Frequently Asked Questions
1) How often do I feed my new puppy? For the first 3-4 weeks feed them all the time! Your new puppy will be weaned from Mom and eating solid food before he goes home with you around 8 weeks old. If you can't leave food out for him the firs 6 months of life then at least feed him 3 times per day. Little puppies can get low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) fairly easily. And always have fresh water available. I send you home with how-to instructions to continue house-training.
2) What do I feed her? I like "Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul", "Solid Gold Wee Bit", "Halo Spot's Stew" and "Blue Grain-Free." All puppy food dry kibble. They are holistic, no preservatives, have small kibble for their small mouths but big enough to keep their teeth clean! I also have found "Greenies" (Teeny Weeny size) to be their favorite teeth and breath cleaner. That's especially important for little dogs. These are available at most PetSmart or PetCo stores. Feed Puppy food for the first entire year! Then you can switch to adult dog food. READ the ingredients in your dog food!! Your Havanese needs to stay away from corn and corn meal. Corn gives them dry skin and dull coat. Here's a photo of the puppy foods I feed your babies (and mine). I mix them all together so that they are accustomed to all of these foods. You can go to the store and pick one. Your puppy is already eating it so that you don't have to mix to help their tummies to adjust. I've already done that for you.
Here are the foods I suggest feeding your puppy. These are what I feed all of my dogs and puppies.
1) How often do I feed my new puppy? For the first 3-4 weeks feed them all the time! Your new puppy will be weaned from Mom and eating solid food before he goes home with you around 8 weeks old. If you can't leave food out for him the firs 6 months of life then at least feed him 3 times per day. Little puppies can get low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) fairly easily. And always have fresh water available. I send you home with how-to instructions to continue house-training.
2) What do I feed her? I like "Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul", "Solid Gold Wee Bit", "Halo Spot's Stew" and "Blue Grain-Free." All puppy food dry kibble. They are holistic, no preservatives, have small kibble for their small mouths but big enough to keep their teeth clean! I also have found "Greenies" (Teeny Weeny size) to be their favorite teeth and breath cleaner. That's especially important for little dogs. These are available at most PetSmart or PetCo stores. Feed Puppy food for the first entire year! Then you can switch to adult dog food. READ the ingredients in your dog food!! Your Havanese needs to stay away from corn and corn meal. Corn gives them dry skin and dull coat. Here's a photo of the puppy foods I feed your babies (and mine). I mix them all together so that they are accustomed to all of these foods. You can go to the store and pick one. Your puppy is already eating it so that you don't have to mix to help their tummies to adjust. I've already done that for you.
Here are the foods I suggest feeding your puppy. These are what I feed all of my dogs and puppies.
3) Is shipping available? Yes, but there are additional charges. Usually about $450-650. I usually ship using Delta Pet First but will often try to find the shortest, most direct flight. Many times you can buy a roundtrip ticket and get your puppy in person for less money than shipping! I'll meet you at the airport with your paperwork and your puppy. You just bring a soft-sided crate.
4) Are there special instructions if my puppy flies? YES! If I am shipping your new puppy, be sure to google directions Air Cargo, usually a different location than the baggage claim in the regular airport. Take Activia Vanilla Yogurt - REGULAR, not "lite". Give puppy 2-3 teaspoons every 20 minutes the first 3 hours. This gets their blood sugar regulated. Also, take a warm rotisserie chicken with you. Give them several bites along with some water. Bring a water bowl and some water. Let them use the bathroom. Take towels and baby wipes with you in case of messes on the plane. Bring a leash & collar to walk your new puppy. The first 3 days feed puppy several times a day mixing the Chicken with dry puppy food and canned food, again I like the natural puppy foods listed above. Shipping cost averages about $375. I will not ship if layovers or long quarantine periods are involved. In that case you may fly here, I'll meet you at the airport, you buy 2 tickets next to each other for the flight back and keep your puppy with you. Or you may keep puppy in her soft-sided carry on crate underneath your seat and just have the 1 return flight ticket. I do not charge for coming to the airport to meet you.
5) Will I meet you to pick up your puppy? Yes. I have to charge $100 for gas for up to 100 miles. Farther distances cost more but I am available to schedule hand delivery for approximately $1 per mile to your house (one way). I have over 15 years experience transporting animals in my vehicle. I ensure your fur baby is handled with tender loving care and is made to feel relaxed, loved, and comfortable. I'm located just north of Clearwater near the Gulf of Mexico.
6) How do I house train? All the time! Take puppy out every 45 minutes or so. If you see them drink a lot of water, take them out to the grass 5 minutes later AND GIVE HIM TIME TO do his business. I say the word "business, business, business" over and over as he does number 1 & 2. It helps to train him to do his "business" on command, very handy if traveling. Some people get up in the night to take puppy outside for a bathroom break. If you do this, he can sleep in his crate on the first night with the crate door closed. If you are not a night-time warrior and sleep is very precious then I suggest a set-up like the picture below just until he is about 5 months old. After 5-6 months old, depending on the breed size, they are usually able to hold their bladder all night in the crate with the door closed. See Potty Training page for in depth how-to's.
4) Are there special instructions if my puppy flies? YES! If I am shipping your new puppy, be sure to google directions Air Cargo, usually a different location than the baggage claim in the regular airport. Take Activia Vanilla Yogurt - REGULAR, not "lite". Give puppy 2-3 teaspoons every 20 minutes the first 3 hours. This gets their blood sugar regulated. Also, take a warm rotisserie chicken with you. Give them several bites along with some water. Bring a water bowl and some water. Let them use the bathroom. Take towels and baby wipes with you in case of messes on the plane. Bring a leash & collar to walk your new puppy. The first 3 days feed puppy several times a day mixing the Chicken with dry puppy food and canned food, again I like the natural puppy foods listed above. Shipping cost averages about $375. I will not ship if layovers or long quarantine periods are involved. In that case you may fly here, I'll meet you at the airport, you buy 2 tickets next to each other for the flight back and keep your puppy with you. Or you may keep puppy in her soft-sided carry on crate underneath your seat and just have the 1 return flight ticket. I do not charge for coming to the airport to meet you.
5) Will I meet you to pick up your puppy? Yes. I have to charge $100 for gas for up to 100 miles. Farther distances cost more but I am available to schedule hand delivery for approximately $1 per mile to your house (one way). I have over 15 years experience transporting animals in my vehicle. I ensure your fur baby is handled with tender loving care and is made to feel relaxed, loved, and comfortable. I'm located just north of Clearwater near the Gulf of Mexico.
6) How do I house train? All the time! Take puppy out every 45 minutes or so. If you see them drink a lot of water, take them out to the grass 5 minutes later AND GIVE HIM TIME TO do his business. I say the word "business, business, business" over and over as he does number 1 & 2. It helps to train him to do his "business" on command, very handy if traveling. Some people get up in the night to take puppy outside for a bathroom break. If you do this, he can sleep in his crate on the first night with the crate door closed. If you are not a night-time warrior and sleep is very precious then I suggest a set-up like the picture below just until he is about 5 months old. After 5-6 months old, depending on the breed size, they are usually able to hold their bladder all night in the crate with the door closed. See Potty Training page for in depth how-to's.
7) How do I groom my Havanese? Below you will find ideas for Resources to some great grooming products. I suggest brushing from the underside up, parting sections of the flanks as you work your way up. Use one of the de-tanglers or grooming mists sold on either of the grooming sites. I keep a brush by their crates to brush at night before they go to sleep. I also keep one in the end table drawer to brush while we watch TV. Brushing long hair breeds at least twice a week is sufficient IF you brush thoroughly. If you can't brush at least twice a week then I suggest a short hair cut by a professional groomer. I like the "Teddy Bear" cut, it's just a little longer than a "Puppy Cut" but still quite manageable and SO CUTE!
8) What is the difference between "Limited" and "Full" Registration with AKC (American Kennel Club)? Basically, Limited does not include "breeding rights" or AKC "conformation" dog show-ring eligibility whereas "Full" registration does include these. However, with "Limited" AKC registration, a Havanese owner is still able to participate in ALL other AKC dog show events, i.e. agility, obedience, rally, canine good citizen. These competitions are where the FUN is! The pricing difference is an additional $650.00 per dog for Full AKC Registration, either Male or Female. For more information regarding "Limited Registration" vs. "Full Registration" please see AKC.org.
9) How do I accept payment? Cash, Venmo, Zelle are the only acceptable forms of payment.
The Dog Whisperer - Caesar Milan
It's Me Or The Dog - Victoria Stillwell
Grooming Products - Chris Christenson
More Grooming Products - Isle of Dogs
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program
And don't forget your own Veterinarian is a great resource for you and your new puppy!