Havana Silk Havanese - AKC Breeder of Merit
Questions and Answers
How do I adopt a puppy from Havana Silk Havanese?
Kindly complete the form on my Upcoming Litters page, and I will reach out to you via phone to gather more information about your home situation. During our conversation, we can discuss the price of a puppy and the process for submitting a deposit. To secure the puppy you choose, the remaining balance must be paid before the puppy reaches six weeks of age, unless we agree on alternative arrangements. Failure to do so will result in the release of the puppy and the retention of your deposit for another selection. Refunds for deposits are available in specific situations.
For safety reasons, I do not personally ship puppies. However, if you are unable to pick up the puppy yourself, I can coordinate with a reliable nanny delivery service upon verification of suitability.
If you have any questions or specific requirements regarding the ideal dog for your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
What happens to my deposit if the gender I requested is not available?
I understand that you may have some preferences or concerns regarding your deposit. You have several options available to you: you can select a puppy of a different gender from the same litter, I can transfer your deposit to another upcoming litter, or you may request a refund.
What factors contribute to the price of a Havana Silk Havanese puppy?
The pricing structure for each puppy takes into account various factors such as pedigree, genetics, gender, color, conformation, availability, and demand. Additionally, if a puppy is intended for a breeding home, there will be an additional cost.
Raising high-quality puppies involves more expenses than one might initially realize. Besides the obvious costs of providing them with quality species-appropriate food, health care, grooming, and vaccinations, breeding dogs require genetic testing and health certifications, which can be quite costly. Responsible breeders willingly cover these expenses. There are also other additional costs, including registering the litter so that the new owner can obtain papers and veterinary examinations. It is essential to consider a health guarantee as well.
The time I spend with each puppy is immeasurable in terms of their happy disposition and early socialization skills. I create personalized programs for each puppy based on their learning profile. Rather than being raised in a shed outside or a backyard kennel, Havana Silk Havanese puppies are raised in my home. It is my responsibility to establish the best possible foundation for them, and the results are truly invaluable. Serious buyers will recognize and appreciate the effort that goes into this. The price you pay now will ultimately reward you with the enviable health and happiness of your Havana Silk Havanese.
Do you offer puppies for sale to anyone who can afford them?
I have a strong ethical obligation to ensure that my dogs are placed in families and loving homes where they will be treated as cherished members of the family. Under no circumstances will I sell to brokers or research facilities.
Havanese dogs thrive on social interaction, play, and companionship. It is essential for their happiness that they receive plenty of company. If a Havanese does not have sufficient companionship, it can lead to depression and withdrawal, creating a negative experience for both the dog and the owner. Therefore, I kindly decline puppy deposits from individuals who intend to keep their Havanese outdoors or crated all day. It is my expectation that the puppy will have someone to spend time with during the day and receive loving care.
I kindly request that only those who can fully commit to the happiness and well-being of their dog, or have friends, family, or hired help available to provide adequate care, make a deposit. In the best interest of my dogs’ health and happiness, I reserve the right to return your deposit and refuse the sale of a puppy for any reason. It is my responsibility to ensure the welfare of these puppies, and I am their only advocate in this process.
Do you offer dogs specifically for breeding?
I would potentially contemplate it under extremely restricted circumstances for an exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable breeder.
What occurs if I am unable to keep my Havanese once it is in my care?
In the event that you find yourself unable to continue caring for your puppy or adult dog at any time in its life, return it to me. It is important to note that as part of the sales agreement, you are not permitted to resell the dog or surrender it to a rescue or shelter.
What kind of food should I feed my Havanese?
I strongly suggest embracing the principles of Natural Rearing, which encompass a raw diet. Feel free to explore the Links and Resources page for further information.
How do I socialize my Havanese?
During the first sixteen weeks of a puppy’s life, its development and lifelong behavior are greatly influenced. It is crucial to seize every opportunity to introduce your puppy to the world and expose it to various safe experiences, such as different people, environments, vehicles, machinery, children, well-behaved dogs, and other animals. While I initiate the pre-socialization process and expose the puppy to many of these stimuli before you bring it home, a responsible owner needs to continue this practice consistently, even when it may be inconvenient.
It is essential never to coerce your puppy into situations that make it feel overwhelmed or fearful. Distinguishing between disregarding general fear behavior (which we recommend) and forcing the puppy into an unprepared situation is crucial.
Should I socialize my puppy with adult dogs?
Playing with well-tempered adult dogs can significantly benefit puppies, as they receive valuable guidance and training through measured corrections.
Nevertheless, ensuring the adult dog’s temperament is appropriate is crucial. Steer clear of dog parks and unfamiliar dogs on the street, as an aggressive dog could potentially snap at your puppy, resulting in significant changes to their behavior. This negative experience may cause them to become timid when approaching and engaging with new dogs in the future.
How will my Havanese interact with children?
Havanese are affectionate companions who prioritize their bond with family members above all else. They excel as ideal family dogs, especially for children, as they possess a natural affinity for them. Nonetheless, it is vital to supervise playtime between young children and Havanese to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
I take great care in raising each puppy, ensuring they have ample interaction with children before they join your family.
Will my Havanese get along with my cat or older dog?
Having a playmate for your Havanese can bring them happiness, and the presence of an older dog can actually make training easier. It’s important to introduce the puppy gradually to the entire house to ensure that your cat or other dog doesn’t feel threatened by the new family member entering their territory.
It’s crucial to supervise playtime between your puppy and cats as a swipe from a cat’s claw can cause serious injury. Until your cat becomes used to the puppy, it’s recommended to provide a dedicated space in the house for your puppy and keep them there when not under supervision. In general, Havanese typically have strong compatibility with cats.
I ensure that every Havana Silk Havanese puppy has been exposed to older dogs, chickens, goats, other animals, and people of all ages.
Should I crate train my Havanese puppy?
Your Havanese puppy will already be familiar with sleeping in a crate during the night. I suggest using crates as they provide a secure and den-like space for your puppy to retreat to, and they are particularly useful for potty training purposes.
However, it’s vital to ensure that your puppy gets at least an hour or so of playtime for every 2-3 hours it spends alone in the crate during the day. The time spent in a crate should never become excessive. As your puppy grows older and can hold its bladder for more extended periods, there will be less need for daytime crating. However, you can leave it open for the puppy to have a place to retreat. Remember, your puppy should never be confined to the crate all day; it should live and interact with you.
How should I train my Havanese?
Starting training your Havanese early on is always a great idea. They belong to the smart breed category and thoroughly enjoy learning new tricks. Havanese dogs are motivated by rewards, particularly food rewards, so it is highly recommended to incorporate treat-based training. Without the inclusion of treat rewards, training may become more challenging and less enjoyable.
Emphasizing the advantages of positive reinforcement training with Havanese cannot be stressed enough. We firmly oppose forceful training methods as Havanese learn best when they feel safe to make mistakes without facing harsh corrections. Yanking or intimidating your dog can lead to permanent damage. It is advisable to avoid trainers who do not utilize treat rewards.
Ensuring that everyone in your family is aligned and consistent is essential. Refrain from rewarding any undesirable behavior, but remember to reward your puppy when they so anything correctly, like sit or come to you. Consistency is key, as mixed signals can confuse your pup. By maintaining consistency and avoiding mixed messages, you will make significant progress in fostering a happy and well-behaved Havanese.