Top Activities For Havaneses

Introduction

Named after Havana, the capital city of Cuba, the Havanese is a small dog from the Bichon family that was first developed during the 1800s. Because of their friendliness and loyalty, Havanese dogs became the constant companion of Cuban aristocrats during the 19^th and 20^th century. European vacationers also took a liking to the breed and brought some dogs with them back to their respective countries, which helped boost the Havanese’s popularity in the region. However, due to the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the breed was on the brink of extinction. It was not until the 1970s when a couple started breeding the remaining Havaneses, allowing the breed to survive. Presently, the Havanese is steadily becoming one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

Therapy dog

Most Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

Havanese are tailor made to serve as companion dogs to their owners and families. They are extremely affectionate, playful and they love to bring cheers and smiles to others. It also helps that they look awfully adorable. Like most dog owners, you probably feel a sense of joy and happiness when you spend time with your pooch. Why not share this pleasure with others who need it most? Havaneses have the potential to become effective therapy dogs. This breed has a very loving personality and a sense of humor like no other dog. By letting your Havanese become a therapy dog, you get to serve communities in need and help spread love and positivity.

Step

1

Check the requirements

Before going through all the trouble of applying for a therapy dog program, you should first do an assessment of your dog and see if they are qualified. Most organizations have a general list of requirements for therapy dog candidates. Make sure that your dog meets these prerequisites before you go on to apply.

Step

2

Take the Canine Good Citizen test

If you find that your dog is eligible, the next step would be to take the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test, or any other equivalent exam. This varies from organization to organization, but the CGC test is one of the most widely recognized ones in the United States. In this exam, dogs go through a simulated scenario and are assessed according to various behaviors. If your dog passes the CGC test, it means that they are reliable members of the community and will receive a certificate from the AKC.

Step

3

Get your dog registered

After passing the CGC test, you can then register your dog as an official Therapy Dog. An example of an organization that accepts therapy dog registrations is the Service Dog Certifications. Your dog will formally be considered a therapy dog and you can start looking for communities where your pooch can volunteer.

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Trick Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

The Havanese has a reputation for being one of the smartest and most trainable dogs. In fact, because they can pick up new knowledge almost immediately, owners of the breed find it easy to teach them tricks and commands. While Havanese dogs excel in obedience training, this is not the only education that you can give them. Do not limit your dog’s tricks repertoire to basics, such as “sit”, “down” or “stay”. Instead, go for more impressive and challenging tricks to spice up your dog’s life. Learning advanced tricks should be easy for a fast learner such as the Havanese.

Step

1

Choose a trick to learn

Once your dog has the basic commands and tricks down, think of more creative and unique tricks that you want your pooch to learn and master. Some suggestions include “play dead”, “high-five” and “roll over”. However, to avoid overwhelming your dog, choose one trick initially and just focus on working on it.

Step

2

Practice repeatedly

When you have chosen the trick that you want to work on, it’s time to practice. To get your dog’s attention, use treats. Then, say the command out loud and use hand gestures or other movements to demonstrate what you want your dog to do. Do this repeatedly until they understand what you want to happen. Give your dog some treats as a reward.

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Nature Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Food

Water

Waste bags

Activity description

Most, if not all dog owners know that daily walks are important so that their dogs remain physically stimulated and healthy. For owners of Havanese dogs, short strolls around the neighborhood or in the park are usually enough to keep their dogs satisfied. However, this activity can get boring over time, especially when you go to the same place over and over. If you are looking to make something so monotonous become exciting, you should consider shaking things up a bit and trying new routes. Take your dog on a stroll around the woods or any other natural area. These spaces will provide your pooch with some new sights and scents to discover.

Step

1

Choose an area for walking

To make your regular doggy walks less mundane, a change of scenery every now and then is a must. Choose a walking area where there is a lot of nature, such as a state forest or conservation area. Dogs get excited when seeing new flora and fauna. They will also enjoy taking in picturesque views along the way. Just be sure that the place you will choose is dog-friendly and that you adhere to the rules.

Step

2

Go on your stroll

When you successfully decide on a place, take your dog for a walk. More often than not, public places require dogs to be on a leash. Also, watch out for any suspicious-looking plants and don’t let your pooch near them; these might end up being poisonous and harmful when consumed. Do not forget to clean up after your dog as well.

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More Fun Ideas...

Road Trip

If there’s one thing to be said about Havaneses, it is that they can get extremely attached to their owners. After all, they were bred to serve as companions. Because they are small in size and not yappy, they can make for good travel buddies. Whether you are going on an extended trip or just to run some errands, you can bring your Havanese with you. This breed enjoys car rides and their owner’s company more than anything.

Canine Freestyle

Given their willingness to learn new things, not to mention their Cuban roots, Havanese dogs can be the perfect dance partner. Choose a song and practice the choreography with your pooch. Allow your dog to let loose and strut their stuff with you.

Conclusion

The Havanese is an adorable and fun-loving dog with a zest for living life. Any dog owner would be lucky to have this breed as a pet and companion. Just remember to repay your Havanese’s loyalty and affection by spending enough time with them and keeping them well cared for and happy.