How to Potty Train a Havanese: 6 Steps & FAQs

Updated on Feb 8, 2024

a sable havanese puppy in the park — Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock

The Havanese is a small breed of dog, which means that it has a small bladder and can’t usually be left alone for long periods without needing to urinate. Fortunately, it is an intelligent breed and is considered quite easy to train. Potty training is really the first step in training a dog, and while it does require patience and some understanding, as well as the establishment of a good routine, it doesn’t have to be too challenging. Don’t set your dog up for failure—use positive reinforcement and don’t harshly reprimand your puppy if it has accidents during the training process.

Below are 6 tips to help potty train your Havanese puppy.

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About The Havanese Dog Breed

The Havanese breed originates in Cuba and has become popular with owners for its relatively small size and loving nature. It is often described as a Velcro dog because it sticks to its owner throughout the day. It is generally affectionate with people as well as other animals and may even get along with family cats. Unfortunately, the affection that the breed has for its family can manifest as separation anxiety if left alone for too long, and one of the symptoms of separation anxiety is inappropriate toileting.

As well as being good at canine sports like agility and flyball, the intelligence and temperament of the Havanese are such that dogs of this breed are used as assistance dogs and service dogs, and this intelligence and eagerness to please also mean that, in most cases, potty training a Havanese is a successful endeavor. With that said, all dogs are individuals and while most Havanese puppies will take to potty training easily, some may find it more challenging and require extra effort.

havanese dog with harness and leash standing on grass — Image Credit: Martin Erdniss, Shutterstock

The 6 Steps to Potty Train a Havanese

Potty training requires consistency, a kind temperament, and an ability to not get mad at the occasional accident. Below are six tips to help with your Havanese potty training efforts.

1. Create a Potty Area Indoors

If your puppy is very young, potty training will likely start off indoors. You can buy litter trays, similar to those that cats would use, or you can set up an area and add mats and pads that soak up urine and make it easier to clean. Alternatively, a lot of owners use a crate to help with potty training and which they can use as a place for their dog to sleep when they get a little older.

potty training pad for pets — Image Credit: Michael Moloney, Shutterstock

2. Spot the Signs

Typically, dogs need to toilet after eating or drinking, so once your puppy has had a drink of water or eaten food, watch for signs that they might be ready. Signs include increased sniffing to find a suitable area and turning in circles to get the right spot and encourage production. At this point, you should take the dog out of its crate, or if they are old enough, take them out in the yard.

3. Be Patient

There will be accidents when your puppy starts potty training. Even once they start to get to grips with training, there may be occasional accidents. This doesn’t mean training has failed or that you’ve done a bad job of potty training. It is natural and it should be expected.

a black havanese dog sitting on the couch — Image Credit: Peter Mayer 67, Shutterstock

4. Don’t Reprimand Accidents

When accidents do happen, you shouldn’t reprimand your Havanese. Avoid shouting and never strike your dog. Havanese can be sensitive so they can get upset when reprimanded. Also, if you do reprimand your dog when they have an accident indoors, they may look to hide away and do it, which makes cleaning up a lot more awkward. It can also confuse a puppy because if they think they are being reprimanded for urinating or pooping.

5. Praise Positive Behavior

Rather than reprimanding your Havanese, you should look to praise positive behavior. So, when your puppy goes to the toilet in the tray, on the mat, or in the yard, give them plenty of praise. Initially, you can even reward them with a treat. Over time, you can gradually cut down how often you give the treat, until, eventually, treats won’t be necessary at all.

female owner showing hand signal to her havanese dog — Image Credit: michaelheim, Shutterstock

6. Set Up an Outdoor Routine

Routine is very important for dogs, especially when you are trying to potty train. Ideally, your routine will involve walking the dog or letting them out, before you leave the house, as well as after mealtimes and before bed. This will give the dog plenty of opportunity to do their business when they need to, and their bodies will get used to the routine.

Are Havanese Dogs Hard to Potty Train?

Havanese are no more difficult to train than any other breed. Because they are intelligent and have a lot of love for their humans, they will usually do well with training because they want to please you. Be consistent, don’t reprimand, and try to get into a regular routine.

How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Havanese?

Your pup should start to get to grips with potty training by the time it is 4 or 5 months old and should have the process down by the time it is 9 or 10 months old. If your 10-month-old Havanese is still having accidents, there could be a problem with the training and you may need to look at the techniques you’re using.

Black Havanese sitting on chair — Image Credit: Jolanda Aalbers, Shutterstock

At What Age Should a Havanese Be Housebroken?

A Havanese should be completely house-trained by the time it is a year old, and typically by the time it is 9 months old. Every dog is different, and an individual, however, so yours may take a little less or a little longer than this.

How Long Can a Havanese Hold Their Pee?

Once your Havanese has reached full adulthood, it should be able to hold its bladder for up to 8 hours. This means if you let them out before bed and when you get up, as well as before you leave for work and as soon as you get back, there shouldn’t be any accidents.

Conclusion

The Havanese breed is small, loving, and loyal, as well as intelligent. It is generally an easy breed to potty train, with consistency and positive reinforcement being the keys to successful potty training. Don’t reprimand your dog for any accidents, as this can set training back even further, and certainly never strike your dog, no matter how gently. Reward your dog for urinating and pooping in an appropriate place, initially with rewards and with verbal praise, and try to set as regular a routine as possible, to help ensure success.

Featured Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock