The good news about training a Havanese puppy is that they are eager to please and willing to learn. Because they are willing to please their owners, once they understand who is in charge in the home, they can be willing partners in a training program. There are very few Havanese problem behaviors that cannot be overcome with patience and a dedicated training schedule, but like newborn babies, they need to be in a daily routine in order to understand what is expected of them.

While Havanese puppies love attention, they thoroughly enjoy being the center of attention and if performing some tricks for their owner provides that attention, then they are willing to learn them. They are highly intelligent animals and quick to remember simple commands such as sit, stay and down and with the correct reinforcement of commands are more than willing to go along with directions. Once the chain of command has been established, Havanese training should be quick and painless.
Even the most experienced trainers may have some issues with a couple of Havanese problem behaviors such as understanding who is in charge of the training session and the need to be trained on where its bathroom is located. Using a litter box for the puppy can work well provided cat litter is not used. The puppy may tend to eat the litter, causing it to become ill, which is counterproductive to the training session.

Using paper litter pellets in a litter box is recommended, but the tough part may be to get the Havanese to remember when it is time to go to the bathroom. They are such a playful breed that they may become so wrapped up in their activities and forget about running to the box until it is too late. Since the Havanese enjoy learning new skills and tricks, letting the puppy know it is appreciated when it does use the box will have a positive impact on the training.
The Havanese breed may also be somewhat playful, almost teasing during training sessions and the owner will need to make sure the dog knows who is in charge. If the owner cannot be around to train the animal while they are pups, it could lead to the animal becoming lonely and bored. When this happens they may expend their energy in destructive, yet playful ways. Owners can also help their new puppy work through Havanese problem behaviors by allowing them time to be puppies.

A fenced-in yard or other outdoor area in which the Havanese can run and play will be appreciated by the young dog, and by being able to release their energy in a more productive manner, they tend to be more willing to learn other tricks as well as be less destructive. Patience and understanding is needed when training a Havanese puppy and while being firm in commands is important, the puppy also needs to feel loved and a part of the family.

However, working with the puppy can be a rewarding experience. This breed can be quick and willing to learn, but consistency is a necessary part of the Havanese training methods. Past experience training dogs can be helpful with a new Havanese puppy, but many of the dog training books may not offer full insight into the training needs of the Havanese.