How to Prepare a Havanese for the Canine Good Citizen Test
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is an excellent goal for Havanese owners seeking to channel their breed's intelligence and sociability into certified good manners. Havanese are naturally affectionate and eager to please, making them well-suited for this intermediate-level certification—but their separation anxiety, barking tendency, and strong attachment to their owners require targeted preparation. This guide walks you through each CGC requirement using positive reinforcement methods tailored to the Havanese temperament. With consistent, daily 30-minute training sessions combined with careful management of their social needs, your Havanese can master the test's ten steps. This certification not only validates your training efforts but also deepens your bond with your intelligent, playful companion.
Step-by-step
- 1
Master Loose-Leash Walking and Sit on Command
Begin daily walks using a light leash with high-value treats. Havanese respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement, so mark sits with "yes!" and reward immediately. Practice in low-distraction areas first, then gradually increase environmental challenges. Your Havanese's intelligence means they'll catch on quickly, but their attachment may cause them to pull toward you—reward calm positioning at your side consistently.
- 2
Build Confidence with Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Havanese are naturally sociable, but separation anxiety can make them cling during stranger interactions. Have a friend approach calmly while you keep your dog on a loose leash. Reward your Havanese for sitting politely and accepting gentle petting without jumping or excessive barking. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and end on success to prevent frustration.
- 3
Reduce Barking During Sit and Stay Exercises
This is crucial for Havanese, as barking tendency is a breed trait. Practice "sit-stay" for 1 minute while you stand 6 feet away, using treats only when your dog remains quiet. Never reward barking; instead, wait for silence before treating. Start in quiet indoor spaces and practice daily—consistency is essential since this breed's chattiness requires ongoing reinforcement.
- 4
Condition Calm Behavior During Separation and Distraction
Havanese separation anxiety demands gradual desensitization. Practice leaving your dog for a few seconds, returning before distress occurs, and rewarding calmness. Build duration slowly over weeks. Introduce distractions (other dogs, sounds) at a low level, gradually increasing intensity. Your patient, affectionate Havanese may struggle here, but their 3/5 energy level works in your favor—tired dogs stay calmer.
- 5
Practice Long Down-Stay and Supervised Isolation
Train a reliable down-stay using lure-based methods with treats low to the ground. Start with 30 seconds and build to 3 minutes across multiple weeks. For the supervised isolation portion of the test, condition your dog to remain calm in a separate area for 3 minutes while you're out of sight. This directly addresses separation anxiety by building confidence gradually.
- 6
Finalize Test Readiness with Mock Exams
Once all skills are solid, run through the ten CGC steps in sequence 2-3 times per week in different locations. This prepares your intelligent, adaptive Havanese for the testing environment while managing their potential anxiety. Keep sessions positive and end with praise and play. Schedule the actual test when you've had three consecutive successful mock runs.
Pro tips
- Use your Havanese's strong attachment as an asset: they're motivated to please you, so enthusiastic praise and petting reward behaviors just as effectively as treats. This makes them highly responsive to positive reinforcement and ideal CGC candidates.
- Schedule training in cooler parts of the day and keep sessions to 15-20 minutes max; their small size and moderate energy mean they tire quickly and lose focus if overtrained. Frequent short sessions are far more effective than one long session.
- Practice in varied locations (parks, pet stores, friend's homes) at least 2-3 times weekly before the test. Your Havanese's separation anxiety means unfamiliar environments can trigger stress—exposure builds confidence and prepares them for the evaluator's presence during testing.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Havanese's separation anxiety prevent them from passing the CGC test?+
Not if you prepare gradually. The CGC test requires only 3 minutes of calm separation with a supervised evaluator. Start conditioning short separations now—even 15-30 seconds—and build duration slowly. Most Havanese pass this portion because their intelligence allows them to understand the temporary nature of the separation when properly trained.
How do I manage my Havanese's barking during training without punishment?+
Use positive reinforcement exclusively: reward quiet moments with high-value treats and praise. Redirect excessive barking toward toys or enrichment activities. Ensure your dog gets adequate daily exercise (30 minutes) and mental stimulation, as boredom amplifies their barking tendency. If barking escalates, pause the session and resume when calm returns.
How long does CGC training typically take for a Havanese?+
Most Havanese need 8-12 weeks of consistent training, assuming prior leash-training and basic obedience. Their excellent trainability (4/5) and intelligence help, but separation anxiety may require extra time. Practice daily in 15-20 minute sessions; Havanese have moderate energy (3/5) and prefer frequent, shorter interactions to marathon sessions.
Should I hire a professional trainer to prepare my Havanese for the CGC test?+
It's not necessary if you're committed to daily, positive-reinforcement training. However, a trainer can be valuable for addressing separation anxiety or stubborn barking behavior. Group CGC prep classes are excellent for exposing your sociable Havanese to distractions and other dogs in a controlled setting, building confidence before the actual test.