No, Havanese do not bark a lot. The Havanese might be a toy breed, but this intelligent pup is surprisingly quiet compared to dogs of a similar size.
Although ready to sound the alarm when necessary or to make their opinion known, this laid-back pup rarely becomes a problem barker when cared for appropriately.
The Havanese
The Havanese is an easy-going breed that tends to bark only when necessary. For example:
- When someone is on your lawn.
- When visitors ring the doorbell
- When they need your attention
Even when Havanese bark, though, this breed quickly settles down when trained to do so because of their people-pleasing attitude.
Their attachment to their family also means that the Havanese will bark to warn away potential danger and protect their family.
Surprisingly, this small pup is quite as efficient as a guard dog as its vocalizations are unexpectedly deep and give the impression of a much larger dog.
Barking Problem and The Havanese
Although small, the Havanese breed requires plenty of exercise and regular companionship to be happy.
With these two things, most Havanese are content to watch the world go by, but without proper training and attention, the Havanese can become problem barkers.
What Is Problem Barking?
Problem barking can be any type of barking or vocalization that a dog makes that becomes an issue for those living in the surrounding area.
For example, a dog that hates being left alone may bark and howl all day until its owner gets home from work.
As you can imagine, problem barking can become a real nuisance to neighbors, but it also causes problems for the barking dog.
This type of barking is a sign of distress or need – in other words, unhappiness.
The key to tackling the problem barking in the Havanese is to get to the root of the problem.
For example, is your dog barking nonstop because they have separation anxiety?
Are they under-exercised and bored?
Once you know why your dog is problem barking, you can work towards a resolution that will make your pup feel more comfortable and stop them from upsetting your neighbors!
What Causes My Havanese Bark?
If you don’t know why your Havanese is a problem barking, begin by paying attention to when their barking becomes an issue.
For example, is it only when you leave the house?
Or perhaps it is only when they see the mailman.
Some of the more common reasons for problem barking in the Havanese include:
- Inadequate exercise
- Boredom
- Fear
- Anxiety/separation anxiety
- Small Dog Syndrome
Inadequate Exercise
Don’t let the Havanese fool you with their small stature because they have the energy to spare, and without an outlet for that energy, they start to get cabin fever.
If your dog is becoming a nuisance barker because they are not getting enough exercise, try taking them for a nice long walk so that it will fall fast asleep when they get home!
Boredom
If lack of exercise is not the cause of problem barking, an added walk a day will not hurt, but it also won’t stop your problem barker.
So, if your pup is still vocalizing, consider boredom to cause their behavior.
The Havanese are people-centered dogs and do not do well when left alone (especially if there is nothing to keep them busy.)
One solution to this problem is to purchase various interactive toys and even a treat system with a video camera so you can check in on your dog during the day.
Fear
Fear is another frequent cause of problem barking.
For example, if your dog is afraid of thunder and a storm rolls in, they will be frightened and search for a safe place to hide, but in the meantime, they may vocalize their fear in hopes that you will hear and come back.
One of the best ways to deal with fear-based problem barking is to work with a behaviorist who can help to desensitize your dog to the object of their fear.
Anxiety/Separation Anxiety
Like fear, separation anxiety can drive a Havanese to bark problematically.
One of the best solutions in this situation is to work with a behaviorist to help your dog overcome their fears so that they no longer feel compelled to bark.
Small Dog Syndrome
The Havanese may not be small and yappy toy dog toy dogs, but they can still suffer from small dog syndrome.
Small dog syndrome is when small dogs get so coddled by their owners that they begin to feel they are in charge of the relationship.
For example, a dog that is always catered to when they bark knows that you will respond to their bark, and so, they continue to bark when you are at work because they believe that you will come running.
It would help if you only tackled the problem of barking caused by small dog syndrome with the help of an experienced animal trainer.
However, you can help yourself by treating your small dog the same way you would treat a big dog!
- Don’t carry your dog everywhere!
- Don’t allow your dog to demand attention by barking.
- Don’t treat your dog like a prince or princess!
Of course, it is not a problem to love and sometimes spoil your pup, but when that happens too often, know that you are creating a monster!
Conclusion
The Havanese breed is not the stereotypical “yappy dog” that comes to mind when you imagine toy breeds.
This silky-coated pup barks when expected, but once the fanfare is over, they are happy to settle down.
When the Havanese becomes a problem barker, though, it is almost always the result of insufficient exercise, boredom, fear, anxiety/separation anxiety, and “Small dog syndrome.
