One of the best things about Havanese is that they are small, making them perfect for cramped, modern lifestyles. However, their small size also means they have a small bladder. They physically cannot “hold” it like a larger dog or human. A small dog like the Havanese needs relief every four hours. Unfortunately, you can’t always get home at lunchtime to let your dog out. This is where the idea of litter box training for Havanese sounds interesting.
Tackling Havanese litter box training is like any other aspect of Havanese training: it takes patience, persistence, and even more patience. Think about how long it took your dog to learn to be housebroken, and now you have to take that concept and tweak it. His Havanese has learned that any elimination indoors is bad. Now, he must re-teach her that eliminating in a particular spot indoors (and only in that spot) is good.
Havanese litter box training is much easier to do when the Havanese is a puppy than it is when he is an adult. But if you have an adult who has been taught to come out when nature calls, you should train your Havanese like a puppy. The principle remains the same for both puppies and adult dogs. Get a newspaper and blot up some of your Havanese’s urine or poop. Put it in the litter box. Whenever you see your Havanese asking to go outside, pick him up and put him in the litter box. Having the smell of feces or urine that is already in the litter box lets them know that this is the place to go.
You can use a cat litter pan or a tray that is marketed as a small dog litter pan, which is basically the same thing. You can use cat litter for indoor dog litter. National manufacturers such as Purina are already marketing this indoor dog litter for small dogs.
Each dog will learn Bullmastiff litter box training in their own individual time. Some will become familiar much faster than others, just like with other aspects of Havanese training. You can use dog training books specifically for small dogs to help you, but they must be written within the last two to three years. The idea that ANY dog can be litter box trained is a relatively new concept and continues to be a topic of debate among small dog owners.
But training the Havanese is easier than with some breeds like the entire stubborn terrier breed, as Havaneses are intelligent and love to please. The Havanese is a very adaptable and easy-going breed that usually doesn’t get overly stressed by changes in their life. Perhaps that is why the breed has been able to thrive again after being nearly wiped out by the Cuban Revolution. Litter Box Training Viva la Havanese!