How to Teach a Havanese to Leave It
Teaching a Havanese to "leave it" is essential for this affectionate, food-motivated breed. Havanese are highly intelligent and trainable (4/5), making them excellent candidates for impulse-control work, but their sociable nature and tendency toward over-attachment can create challenges. This breed often struggles with separation anxiety and may develop unwanted barking habits—impulse control training can help redirect these behaviors positively. Since Havanese have moderate energy (3/5) and thrive on interaction with their owners, this training becomes bonding time. The "leave it" command protects your Havanese from food hazards, toxic objects, and jumping on strangers, while building their confidence and reducing stress around forbidden items. Using their intelligence and food motivation, you'll teach reliable impulse control in just a few weeks.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with High-Value Rewards
Havanese respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, especially treats and praise from their beloved owners. Choose two contrasting reward levels: a low-value treat (basic kibble) for the 'leave it' command, and a high-value treat (chicken, cheese) for compliance. This creates clear motivation for your Havanese to choose the right behavior.
- 2
Teach the Basic Exchange Game
Begin indoors in a low-distraction environment. Show your Havanese a low-value treat in your closed fist and say 'leave it.' Wait for them to move away or sniff elsewhere, then immediately reward with the high-value treat from your other hand. Repeat 5-10 times daily for one week, keeping sessions short (5 minutes) to maintain their engagement and prevent frustration.
- 3
Increase Difficulty Gradually
Once your Havanese reliably leaves closed-fist treats, progress to placing low-value treats on the floor and covering them with your shoe or hand. Use the 'leave it' command, wait for retreat or disinterest, then reward. This mimics real-world scenarios where hazards might be within reach, tapping into their intelligent problem-solving nature.
- 4
Practice in Structured Home Environments
Work in different rooms and surfaces (carpet, tile, kitchen counter edges). Your Havanese's sociable nature means they're attentive to you—use this to your advantage by training during their active playtime. Keep sessions frequent but brief (5-10 minutes) to match their energy level and prevent boredom.
- 5
Introduce Light Distractions Indoors
Have a family member walk past with a toy or food item while you practice the command. Reward heavily when your Havanese maintains focus on 'leave it' despite the distraction. Since Havanese can develop over-attachment to owners, this also builds their independence and confidence.
- 6
Transition to Outdoor and Real-World Scenarios
Practice on leashed walks where you can control distance from distractions (fallen food, other dogs, toys). Start far from temptations and gradually move closer as confidence builds. Always reward success immediately and verbally praise—Havanese thrive on owner approval and connection.
Pro tips
- Use your Havanese's social nature to your advantage: train in the presence of family members who can celebrate success with you. This breed thrives on group approval and will work harder when praised by multiple people.
- Keep treats tiny and sessions frequent rather than one long training block. Havanese have moderate energy and short attention spans—3-4 five-minute sessions daily will yield better results than one 20-minute session.
- Practice 'leave it' before your Havanese's normal 30-minute daily exercise routine. Training a fresh, slightly hungry puppy or young dog is far more effective than training after play when they're fatigued or overstimulated.
Frequently asked questions
My Havanese gets anxious when I practice 'leave it' and whines. Is this normal?+
Yes, especially given the breed's tendency toward separation anxiety. Keep training sessions very short (3-5 minutes), use high-value rewards immediately, and ensure plenty of calm praise. If anxiety persists, take a step back to easier versions of the exercise. Your Havanese may simply need more frequent, reassuring practice to feel confident.
How long does it typically take a Havanese to master 'leave it'?+
Most Havanese master the basics in 2-4 weeks with daily, consistent practice. Their high trainability (4/5) works in your favor, but their food motivation means you'll need patience during the outdoor phase. Reliable mastery in all situations typically takes 6-8 weeks of regular reinforcement.
What if my Havanese ignores the command and eats the forbidden item anyway?+
Don't punish—redirect instead. Havanese respond poorly to harsh corrections and may develop anxiety. Instead, immediately interrupt gently, remove the item, and return to easier training steps. Ensure you're using truly high-value rewards and practice more frequently (twice daily if possible).
My Havanese barks excessively during training. Should I address this separately?+
Not necessarily—barking often signals excitement or anxiety. 'Leave it' training can actually help reduce unwanted barking by building impulse control and confidence. If barking escalates, shorten sessions, lower the difficulty level, and reward calm behavior heavily. The structured routine supports better self-regulation overall.