How to Teach a Havanese to Lie Down
Teaching your Havanese to lie down is an excellent foundation for building calm behavior and impulse control—two skills that can help address this breed's tendency toward separation anxiety and excessive barking. Havanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to positive-reinforcement training when motivated by treats and affection. However, their playful, energetic nature and strong attachment to their owners mean sessions should be short, fun, and reward-rich to maintain focus. The "down" cue teaches your Havanese to settle, which is particularly valuable for a breed prone to over-attachment and anxiety. This calm behavior provides mental stimulation that complements their 30-minute daily exercise needs, helping channel their moderate energy constructively. Mastering this cue strengthens your bond while building the emotional regulation your Havanese needs to feel secure.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with "sit" as your foundation
Begin with your Havanese already in a sit position, as this makes the transition to down much easier. Have high-value treats ready—small pieces of chicken or cheese work well for this food-motivated breed. Ensure you're in a quiet, distraction-free space where your dog feels secure and relaxed.
- 2
Lure your dog into the down position
Hold a treat close to your dog's nose, then slowly move it down toward the floor between their front paws in one smooth motion. As their nose follows the treat, their rear should naturally lower into a down. If they stand instead, reset to sit and try again without frustration.
- 3
Mark the correct behavior immediately
The instant your Havanese's elbows and chest touch the ground, say "Yes!" or use a clicker if you have one. This clear, immediate marker helps your intelligent Havanese understand exactly what earned the reward. Immediately deliver the treat to reinforce the connection.
- 4
Add the verbal cue and hand signal
Once your dog reliably follows the lure into down (after 5–10 successful repetitions), begin saying "Down" just before you lure them. Pair it with a hand signal, such as your open palm moving downward. This dual cue helps your Havanese generalize the behavior across different contexts.
- 5
Gradually reduce the lure dependency
Over several training sessions, fade the treat lure by holding it slightly higher or using an empty hand gesture instead. Reward generously when they respond to the verbal cue and hand signal alone. Havanese thrive on praise and affection, so enthusiastic verbal rewards become increasingly important.
- 6
Practice in varied locations and build duration
Once reliable at home, practice "down" in different rooms, then outdoors in low-distraction environments. Gradually increase how long your Havanese stays down (start with 2–3 seconds) before releasing with "Okay!" and a reward. This teaches the settling behavior that helps manage their separation anxiety and barking triggers.
Pro tips
- Keep training sessions short and fun to match your Havanese's playful temperament and moderate energy level. If your dog seems disengaged, stop and try again later rather than pushing through—this breed thrives on positive associations with training.
- Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise during early training, then gradually shift toward verbal affection and petting as rewards. This reinforces the emotional bond your Havanese craves while reducing treat dependency.
- Practice 'down' right after your dog's 30-minute daily exercise session, when they're naturally more inclined to settle. This capitalizes on their calm state and helps establish the settling behavior that addresses barking and separation anxiety.
Frequently asked questions
My Havanese keeps jumping up or won't settle in the down position. What should I do?+
This is common in Havanese due to their playful energy. Break training into shorter sessions (5–10 minutes), ensure you're using a treat they absolutely love, and practice when they're naturally calmer, such as after their 30-minute exercise. If they jump, simply reset to sit without frustration and try again. Patience is key.
How long should training sessions be for a Havanese?+
Keep sessions to 5–15 minutes maximum, two to three times daily. Havanese have short attention spans and can become bored or frustrated quickly. Multiple short, positive sessions are far more effective than one long session.
My Havanese is very attached to me and struggles to settle when I'm nearby. Is this normal?+
Yes, this is typical of the breed's over-attachment and separation anxiety tendencies. Practice "down" in situations where you're still visible but slightly farther away. Reward calm behavior generously, and gradually increase distance. This also builds confidence and reduces anxiety over time.
When can I expect my Havanese to reliably know the down command?+
With consistent daily practice, most Havanese will show reliable understanding within 1–3 weeks. However, proofing the behavior (generalizing it across locations and distractions) takes longer—typically 6–8 weeks. Stay patient and celebrate small wins; Havanese are eager to please when motivated properly.