Why I became a Havanese Breeder
by Mary Fincher on 08/06/23
I've always loved dogs. My first dog as a child was a female dog who came home with our dad. My dad said a man gave our family this female beagle mix medium size dog because he could no longer take care of her. She was so sweet, never barked and a bit shy. Thinking she just needed time to adjust to us. As the days when by we tried calling her by different names but she would just ignore us. My dad came home from work one day and called TRIXIE and our new dog came running right to him. After that she would always come when we called her with tail wagging and lots of kisses.
It was at that moment I realized dogs have much more intelligence than I had ever known. I got married and had children and had dogs but never found the perfect companion dog who loved humans and was the right fit for our family.
About 14 years ago we were blessed with having grandchildren and I was ready for a dog that was friendly with small children. We needed a dog that was hypoallergenic, non-shedding fur coats and most of all had the temperament we were looking for. We came across the havanese breed through the AKC website. The more we read about this breed it sounded perfect for our family. However, at that time the breed was not available and well known. After some research we found Gus from Hungry a little white havanese and he joined our family. Gus was everything the breed said about them. When people saw Gus they would always ask what kind of dog he was because he was so friendly and loving to everyone he met.
Because of my love for this breed, I thought I would like to start breeding so I could share this beautiful breed with other families. I knew I wanted to do it right. I wanted to be sure the breed met the standard, personality and most important have healthy puppies. I met a lady in Florida that showed and bred Havanese. She became my mentor and friend. She taught me so much about showing dogs and breeding healthy dogs. Learning the generations and genetics of different dogs. Over the last 12 years, I have learned so much as a breeder and all the aspects of pet ownership. I love being able to pass that knowledge onto my clients and their families so they can enjoy this breed as much as I do.
Master Puppy Socialization: The Importance and Tips for Success
by Mary Fincher on 05/26/23
Welcoming a puppy into your family is a delightful and exciting experience. To ensure your furry friend grows into a well-behaved and confident adult dog, it's crucial to prioritize socialization. In this article, we'll explore the importance of socializing your puppy, share valuable tips on how to do it right and help you find the perfect Havanese puppy to join your family.
Why is Puppy Socialization Important?
Socialization is the process through which puppies learn to interact confidently and appropriately with other dogs, humans, new environments, and various stimuli. Proper socialization helps prevent common behavioral issues like aggression, fear, and anxiety and contributes to a happy and well-adjusted adult dog. The AKC considers socialization a cornerstone of responsible dog ownership, and Havanese breeders understand the importance of providing socialization opportunities in the early stages of a puppy's life.
Are you looking for a well-socialized Havanese puppy? Learn more about our purebred Havanese puppies for sale near you on our website.
Tips and Techniques for Successful Puppy Socialization
1. Start Early. The critical period for puppy socialization starts at three weeks and ends around 14-16 weeks of age, so it's essential to work with reputable Havanese breeders who prioritize early socialization. That being said, it's never too late to improve socialization skills in older dogs.
Check our lovable male and female Havanese puppies near you, hand-raised by Havanese breeders committed to early socialization.
2. Gradually Expose Your Puppy to Different Stimuli. Introduce your puppy to various sights, sounds, smells, and textures in a controlled manner. This can include car rides, household appliances, different types of flooring, and various outdoor environments. Ensure each experience is positive, and always provide treats and praise as a reward for good behavior.
3. Arrange Puppy Playdates. Allow your puppy to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment to help them learn appropriate canine behavior. It's essential to be selective about the other dogs involved in these playdates, ensuring they're well-behaved and up-to-date on vaccinations.
4 Socialize with Various People. Expose your puppy to people of different genders, ages, races, sizes, and clothing styles to help develop their comfort level around all humans. Remember to monitor these interactions closely and reward good behavior with treats.
5. Enroll in Puppy Socialization Classes. Puppy classes are a fantastic way to further your puppy's socialization journey. These classes, led by professional trainers, will not only help your puppy socialize with other dogs and people but also teach essential commands and good manners.
Ready to welcome a well-behaved Havanese puppy into your home? Learn more about us, trusted Havanese puppy breeders near you, on our website.
Final Thoughts
Socializing your puppy plays a crucial role in ensuring they grow up to be confident, well-behaved, and happy adult dogs. Be patient and stay committed to providing positive experiences for your furry friend throughout their socialization process.
When you're ready to welcome a beautiful and loving Havanese puppy into your home, visit http://www.heartfelthavanese.com/ to find Havanese puppies for sale near you, learn more about AKC Havanese breeders, and find Havanese dog prices to suit your budget. Contact us now for any questions!
A New Owner’s Guide to Training a Havanese Puppy
by Mary Fincher on 04/28/23
Owning a purebred Havanese puppy is having a pet, a friend, and a reliable companion. This dog breed is known to be happy, trainable, and highly intelligent, which is why many dog owners choose to own a purebred Havanese puppy over another breed.
But being a pet owner also has a lot of responsibilities. If it's your first time owning a Havanese puppy, you need to learn about how to help you train your puppy faster and easier:
• Create training should be done after the puppy is fully weaned from its mother. If you want to crate-train your purebred Havanese puppy, try to do it at around eight weeks from birth when your puppy is fully weaned from its mother.
Many pet owners choose to crate-train their puppies to make it easier for them to keep the puppy safe during the night or when the owner is not at home. But the rule here is to keep your Havanese puppy inside a crate for as many hours as it's months old. For instance, an eight-week-old puppy should only stay inside the crate for a maximum of two hours.
• Practice positive reinforcement when training your puppy. The American Kennel Club recommends using positive reinforcement for Havanese puppies since they're bred for companionship and would love to socialize since they're happy pets. Although all puppies would love food as a treat, Havanese puppies also love being praised or offered playtime as a reward for good behavior.
• Start small when training your dog. While owning a purebred Havanese puppy is an exciting time, and you probably can't wait to teach it different tricks and skills, it's imperative to start small in whatever you do during training. If you teach one command, make sure to stick to that command until your puppy masters it before moving to another trick or command.
You want to avoid overwhelming your pet with different tricks that will only make it harder for the dog to learn them. You should also start training in smaller sessions before moving to more extended training periods. For instance, once you bring your puppy home, start your training with five- to ten-minute sessions and increase that time gradually as you continue your training.
Bonding with Your Havanese Puppy: A Quintessential Guide
by Mary Fincher on 04/06/23
After looking for the best Havanese puppy breeders in your area, you finally found the right puppy for you, and now, you can't wait to make unforgettable memories with it. But how exactly do you bond with a purebred Havanese puppy?
• Learn how your puppy behaves. While Havanese puppies are generally happy and energetic, they're also very sensitive towards their owners. One of the best ways to build a strong bond with your puppy is to learn how it behaves. For instance, if your puppy is too active and it's interfering with your daily tasks, keep yourself calm and let the puppy know that you don't need that extra energy during that time. Also, let your puppy know you don't like incorrect behaviors by giving a calm yet near "no."
• Use affection as a reward. Havanese puppies love being cuddled, loved, and cared for, and they thrive on praise and affection more than food and toys. This is why it's crucial to offer affection as a reward because it will help you build that strong bond with your pet and make it easier to train it in the long run. Havanese puppies will always crave your affection, so make sure that you take advantage of that to create a stronger relationship between you and your pet.
• Allow your pet to socialize. Of course, bonding with your pet shouldn't only be inside your home. Havanese puppies are social pets, so they love to connect with other people and animals. However do not take your puppy to dog parks until they are fully vaccinated.
Being a Havanese puppy owner is definitely a great decision because this breed is one of the best in the world, especially if you're looking for a companion. Adding a puppy to your brood is beneficial because you don't only get to have a pet to bond with but also a pet you can rely on to be a good companion for you and your family.
But as a pet owner, you also need to be responsible enough to make your pet feel loved and cared for all the time. From building a strong bond with it to making sure that its needs are provided, your pet deserves the best in everything. To learn more about why this is the perfect breed for your home, feel free to contact Heartfelt Havanese!
Preparing to Bring Home a Dog: Helpful Hints for a New Puppy Buyer
by Mary Fincher on 02/17/23
So, you finally decided to get that purebred Havanese you've
always wanted to have! What an exciting time! Not only that you're about to
make your household livelier with your new puppy, but you're also embarking on
an exciting journey with your new family member.
But before you get too excited, a few things need to be done to ensure
your pup's transition into its new home is as seamless as possible. Here are
our tips to help you prepare and get off on the right paw.
More Safety Tips
Do not let your puppy climb the stairs either, as they could stumble and fall down. Once your puppy is about 6-10 months old, their legs and knees are stronger and will learn how to walk up and down stairs and get off furniture.
Moreover, don’t run or chase your puppy and have them come to you instead. Call their name once, and when they come, highly reward them. If chased they will think it’s a game, and this could lead to an unfavorable behavior.
Using Leashes and Collars
Grooming
Remember that puppies, such as a Havanese, don’t have regular dog fur. They have a double coat, with the undercoat keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the cold. This coat will start matting when the second coat comes in around 10 to 12 months of age, so regular brushing and grooming is important. Keep in mind it is important not to shave dogs with double coats, but your dog’s hair can be cut short.
Your puppy can be bathed as much as once a week, but it is recommended to do it every 2 weeks, unless they get really dirty.
Remember the more they get used to be groomed as a puppy, the easier it is for you when they are grown.
Aside from dog food, you could also have treats on hand to reward your pup's good behavior.
Feeding Your Pup
Remember, when it comes to feeding a puppy, less is more. If you’re giving them good-quality dog food, then your puppy doesn’t need as much. You can start by giving them 1/8 cup per feeding. As they grow, you can gradually increase it to ¼ cup. To give you an idea, I feed my adult dogs 1/3 cup twice a day.
Moreover, do not change food brands or feed different types of food. Your puppy will get the idea to wait on something different and may become a picky eater.
Once you bring them home, establish a routine and start by introducing them to their designated bathroom spot outside or on puppy pads inside. Then, praise and reward your pup when they use the right spot, and don't forget to be patient—it won't happen overnight!
As for Havanese puppies, they’re very easy to potty train as long as you are consistent. Some even learn to ring a bell before going out.
At the beginning, you’ll need to take your puppy to the potty area often (every two hours), which can be after they eat and wake up. However, don’t feed them 2 hours before bed and 1 hour before bed for water. Remember that this breed loves paper (especially as a puppy) so take caution on paper training. You could use washable pads for this purpose.
If you have to take your puppy out to potty, you can also use an outdoor exercise pen. Even if you have a fence around your yard, this pen makes outdoor potty training easier, as you don’t have to go all over the place to try and find where they pooped.
Most importantly, please do not use electric fences, they can be extremely dangerous especially to little dogs!
• Learn how to teach a dog to sleep at night.
You can have your pup sleep in his crate in your room, so they’ll hear you and will know they’re not alone. If you have a stool or chair next to your bed, it would be best to put the crate on it.
Puppies would also cry if they think they’re alone, and if this happens, you can tell them they’re okay and place your hand in front of the crate. If they wake up in the middle of the night and will not settle, take them to the potty area. Be sure to put them back to bed right after he goes potty (no food, treats or playing). Remember—don’t leave them for long periods outside, the more they’ll likely cry.
You can start training your puppy as soon as you get them home. However, they’ll need to get their vaccines first, as they’ll be with other dogs during their sessions.
Recommendations on Vaccines and Flea and Tick Preventions
Vaccinations are always recommended for dogs, but it’s also important to remember that some pups might have some allergic reactions to certain vaccines.
With the Havanese breed, we have found the Leptospirosis vaccine to be the one that’s most likely to cause a reaction. This is an optional vaccine to protect your dog from a virus they get out of drinking standing outside water where other wild animals go. If you choose to have them receive this vaccine, just be sure they are of the right age. And, always remember to consult your veterinarian on all vaccines.
Living with a Havanese or any other puppy can be fun and rewarding, but only if you are prepared. So, take some time and follow these tips to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.
I hope this guide helps, and please, you are welcome to contact me with any questions you may have. I also recommend you talking with your veterinarian with any concerns.
Good luck on this wonderful journey!
Mary Fincher
919-247-8374
