the space they have available to them outside is far less likely to run away if the leash falls.

To do this, never let your dog pull ahead of you. Additionally, don’t let your dog sniff anything without getting your go ahead. I like to control the pace of the walk for 15 minutes before letting my dog sniff anything. Then, the sniffing becomes a reward that you offer up for their good walking.

Additionally, always have your dog sit and wait patiently at curbs and corners. Your dog should never be permitted to cross the street without your express permission.

This creates the same effect as not letting them near the door. They will eventually recognize that the street is something they do not have leave to pass without you. Ideally, if all else fails, they will then stop at the curb if they do get outside, instead of running openly into the street.

Keeping a Close Eye on Your Dog

With all the precautions in the world, it is impossible to ensure your dog never gets out the front door or pulls the leash out of your hand. That is why training is so incredibly important. As you can see, it is not just for your convenience – but for the dog’s safety.

The second you start letting your dog run off down the street without you or giving them free reign over the yard, you teach them that they have no boundaries outside. Cars become a much more enticing target when this happens. Your goal should be to protect them, keeping them away from threats like the street.Practice the points stated above and you’ll never need to worry about this terrible event from happening.

The post Ways to Prevent Your Havanese From Getting Hit By a Car first appeared on Puppy Blog.

Getting a new puppy is an exciting, happy event, but you will soon have to teach your little fuzz ball the proper place to toilet, and the sooner the better. Choose a spot in the yard or a litter box where your little friend will be expected to eliminate, and be consistent. Consistency includes all members of the family so let everyone know the correct place for the Havanese to do his or her business. As soon as you bring your new puppy home take him or her to the correct place and allow some time for elimination to take place. Praise your Havanese when he or she eliminates, and then show him or her the rest of his or her new home.

If you provide a small place for your Havanese to sleep, he or she will not eliminate in that spot. A clean crate with a small blanket or towel is a good place for your puppy to sleep in when you are not able to watch him or her. When you remove your Havanese from the crate, immediately take him or her outside to the correct spot. Have a certain command you always use when he or she eliminates, so that you will be able to say the command and get results. Praise your puppy when he or she eliminates. A treat can also be given for a reward. Take your puppy outside or to the litter box every two hours while you are awake and first thing in the morning.

Other kinds of Havanese Training can be good for keeping domestic life peaceful and for fun. Basic commands such as “sit,” “off,” and “settle” are good for teaching good manners. Gently help your Havanese to sit while saying, “sit.” Take your hands away and give a treat while he or she is still sitting. Soon the puppy will learn to sit when he or she hears the command. “Off” and “leave it” are good for preventing and stopping bad behavior. When your Havanese tries to jump onto someone who is afraid of dogs, or jumps onto a table, say, “Off,” and gently remove the pup from the guest or table. Offer praise when your puppy is removed from the forbidden object. Show your puppy a treat, and when he or she becomes interested, say, “Leave it,” while distracting him or her with another treat or toy. Give the second reward so that your Havanese will learn to associate “leave it” with good things. The command to “settle” is a good one to use if your Havanese becomes overly excited and noisy at times. Gently help your Havanese to lie down, saying “settle,” and when he or she is quietly settled, give a treat. Repeat exactly the same process several times a week until your Havanese learns what to do on command.

Havanese are a generally good-natured dog that has not been damaged by over breeding. However, individuals do not always conform to the breed standard. Becoming frustrated and impatient will only make the problem worse. If your Havanese does not learn what you want him to right away, think of it as your failure rather than the puppy’s. If your puppy training proves difficult, see a veterinarian or breeder for professional advice and training. Enjoy your new friend.

The post Havanese Training & Housebreaking – Patience And Consistency first appeared on Puppy Blog.