How to Train a Havanese to Come When Called
Teaching your Havanese to come reliably when called is the single most important safety skill you can develop together. Havanese are affectionate, intelligent, and eager to please—traits that make them surprisingly trainable despite their sometimes stubborn streaks. However, their strong attachment to you and moderate energy levels mean they can become distracted or anxious when separated, potentially ignoring a recall command. This guide leverages the breed's natural sociability and intelligence through positive reinforcement, building a rock-solid recall that keeps your small companion safe whether at home, in the yard, or during outings. With consistent, reward-based practice and patience, your Havanese will learn that coming to you is the best decision they can make.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a dedicated recall word
Choose one consistent word or phrase—such as "Come" or "Here"—and use it every single time you want your Havanese to approach you. Given the breed's intelligence, they'll quickly learn to associate this specific signal with positive outcomes. Practice saying it in a cheerful, upbeat tone to make it rewarding in itself.
- 2
Start indoors in a low-distraction environment
Begin training in a quiet room where your Havanese has few escape routes and minimal competing stimuli. Call your recall word, immediately reward with a high-value treat or favorite toy the moment they turn toward or move toward you. Repeat 3–5 times per session to keep energy levels manageable and prevent frustration.
- 3
Gradually increase distance and distractions
Once your Havanese responds reliably indoors, practice across different rooms and with mild background activity. Slowly introduce minor distractions—a toy on the floor, the sound of the TV—to build focus and obedience. Always reward generously so they learn that ignoring distractions to come to you pays off better than any distraction.
- 4
Practice in the yard with a long line
Take training outdoors with a 15–20 foot lightweight lead attached, allowing your dog to explore while maintaining safety. Call your recall word and gently guide them toward you if needed, then reward enthusiastically when they comply. This prevents the anxiety-driven resistance some Havanese show when off-leash, building confidence rather than fear.
- 5
Use real-world scenarios and random rewards
Once reliable on-lead, call your dog to come during normal daily routines—mealtime, playtime, or walks—and reward intermittently with treats, praise, or play. Havanese thrive on affection, so occasionally reward with cuddles or a game instead of food to keep the behavior fresh and valued. This prevents habituation and reinforces that recall always leads to something good.
- 6
Never punish a reluctant recall
If your Havanese hesitates or ignores the command, avoid frustration or negative reactions; instead, gently re-call and reward any effort. The breed's sensitivity to tension and separation anxiety means harsh corrections will damage trust and worsen the behavior. Consistency, patience, and celebrating small wins build the secure bond that makes reliable recalls possible.
Pro tips
- Use their attachment as an advantage: Havanese are velcro dogs who crave your company. Reward recalls with your attention and affection, not just treats, to leverage their natural desire to be near you.
- Keep your 30-minute daily exercise in mind: A tired Havanese is more focused and less prone to the barking and anxiety that fuel poor recall. Training works best when your dog has already burned off energy.
- Practice call-and-reward during separation transitions: Since the breed struggles with being apart, rewarding them for coming when you're leaving or returning helps ease separation anxiety while reinforcing the behavior.
Frequently asked questions
My Havanese ignores me when anxious or distracted. How do I handle that?+
Havanese can struggle with separation anxiety and focus when stressed. Slow your training progression by using even higher-value rewards indoors before expanding to distractions. Keep sessions short and positive, and always reward effort—not just perfection. If anxiety persists, consult a trainer or veterinarian about desensitization.
How often should I practice recall training with my Havanese?+
Train 2–3 times daily in short 5–10 minute sessions, aligning with your Havanese's moderate energy level and 30-minute daily exercise needs. Practicing during transitions (before meals, at playtime) keeps it natural and prevents burnout. Consistency matters far more than long sessions.
What's the best reward for a Havanese?+
Most Havanese are food-motivated, so small, soft treats work well for fast reinforcement. However, the breed's affectionate nature means praise, physical affection, and interactive play can be equally powerful. Experiment to find what excites your individual dog most, and rotate rewards to maintain enthusiasm.
When is my Havanese ready to train off-leash?+
Wait until your dog consistently responds in multiple indoor environments, then practice outdoors on a long line in a fenced or safe space. Many trainers recommend 6–12 weeks of consistent on-lead practice before trusting off-leash recall. Trust your judgment based on your dog's reliability and temperament—rushing this step risks safety.