What are /r/Havanese's favorite Products & Services?

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Is he, though? Looks like he's just shredding it. Our pup did the same. We had to stop buying beds with cheap, thin bottoms.

Now we use Cuddle Cups almost exclusively. Problem solved. If you are in the US, you can usually find them at Marshall's, HomeGoods, or TJMaxx for about $15 in a wide variety of colors. Zuzu has one in just about every room of our house!

AWWWW! Poor pup, and poor you!

Do you have a booster seat for her? Our Hav, Zuzu, gets sick if she can't see out the windows.

Edit: Something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015MG09C/

Zuzu wears a collar for her ID tag. I'd also asked here about a collar that wouldn't cause mats, and someone recommended a rolled leather collar. I got this one and love it. She's worn it continuously for several months, and no mats. The collar also still looks brand new (we got pink).

Minor caveats: Zuzu was between sizes, so I sized up, which left a lot of excess collar beyond the buckle. And also, the little loop that controls that excess is not attached, so it's easy to lose (like, at the groomer's).

I use this leather one from Amazon. It's really soft and looks great. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009Z9ZX9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_S9B9M05DAKSNY81FH2FZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My Havi wears it just for identification, we use the perfect fit harness for Walkies - https://www.doghairs.co.uk/browse-online/perfect-fit-harness

No matting with either. Remember there's no substitution for regular brushing whichever you choose!

My Havanese (and my sister's) loves these kinds of toys. They love pulling them out and "killing" the squeaky toys inside. They tend to like the smaller squeaky toys like the cookies and blueberries. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FXT79GS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_QHDZE4M2YR3W89PPRA32

I carried my little guy around in a simple sling from Amazon. It’s deep enough that just his head stuck out of it unless he was standing up

Most stores were fine when I asked, although I never tried anywhere serving food etc. or that had a service dogs only sign.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5D90I0

He loves his fleece sweaters--the first day he gets to wear one he's as excited as a puppy. Plus they're dirt cheap--so he can have several.

K&H Pet Products Bucket Booster... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZJOKL2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

We bought this seat for our Havanese and chiweenie when we moved cross country. It buckled into the car seat like a baby car seat and has 2 clips to secure the dog in the seat.

This is an example.

Chris Christensen 20 mm Oval Wood Pin Dog Brush, Wood Pin Series, Groom Like a Professional, Real Wood Pins, 100% Static-Free, Redistribute Natural Oils into Coat, Reduces Painful Pulling, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0153D1CNM/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_HB7E9YY3T7GRFD0TEHFP

We've had good luck with the Gooby brand on Amazon, although each model seems to fit differently. The two that really work for my guy are the Puffer Vest Dog Jacket for warmer winter days (they call it a puffer but really it's more like a shell; very thin) and the Padded Vest Dog Jacket for colder (basically my rule of thumb is the puffer for above freezing and the padded for below freezing). He also has a full-on snow suit from Canada Dog but hates it so I don't have the heart to wrestle him into it very often.

Get some temporary fencing like this to make a small pen right outside the door you go out most often. Keep it shoveled. Save the snow/rain/mess for when you have the time and energy to clean up after.

I'm really sorry that happened to you!

It can be tough or scary keeping your little dogs safe from incompetent/ignorant dog owners.

We also have lots of Coyotes where I live and they are 30-40lb animals that cause a lot of the same concerns as an off leash dog.

I carry one of these in my pocket:

https://www.amazon.com/Guard-Dog-Security-Diablo-Stun/dp/B07RD8CCGM/ref=sr_1_2?crid=10CUAA3XPI92H

I would not try to taze a dog, BUT they make a loud noise that I have used to deter other larger off leash dogs from approaching my little ones. They would also work well as a clubbing weapon if it came down to it as they are made of aircraft aluminum so they are light and easily swung.

That might sound extreme, but sometimes it is incredibly hard to stop a dog from attacking.

When I was young, a large off-leash golden retriever attacked my fathers small dog. My father is a large man, worked a physical labor job and was quite strong. Despite punching the attacking dog in the head over and over and over the lab would not let up. Finally it stopped and luckily my father's dog was OK.

Point being, that (IMO) it's much better to have something that might aid you in that situation and not have to use it, then not have it and have the situation come up again.

Good luck whatever you decide to do, I hope you get the situation with the other dog sorted out so that yours can be safe!

My 12lb hava loves this one by Voyager! It’s adjustable around the neck and chest, and seems to be really comfortable and lightweight for her. She’s VERY particular about harnesses, so I own this one in 4 colors 😬

Voyager harness

https://www.chewy.com/frisco-southwest-dog-cat-v-neck/dp/294533?utm_medium=email&utm_source=transactional&utm_campaign=PackageDelivered&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAy1MWwqDMBA8TfqpkLWFFqQUxG9vIEtc4mJe5NHQ2zfSwjDMg5k955Aefa92qp8OQ%2BgM... :)

This bed is the best (link below). My Havanese loves it.

Also buy Nature's Miracle. It's an odor remover for when the pup is potty training. It really helped keep the puppy from going in the same places and helped with training.

I'd also recommend a doggy doorbell. Easy to train and they can tell you when they need to potty.

Best Friends by Sheri Calming... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MV2YF39?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Amazon. Schwinn Rascal Pet Carrier
It's worked great for us so far, and was really easy to set up.

And yup, we're on the canal. He gets to walk it every day, and now sometimes ride on it and even the Monon trail.

We eventually discovered ours was peeing and pooping on the rug* under our bed. We had the bed on risers, so she could (and did) literally run around under the bed. By the time we found out, the rug was not salvageable.

===== It was a leather shag rug, similar to this one, made with scraps left over from the manufacture of various items. I loved that rug, but my husband hated it, LOL.

Bandit is an excellent name for this little guy, 'cause he will steal hearts everywhere he goes! He is PRECIOUS.

Clever makeshift carseat! I know you didn't ask, but for the long term, here's one I heartily recommend: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZJOK6C

Thanks so much! We actually just grabbed this one from Amazon in the large option… a year later and still works well for us :)

Off topic, but are your stairs carpeted? Zuzu slipped/stumbled on our hardwood stairs once, and she was super wary of them after that. We applied purpose-made clear grippy tape on each tread, and she regained her confidence.

Chris Christensen Dog Brush, 16 mm Firm Oblong Shapped Brush, Groom Like a Professional, Breezy Brush Series, Rounded and Grounded Metal Pins, Best for Styling and Straightening Coat, Large https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07NBVYG3L/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_XHKFMMWR955J8GC3RRRS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is what was given to me by my dogs breeder. It works pretty well. I also use a slicker brush on his legs sometimes, and a dematting comb as needed, and a tiny little comb for eye gunk

K&H Pet Product Bucket Booster Pet Seat, Elevated Dog & Cat Car Seat, Small and Medium Pet Car Seat Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZJOK6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V7JR5J6VSMHVMG6C660W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

My baby loves this one! Falls asleep every time… clearly haha

I have this same toy! Bought it for my cat for Christmas, but it quickly became my puppy's favorite.

Limited-time deal: Potaroma Flopping Fish 10.5", Upgraded for 2022, Moving Cat Kicker Toy, Floppy Fish Animal Toy for Small Dogs, Wiggle Fish Catnip Toys, Motion Kitten Toy, Interactive Cat Toys for Cat Exercise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083S3ZXDF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_dl_50VT7XSSBZK8JDA1N07X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

He’s such a sweet boy! ♥️ Do you have an enzymatic cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle)? It will remove the scent so they do not keep peeing in the same place over and over thinking it is “ok.”
I used it if my cat had an accident. I will add a link.

Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover Trigger Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071W6CQ7S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M9V58EYSH04VM0HACVCR

There are other brands also!

OK, thanks. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Get him a car seat that will lift him high enough to see out the windows. I use this one for our Zuzu: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015MG09C/. You might want to put a washable or disposable pad under him, especially at first. Secure him in by harness, but with enough length that he can turn around and adjust for comfort.
2. Take him on short drives 5 or 6 days a week. Go late in the day or whenever he's sleepiest. Drive around for a few minutes at a time. Maybe just circle the block or whatever, so you're never more than a minute or two away from home.
3. Watch him (better yet, have someone else in the car watch him) for lip licking and yawning, either of which can signal he's about to vomit. If he starts with these, stop the car immediately. Let him get fresh air on terra firma for several minutes before you even try to drive home. Then go straight home until another day.
4. Give him very small amounts of high-value treats before and after the car rides, so he'll have a positive association with them. You don't want his tummy to be too full or too empty when you get into the car.

With luck, he will physically and mentally adapt to car rides. Wishing you all the best!

My hav LOVES this toy! It’s super annoying but it keeps him busy lol Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toys (Wiggles, Vibrates & Barks – Dog Toys for Boredom & Stimulating Play) Interactive Dog Toys, Dog Squeaky Toys, and Funny Dog Toys - Colors May Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054C9B1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_N9MZM0Q9E6VJBVFEPVQP?psc=1

Mine likes “field discs.” They are usually bouncy/squeaky and you roll them like a tire. They go forever, while jumping over rough terrain. It mimics a rabbit, and gives them a challenge while also staying in their line of sight (unlike a frisbee in the air). It’s the best toy for dog parks, because they all want to chase it!

Chase 'n Chomp Field Disc Pet Chew Toy, Assorted, 4.75 inch, Blue or Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATMFS74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_3M34Z1YJ891FWHMDCPM8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Otherwise, mine prefers long,rope-like floppy toys he can tug and really thrash around.

It was a challenge to get toys for my dog, and not for myself (the cute, novelty stuff)! But now I can spot a “Russell” toy from a mile away.

Same problem we had with our 1 yo girl! We recently bought her these puzzle toys, and she’s been loving them! We mix some treats and kibble and she goes crazy for them:

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TOKTEG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087DR8744?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

My Havanese is also an aggressive chewer. This is the only toy that he hasn't been able to destroy yet. We've had it for about 8 months now: Pig

She usually falls asleep like that so I love that she trusts me! And I got the sweater on Amazon, it comes in different colors: PASRLD Dog Sweater Leopard... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TMGSL4M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You're definitely going to need multiple brushes. I use a flea comb for hair around eyes, a comb like this for general brushing, and this to gently brush through any tangles or knots. I HIGHLY recommend that last one. My dog really enjoys being brushed with that one and it gets tangles out without pulling or needing to cut the hair off.

It's taken ages for me to find one for Ricky - but got this the other day and it's awesome.

Self Cleaning Slicker Brush, Dog Brush/Cat Brush for Shedding and Grooming Loose Undercoat, Mats and Tangled Hair - for Small, Medium & Large Dogs and Cats with Short to Long Hair (MSLS-2) https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09336L4LT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_SE10Y3N2XKAJHGBP6401?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I don't have direct experience with the condition (fingers crossed), but I would suggest minimizing jumps, particularly downward jumps. Always provide as cushioned a surface as possible for her to land on when she comes down off the sofa or bed. You might even think about getting some doggy stairs (we use these) and train her to use them every time.

>blending shears

There are very small electric clippers, but the rather whiny-sounding buzz scares them. Wahl makes the best ones at the best price.

These small round-end scissors are good for touching up muzzle and eyes. You can hold them parallel to his eyes so they are never pointing at his eyes and even put an index finger between his face and the scissors, partly, if that helps. My guy tolerates these much better than the buzzy clippers.

I ended up buying Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Oatmeal 15-Lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YFZ2220/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VQ9DQS2468ETGYBE2AEY. This link https://www.dogloversdigest.com/dog-food/havanese/ was super helpful.

We have two different kinds.

The booster seat for the one who will only lay there.

And this for our dog that likes to see everything.

They have harnesses instead of collars so it helps as well.

We have a 4 month pup but we noticed she’s really not interested in food… but she is play motivated. So we use the kibble as a reward for training or we’ve been putting it in different types of puzzles. Eg rolling it in a towel with one extra stinky treat and we’ve had a lot of success with this topple toy once we showed her how it works (something like this

Now she gets excited to play and because it’s piece by piece she seems to think the kibble is rare or special coming out of the toy lol hope that helps!

I find them, if anyone is interested on amazon SwiHelp pet car booster : unaffiliated amazon link

This one!

NOYAL Dog Slow Feeder Bowl, Non Slip Puzzle Bowl - Anti-Gulping Pet Slower Food Feeding Dishes - Interactive Bloat Stop Dog Bowls - Durable Preventing Choking Healthy Design Dogs Bowl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BZC7YZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MTZ0NGM8SKB2X596WQ85?psc=1

He has gotten faster and better at it over the past few weeks but it still takes him longer to eat than when dumping everything in one bowl.

I got this one for my havanese! He seems to walk better in this one and he doesn’t choke himself when he pulls on it. It’s also super easy to pull on https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R9VKWDM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_7D306TQERKNE0JD6VW6E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I've never heard this before. We put a harness on Zuzu for the ride home from the breeder (attached it to a booster seat) and had no problems whatsoever. As long as you never attach a leash to his collar, I think you'll be fine using the harness right away.

Note, though, that an 8-week-old Hav will be TINY! Even tinier than you think! The XS dog harness we bought in advance (which seemed so small!) literally fell off Zuzu as she walked, and she was 10 weeks already. We ended up buying her a ferret harness, which we used until she was about 13 weeks.

There's a ton of advice in this subreddit for new Hav owners. CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a Havanese owner—they really are the very best dogs ever!

I agree that most places love having well behaved dogs come in. If it's a food oriented business, then most areas have health codes saying no dogs, so usually their hands are tied. BUT, for non food oriented businesses, I have never had anyone say no when I've poked my head in the door and ask if it's OK if I bring my puppy in. At most I've had one store ask if I could carry her instead of letting her walk on the ground. I used to work at a bank branch and we loved meeting people's doggos! So yeah, you might not even need a sneaky carrier, especially if your pup is well behaved/not barky/not going to have an accident inside. Just check with the business before you come in and most places will be glad to break up the monotony of the work day!

If you'd rather a carrier though, I've had good luck with a dog purse hah. Just be prepared to be seen as "that person" ;)

I'll tell you this: Zuzu's first few months with us, we tried sneaking her into all kinds of (non-food-oriented) places: the credit union*, Office Depot, the local liquor store, etc. And what we eventually learned is that those places will happily allow you to bring your dog in, as long as her presence doesn't cause any problems. Some places even keep treats behind the counter!

We keep a picnic blanket (something like this, sort of self-contained) in each car specifically for Zuzu, and when we go someplace with her, we put her in the cart on her blanket. A flattish pillow/cushion would serve the purpose just as well. As long as she's secure and quiet—and not really touching the merchandise—no one minds at all. At Home Depot and a few other places, we just let her walk on the leash.

===

*I remember having Zuzu in what I called her "sneak bag," waiting in line at the credit union. When a tween joined the line behind me with her dad, I thought I was busted for sure! I remember thinking how it's really not a good idea to look too nervous in line at the credit union, LOL. As far as I know, I got out of there without being "caught," but nowadays I just saunter in with her on a leash, and the staff fawns over her!

Of course, down is scarier than up. Zuzu would go up the stairs and then bark at us to come get her. LOL! It was a good month after she started going up the stairs that she would come down on her own. (In fact, my parents' Havanese, Coco, patiently taught Zuzu how to come down steps. It was adorable!)

Might be worth trying these tread grips on the hardwood stairs. The clear ones virtually disappear, and to be honest, I feel more safe myself on the steps now.

You could.

The breed is very trainable. Potty training is really the biggest headache, but after that, you can teach them anything.

Some Havanese' can hold their bladders for a shockingly long time. It's important to remember that the Havanese is one of the only toy breeds that doesn't require potty pads because they can usually hold it long enough to be let outside. But if you're considering a convenient potty option that doesn't require you to be home to let them out, I highly recommend the [porch potty](www.porchpotty.com).

Combine this with a urine deodorizer/solidifier to use in the basin that goes underneath, and you're golden.

Also, and most importantly, if you are not planning to be home enough to let them outside, then I do not think this is the breed for you. This breed demands a lot of your time and attention. This isn't a dog you can leave at home alone for 8 hours a day while you go to work. Factor in daycare or the cost of another dog when considering this breed. They are very dependent. Give them the attention they need and deserve and you will have the best friend you ever could have imagined.

I suggest https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07BLTKBXP/ref=twister_B08CKRXB4B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

instead of a harness, which encourages pulling. Yeah, I know its expensive.

You have to correct the dog with a sharp yank. But mostly, the leash should be loose. One strategy is, when they start pulling to immediately turn around and go in the opposite direction.

Your girl sounds just like my Millie :)

It's this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Pets-Interactive-Dispensing-ASSORTED/dp/B003ARUKTG

You could probably find similar ones by googling something like "dog food puzzle ball toy" if the link doesn't work for whatever reason.

My Millie absolutely loves it. I've tried other types of puzzle toys, such as the ones with lids and sliders, and she figures them out too quickly. She just breezes through them like they're nothing. They just don't keep her entertained for long. She's too smart for her own good sometimes.

This one takes much longer for her to get the food, even though she has the method down. I usually give it to her for her meals. It has really slowed down her eating and kept her from begging for more food after she finishes. She has also become less bored and mischievous since I've started using it. It's the best toy I've ever gotten her.

It has settings that can make it easier or harder for the food to come out. I started her on the easiest setting and she is now on the hardest.

The only downside is that she has a tendency to roll it under things and lose it. She has three of them and one is almost always missing. I've learned to put her in an area that she can't lose it, which is why you see that little fence at the front of my kitchen. It's only there to keep the ball in the room until she finishes. I do forget more often than I should, though.

On the upside, she is starting to learn to come and get me when it goes under something and she can't reach it. She quietly woofs at me to get my attention and then leads me right to it. She's such a smart girl :)

If you’re pup doesn’t mind it, a razor comb similar to this one does a pretty good job of cutting through mats without having to completely cut them out. You have to get the trick of it so you don’t pull their hair when you use it.

After a while my havi started biting at it, and it’s super sharp, so I had to stop using it. Now I just cut them out, which is anathema to many havi owners but her long fur completely covers the small spots that are trimmed.