NUTRITION
Nutrition is a major factor in your puppy’s health. Using a high quality dog food ensures that the puppy is well nourished, decreases medical problems, increases lifespan and creates less poop (which is always a good thing!).
We use Royal Canin for our dogs. Because our Havanese are between 8 and 12 pounds as adults, you can choose either Small Puppy or X-Small Puppy. We generally start them on X-Small Puppy. Keeping the food consistent will help your puppy adjust to his new home.
CRATE
You need a good crate to keep your puppy safe and comfortable at home. Puppies do like to have their own “cave” to hide in. A wire crate works well; sometimes plastic crates can be too hot. A small size crate, about 24″ x 18″ x 21″ is about the right size. If you are leaving a puppy alone all day, it works well to have a crate and exercise pen set up. You can then leave food, water, a puppy pad and some toys for the puppy to play with while you are gone. A piece of sheet vinyl flooring works well to protect your floors. If you are traveling with your puppy you may want a small plastic crate or soft sided carrier as well.
GROOMING
Havenese require daily brushing to keep their coat from matting, especially if you plan to keep their coat long. You will need a brush and a comb. I use the wood brush daily and it works well to keep the hair from breaking. I use the comb especially around the eyes, or if tangles develop other places. Start brushing your puppy early, even though it doesn’t seem necessary, so the dog will be used to it.
You only need to wash your dog every 7-14 days, or longer if they are smelling ok! I like using Mink Sheen Shampoo and have used it on the puppies, being careful not to get it into their eyes. You can choose a less expensive shampoo, but Havanese can have sensitive skin, so if they start having skin problems check the shampoo you’re using.
POTTY TRAINING
Your puppy will have already been started using puppy pads for potty training when you bring him home. You will be able to continue training them on the pads or start to train them to go outside. I added the puppy pad holder because Havanese love to shred things, including their potty pads! Expect potty training to be a year long process, and keep puppy in his exercise pen unless you are directly supervising him so that you can catch any mistakes before they become habits! Use of a good spray also takes away the smell when you’re puppy has an accident so they aren’t as likely to keep going back to that spot.