Havanese Forum banner

Christmas puppy-need advice !

9K views 65 replies 30 participants last post by  Caroline 
#1 ·
hello everyone
I am new to this forum. After much research, we decided to get our 11 year old daughter a Havanese for Christmas. He is all black, and we are sooooo excited. This will be a gift from "Santa" ,so she will first see him Christmas morning,We will bring him home at exactly 12 weeks of age. I read the articles and advice, and it seems crate training is the way to go for long term results. I have never trained or owned a puppy before, and am a little worried that we don't know what we are doing! More specifically, what about those first couple of days when everyone wants to hold him ,etc all day ? I would hate to have to crate him up ! ---please help me with any advice you can give- I am all ears !
Also,any cute black dog names (besides Pepper) ?
thanks!
marie
 
#2 ·
Congrats!! Please please go get several puppy books and read the right away. Preparing yourself will save you so much grief. Not to mention, creating bad habits if you aren't prepared. Crate training or an x pen is a must for housebreaking! The puppy will need rest so make sure people aren't playing will him continuously. He needs a quiet place to get away. Make sure everyone is gentle with him and very slow movements will make for a calmer dog. Is the breeder socializing him and housebreaking? This is so important in the early stages. If not done, it can make life difficult for u.
Good luck! I'm responding from my phone so please excuse mistakes:)
 
#3 ·
I failed puppy 101 :) I couldn't stand to hear my puppy cry. I don't know if you ever had problems with your child wanting out of the crib or not wanting to take a nap . Puppy's will cry very loud when they don't want to be left in a create. Some breeders do a great job getting a puppy ready for their new home. I only lasted two nights with Maddie in her crate and even then she was right next to me in bed and I would fall asleep with my finger in the door. :) She would wake up and we went out side. I tried an x pin with the create for when I was gone. She climbed out and hurt herself. Then I just left her in a closed crate but came home to her having piddled in it.my gut just said I didn't want that habit to start so I expanded her area to my kitchen and nook area. I used a large painting that she couldn't climb up on. I was able to slide it along the floor to open and close the area. My Boy friend at the time said we lived in a kennel. We only went into the living room for short periods where I could totally watch her.
In my opinion I wouldn't start with piddle pads. Look into the litter box or the one with the grates.Uga something ? I now have two Havanese and my second was trained on washable pads. Well any throw rug to her is a washable pad:pound: My area I had for them also had a sliding glass door to a small patio area. The first winter I even put up a camping tarp so we could go out and not get wet. I used fake grass. When they went potty you get very excited and and say good girl or boy give a ton of parse. If they have an accident in your house that you caught in the act pick he or she up and bring them out side and say potty out side or what ever. You are not suppose to get mad or rub their nose in the accident. The key that I am still learning about training is positive reinforcement make training fun for the puppy lots of treats and love. The only time mine use their piddle pad now is when I'm not home. But like I said we still have accidents and they bark and don't walk nice on a leash. So I failed puppy training 101.
Names? Hum I like Charley or Buster
 
#4 ·
I was a 1st time dog owner with a havanese as well :) ...congrats! they are great dogs!! My advice is, really spend a lot of time learning how to read your puppy's behavior. I am so grateful that I got Bear during a time of the year that I could devote all of my time to him and I know how to read his cues very well. Books definitely help but knowing "your dog" is very telling as well. Also, enjoy this age! Granted, it can be a trying time, but it goes so quickly!!
 
#5 ·
Also, if DAVE GABBY doesn't respond, you might want to private message him. He has great articles he can send you. Ask him for puppy 101, socializing, separation anxiety and house breaking articles. I strongly suggest you read everything you can in the next few days. Puppies are not easy. They are like 2 year olds. If you are not prepared, you could be overwhelmed and create some awful habits that are hard to erase. I read 3 books cover to cover before getting mine and I still had a tough time. It paid off because now my 3 pups have very good manners, are housebroken, no issues with being alone, no aggression, biting or destroying things.
If there is one thing, please be careful as puppies chew everything. Pointsettas are poison to dogs. There are a lot of other things that are poisonous. You might want to look into them. Also, electrical cords can be deadly to a puppy if they chew them. They will chew everything they can get their mouths on. Get some bitter spray and spray everything and hide electrical cords. Make positive corrections, so the puppy knows what you expect. Good luck!
 
#6 · (Edited)
People have already given you good advice, but I would add a couple more things. First, Christmas is a very, VERY bad time to introduce a puppy to the home. Excitement is running high, people are distracted and there are WAY too many dangerous things for the puppy to get into. Puppies need a calm, stable, predictable environment to help them get used to their new home. If at all possible, ask the breeder if you can leave the pup there for one more week. Put a cute stuffed animal and some puppy supplies with a promissory note for the real thing under the tree. Your daughter will still be thrilled beyond reason, she will have the fun of helping you set things up properly for the puppy. You can spend the week help your daughter understand the needs of a brand new puppy, and what to expect. Then you can bring the puppy home into a calm, quiet situation where he or she is the center of attention for the first few days.

Remember, a puppy is a very small baby, and coming to a new home, even WITHOUT the Christmas overload is pretty overwhelming. Set things up for the best chance of success for you, your daughter AND the puppy. Puppies are not toys, and IMO, should not belong to a single person as a "gift". You are bringing a new family member into the household, and that new and vulnerable family member's best interests have to be taken into consideration too!

Finally, another thing that other people haven't mentioned is to get the puppy signed up for puppy kindergarten as soon as possible. Early socialization is TERRIBLY important for any dog, but ESPECIALLY for a dog meant to spend time with children. Puppy K is THE best way to give the pup lots of socialization in a safe, controlled environment. At the same time, you and your daughter will be learning to handle the problems that inevitably come up with a new puppy.

Oh! And have a wonderful time on your new adventure. With some proper planning and guidance, you and your daughter will enjoy your new dog's puppyhood without finding it an overwhelming challenge. :)
 
#9 ·
Finally, another thing that other people haven't mentioned is to get the puppy signed up for puppy kindergarten as soon as possible. Early socialization is TERRIBLY important for any dog, but ESPECIALLY for a dog meant to spend time with children. Puppy K is THE best way to give the pup lots of socialization in a safe, controlled environment. At the same time, you and your daughter will be learning to handle the problems that inevitably come up with a new puppy.
This! I started puppy classes approximately 4 days after bringing Marlowe home. I only wish I could have started sooner. It's so nice to have an expert on hand to help you and your pup communicate (ie when your pup needs a break from play for an enforced naptime). The first week with my puppy was very fun, but it was more exhausting (wake up at 3am to let the little guy pee?), overwhelming (puppy found another gap in your puppy proofing!), and frustrating (you turn your back and then there's a pee accident - totally your fault) than anything else. Only the second week did we get a routine and things starting to be exciting-fun > exciting-stressful. Puppies are adorable but a handful!
 
#8 ·
#10 ·
I think Karen gave you great advice. I, too, agree that Christmas day is NOT the right day to bring a new puppy into your house. It is much too hectic and the puppy will be overwhelmed. I'm actually surprised that the breeder consented to allowing you to do this. It does not sound like the best start for your new baby. Please wait and then enjoy. Congratulates to you and your family and welcome to the forum. That's my 2 cents!
 
#11 ·
congratulations on your new addition. Good advice above. Definitely recommend crate training. Great for housebreaking, but also nice to be able to go out and not worry about what the dog might be getting into. It's priceless when travelling as well.

As per names for a black dog:

ebony, cosmo, ember, espresso, licorice, inky, onyx, raven, shadow, ...

Remember, many havanese start out black but will silver and some even turn almost white. they are famous for changing color so don't choose too specific of a color name!

And lastly, don't forget to post some photos when you bring the new baby home.
 
#12 ·
Hi Marie, welcome to the forum! I have to agree that Christmas day is not a good time to introduce the puppy to the family & love Karen's suggestion. There will be plenty of excitement without the holiday involved, believe me! Puppies are overwelmed very easily and you want him to feel as safe and comfortable as possible. Training early is super important...I thought I could do a good job myself but a series of incidents with other dogs has caused Ozzie (already an extremely sensitive guy) to be fearful and a bit aggresive with other dogs and, sometimes people. Now I am paying a personal trainer and it is not cheap! Part of the the importance of training is teaching your family how to train, what to expect from your dog and timing (Very Important!) I'm sure your daughter will learn a lot! I think 11 is a great age, both of them can learn a lot from each other! Good luck what ever you decide to do but do post pictures please and let us know how it goes :)
 
#13 ·
I won't sell a puppy that will go between the week prior and the week after Christmas. I do let the family come pick out their puppy, take pictures and tell them to wrap up a lead, collar and toys, etc for the puppy. It's much better to bring a puppy home when things are nearer to normal. I think everybody else has given good advice so won't repeat. Glad to have you hear and do post alot of pictures.
 
This post has been deleted
#15 ·
Well, I agree that Christmas is a hectic time but disagree that you wait to give your daughter her puppy. What a wonderful Christmas morning surprise for her!
It shouldn't be about a wonderful surprise for a human family member... better that there is no surprise at all when the puppy arrives. Dogs and puppies easily pick up on a highly emotionally charged situation, whether it is positive or negative emotions. There will be enough excitement JUST over the puppy's arrival, without the "Christmas present" aspect.

The arrival of a puppy into a new family is enough upheaval for a small puppy, all on its own, without the added chaos of coming into a Christmas household, with all the REALLY puppy-unsafe things around at that point. Without close confinement, it is hard to keep a puppy safe and still in the same rooms the family is using at Christmas.

Do some people get away with it? Of course. But it is luck not planning, and it is NOT in the best interests of the animal.
 
#16 · (Edited)
thanks again for all of the advice everyone !
I wil have more questions in the future. I am still giving puppy to daughter for Christmas, but rest assured he will not be neglected. I also have my husband and 2 clean cut high school boys to help out. This entire family has been looking forward to a owning a dog for a long time, and please know that he will be in a loving ,stable home, even on Christmas : )
 
#17 ·
Please take lots of photos and video of your daughters face. I remember as a 12 year old when my parents surprised us with a dog. My father took me with him to the breeder to pick her up. I couldn't speak i was so happy. The breeder put that dog in my arms and I cried I was so happy. I wouldn't let her go! It is a moment I will never ever forget!
 
#18 ·
Congratulations on your new pup!Many years ago, well about 37 years ago my youngest sister received a Cocker Spaniel pup on Christmas day,and it was fantastic!There was no problem at all,every one was calm around him,and he got to have plenty of gentle attention,so it was good socialising for him.I think it all depends upon how hectic your day is going to be,and how many visitors you are having.So have a happy day!
 
#20 ·
hi !! so her eyes were as big as saucers and brimming with tears ! The "best gift and Christmas she has ever had" !
Would not trade that moment for anything : ). No name yet , but she likes Lincoln and Buttons----


I hope I upload pictures right ---
2 of my puppy, one of me last week , so you can put a face on a name : )
 

Attachments

#22 ·
OMG, that's awesome. The puppy is adorable and the two of you look so happy. How did you pull it off? Did you really keep him hidden until this morning? Best of luck to all of you. You're in for a great time. My little guy is almost 15 1/2 years old and his "brother" who is waiting for us on the Rainbow Bridge was 15 when we lost him last summer. They have both been a joy to live with. Keep the pictures coming.
 
#23 ·
Hi Mary
The breeder is an hour away , so I prepaid, picked him up in the afternoon, and then dropped him off at a friend's house who owns Pepper, a 3 year old Hav who looks just like mine & used same breeder. Then at midnight I went back to pick him up. I slept on the couch next to him all night, and he didnt whine bit :)
 
#27 ·
You know, I naturally cringe when I read someone is giving/getting a puppy for Christmas, because I know here in about 6 months, rescue organizations will be inundated with puppies that were given as gifts and people didnt really know what they were getting into, and a havanese, especially, will tend to attach to the main caretaker (most likely mom in this instance, since 11 year olds are quite busy these days with school and dance and sports and facebook and ipads and ipods and friends and sleepovers and on and on, and then mom realizes that it was alot more work and the kids who promised to help are nowhere to be found when the puppy pees on the floor, etc...I have 7 kids and none of mine seem to be available for those moments..lol

I just really hope the whole family is in it for the long haul, they do find a place in your heart and family quickly, if you let them.

I am opposed to crate training, and we survived just fine without it, you can housebreak them w/o having to cage them, you just have to limit the space until you can trust them, xpens are great for that.

Gucci slept in bed with us since day one and she's never peed in the bed, they really do tend to avoid doing that where they sleep and she's always nudged me awake by kisses or whining to take her out in the morning, never had a problem at night.

Congratulations on your puppy! He's very cute and your daughter looks ecstatic!

:welcome:

Kara
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top