Leash training is an essential skill for your Havanese puppy, ensuring safe and enjoyable walks for both of you. While Havanese are small, playful, and eager to explore, their spirited nature can sometimes lead to challenges on a leash. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to teach your Havanese to walk politely on a leash, building good habits from the start.

Why Leash Training is Important

1. Safety: Prevents your puppy from running into danger, such as traffic or unfamiliar dogs.
2. Control: Helps manage pulling, jumping, or darting while on walks.
3. Bonding: Creates an opportunity to strengthen your relationship through consistent communication.
4. Socialization: Introduces your puppy to new sights, sounds, and experiences in a controlled way.

Preparing for Leash Training

1. Choose the Right Equipment

• Harness: A harness is recommended for Havanese to avoid pressure on their delicate necks. A front-clip harness can also help discourage pulling.
• Leash: Start with a standard 4-6 foot leash. Avoid retractable leashes during training, as they encourage pulling.

2. Familiarize Your Puppy with the Gear

• Allow your puppy to sniff and explore the harness and leash before putting them on.
• Practice putting on the harness indoors while offering treats and praise to create a positive association.

3. Practice Indoors First

• Before heading outside, let your puppy get used to the sensation of wearing the harness and leash in a familiar environment.
• Practice walking a few steps indoors while rewarding calm behavior.

Step-by-Step Guide to Leash Training

Step 1: Introduce Walking on a Leash

• Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
• Use treats to lure your puppy to walk by your side. Reward them frequently for staying close.

Step 2: Teach Loose Leash Walking

• Aim for a loose leash rather than allowing your puppy to pull.
• When your puppy pulls, stop walking immediately and wait for the leash to slacken. Reward them for returning to your side.

Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement

• Reward your Havanese with treats, praise, or a favorite toy for walking calmly at your side.
• Reinforce their behavior frequently at first, then gradually reduce treats as they master the skill.

Step 4: Introduce Commands

• Use consistent commands like “Let’s go” to start walking and “Wait” for stopping.
• Pair verbal commands with hand signals for clearer communication.

Step 5: Gradually Add Distractions

• Once your puppy is confident on a leash in quiet areas, practice in environments with mild distractions, such as a quiet park.
• Increase exposure to busier settings as they progress, ensuring each new experience is positive and manageable.

Step 6: Keep Sessions Short

• Puppies have short attention spans, so keep initial training sessions to 5-10 minutes. Gradually extend walk times as their focus improves.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

1. Pulling on the Leash

• Solution: Stop walking when your puppy pulls and wait for them to return to your side. Use treats to reinforce staying close.

2. Refusing to Walk

• Solution: Encourage movement with a cheerful voice and offer treats or toys. Avoid dragging or forcing your puppy to move.

3. Reacting to Distractions

• Solution: Redirect their attention with treats or commands like “Focus” when encountering distractions. Increase exposure gradually.

4. Chewing the Leash

• Solution: Offer a chew toy as an alternative and distract your puppy when they start biting the leash. Consistently discourage the behavior with a firm “No” and redirect.

Tips for Success

• Patience is Key: Havanese are smart but can be stubborn. Consistency and patience are essential.
• Practice Daily: Short, frequent training sessions are more effective than occasional long walks.
• End Positively: Always finish walks on a positive note, whether with a treat, praise, or playtime.
• Be Calm and Consistent: Avoid yanking the leash or showing frustration, as this can create negative associations.

Q&A Section

Q: At what age should I start leash training my Havanese?
You can begin leash training as early as 8-10 weeks old, once your puppy is comfortable with wearing a harness.

Q: How long does it take to leash train a Havanese?
The timeline varies, but most Havanese puppies learn basic leash skills within 2-4 weeks of consistent practice.

Q: What should I do if my puppy gets scared during a walk?
Stop and allow them to observe the source of fear from a safe distance. Offer reassurance and treats to build their confidence.

Q: Should I let my Havanese lead on walks?
While allowing occasional exploration is fine, it’s important to establish that you control the walk to prevent pulling and wandering.

Q: Can I use a collar instead of a harness?
For Havanese, a harness is safer, as it avoids putting pressure on their necks and prevents injury.

Summary

Leash training your Havanese puppy is a rewarding process that sets the foundation for safe and enjoyable walks. By using the right equipment, practicing positive reinforcement, and gradually introducing distractions, you can teach your puppy to walk politely on a leash. With patience and consistency, your Havanese will master this essential skill and become a well-behaved walking companion.

Sources

1. American Kennel Club: How to Leash Train a Puppy
   https://www.akc.org
2. Havanese Club of America: Training Tips for Havanese Puppies
   https://havanese.org
3. PetMD: Basics of Leash Training
   https://www.petmd.com
4. Humane Society: Walking Your Dog 101
   https://www.humanesociety.org
5. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: Leash Walking Tips
   https://www.iaabc.org
6. Veterinary Partner: Puppy Training Essentials
   https://veterinarypartner.vin.com

View the complete list of our research and reference sources.
https://thecompletehavanese.com/research