The Cooking Dish

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts & Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Dinner
    • Sides
  • Blog
    • Food & Cooking
    • Chris in Real Life
    • Lifestyle
    • Reviews
    • Travel
    • Blogging & Tech
  • Essentials
  • Contact

Havanese Puppy Shopping List

November 11, 2016 by Chris Mower 22 Comments

Share47
Tweet
Pin498
Yum
Reddit

These past few months have been crazy at our house. Among the trips (Florida, I love you) and general shenanigans that summer and fall bring, we also purchased a fluffy little, black and white Havanese puppy dog. And oh, how life has changed.

The good news is that raising a dog is much easier than raising a kid. If you can survive the first few days and weeks, and with proper training, you’re good to go. We were lucky enough that ours never whines in the night. Not on day one. Not ever.

Jump to Reading with List

Just Shop, Don’t Read

Here’s an Instagram picture of the little dude:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Mower | The Cooking Dish (@thecookingdish)

Don’t let his cute little fuzzy face fool you. The guy’s a real rascal—which means he’s a perfect family fit. We spent months reading and researching dog breeds and narrowed it down to two: Yorkshire Terrier and Havanese. We decided on the Havanese because it seemed they barked less than a Yorkie. (A Yorkie pup still tempts me! Dearest, are you reading this?)

We named him Bumi (Boomy) after a character in Avatar the Last Airbender. It’s one of our favorite animated series and the temperament fit. (Pro Tip: Never mention the M. Night Shyamalan movie. Ever. Boo!)

We’ve loved him. He’s mischievous, playful, sweet, and he loves people. Maybe a little too much. I suppose now is a good time to apologize to all guests he’s tried to hump. Please come back and visit us.

As dog owners know, we can talk about our little fur babies all day long, so I’ll stop now. Let’s buckle down and proceed with the real reason you’re reading this article.

What to Buy Your Havanese Puppy

We’ve never owned a dog before, let alone a small one like a Havanese. We were not sure what to buy. We couldn’t find a shopping list that seemed to make sense. When we asked what people purchased, we received general answers: “a leash,” “a collar,” “a crate.”

Unfortunately, we also wasted money buying gear that wasn’t a good fit, or didn’t work for a new miniature dog.

This isn’t a definitive list; rather, use it as a guide. Maybe you can avoid some of our purchasing mistakes. Please, if you have product suggestions, comments, or ideas, add them to the list via the comments section below.

Disclaimers

Under blogging laws and yaddi-yadda, I have to add a disclaimer section, so here’s that:

Disclaimer 1: As an Amazon affiliate, I am compensated for qualifying purchases. In other words, all product links are affiliate links, and may put a few pennies into my “Buy Booms a Special Treat” doggy fund.

Disclaimer 2: We’re first-time dog owners; I also tend to research things to a fault. I’m not claiming expertise in this area, and you are responsible for your own pet. If something on this list isn’t a good fit for your pet, don’t buy it.

Disclaimer 3: I am shamelessly adding pictures of my puppy Bumi throughout this post. Most of them will show how we use the products mentioned below.

havanese-puppy-in-pen

Possible Issues

Here are a few of the issues that you’re going to run into when purchasing puppy supplies:

  1. Your pup grows fast, so you may end up buying double.
  2. You will replace things sooner than you think or would like.
  3. Not every puppy is the same, so be adaptable.
  4. Some toys are too big, others too small.
  5. Not all dogs chew the same; some nibble, others really go at it.
  6. Solve a lot problems by measuring your Havanese first. (How to Measure Your Dog)

Let’s start with the basics and go from there.

Dog Collars

A Havanese puppy has a small neck, which makes finding a small enough collar difficult. We purchased a cat collar at our local pet store for weeks 9-13 because we couldn’t find a dog collar small enough. If you want a collar during those weeks, find one that’s 6″ – 9″, and 3/8″ thick. (Again, measure first!)

Your puppy doesn’t need a collar until the moment you decide to let him outside. Considering that his first few weeks at home will be in a pen, you could wait.

When measuring your dog’s neck, if you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, use a string and then measure the string against a hard ruler. Leave enough room that two fingers can fit underneath the collar without force. Leave too much room, and it will slip over their head or catch their lower jaw.

  • Dog collar recommendation: Pawtitas Reflective Dog Collar
  • Dog collar recommendation 2: Blueberry Pet Essentials Dog Collar

Three other things to consider with the collar:

  1. The thinner the collar, the less likely it is to mat your dog’s hair. Go for 3/8″ wide if possible.
  2. If you like leather, consider a rolled leather dog collar to prevent mats. I prefer the nylon or cloth collars because I can throw them in the wash when they get dirty.
  3. Colorful dog collar colors, particularly pinks and reds, can sometimes stain white hair when wet. You can always hand wash a dog collar with dog shampoo before your puppy wears it.

Dog Tags

It’s fun shopping for dog tags. Find one that suites your taste, and your dog’s personality. If you buy from your local pet store, they often have free engraving on site. Vets also sell dog tags, as do other online merchants.

Once you factor in engraving and shipping costs, buying locally can be less expensive.

  • Dog Tag Recommendation: Stainless Steel Pet ID
  • Dog Tag Recommendation 2: Silent Pet Tag

Havanese Dog Harnesses

Finding a dog harness that’s small enough to fit a puppy is also challenging. We wasted money on a couple before finding one that fit. Why a harness, you ask? Smaller dog breeds and puppies are known for having sensitive throats, and trying to teach a Havanese to walk using a collar can cause issues with their trachea (not guaranteed, be gentle!).

We did not find a harness that would fit Bumi until he was 14 weeks old. So, chances are this is something that you can wait to buy this until your doggo is 14 weeks – 4 months old. Before buying any harness, just be sure to measure. Some dogs respond to certain types of harnesses better than others.

Measure your dog’s girth around the chest (just behind the front legs) to determine what harness size to buy.

  • Recommended harness for getting started: Soft Mesh Comfy Step Dog Vest
  • Recommended harness 2: Pawtitas Pet Training Harness

Dog Leashes & Leads

Leashes and leads are two different things. Use a leash when training your puppy to walk and keep it close to you. Use a lead for “free rein” time, where you let the puppy explore by itself and wander around. Leads are also used in distance training exercises. Leads can be as short or as long as you need.

Havanese Puppy on a 30-foot Paracord Lead

Don’t use your leash for a lead, as it’s dragged through the dirt a lot. Keep your walking leash separate and clean if you can.

You’d think that any sort of leash or lead would work. Not so. We discovered some interesting things when it came to choosing and using them.

Choose a lightweight leash. The lighter it is, the easier it will be for your Havanese to explore and walk around while you hold it. We started with a medium-weight one, and it pulled our puppy’s head down. We had to buy another, lighter one for the first while.

  • Recommended leash, 8-24 weeks, (~5/8″ wide): Simple Reflective Nylon Leash
  • Recommended leash (if you want an upgrade), 25+ weeks: Strong dog leash with padded handle – be sure to buy the size rated for your dog’s weight.
  • All Purpose leash at any time (love and hate these): Tug 360 Tangle-Free Retractable Leash (Size Small)

As your dog ages and grows, you may also consider an alternate Flexi Retractable Leash or a Soft Touch leather braided leash, but this isn’t necessary for puppies.

  1. Recommended lead: 50-100 foot Hi Kiss Training Lead
  2. Recommended lead 2: Do it Yourself, it’s super easy. (see below).

Do-it-Yourself Dog Lead

I had some extra paracord laying around the house, so I made my own. If you’re a DIYer, it’s not hard. The most comfortable rope is 1/4″ thick, but if you have longer rope, it’s best to go lighter. I made multiple 100′ leads this way and they were awesome.

Use a 50+ foot nylon cord (like paracord or something thicker), and a swivel eye bolt hook.

  1. Cut the cord or rope to the length you want, and melt the ends with a lighter so that it doesn’t fray. (Caution! HOT HOT HOT!)
  2. Tie the cord to the hook using a hangman’s knot.* (Be sure to put the hook on the cord before starting the knot.)** If you’re using thicker rope, consider whipping the end.
  3. There’s no need to form any sort of loop in the trailing end of the lead.
  4. Now you can hook the lead to your dog’s collar or harness.

* Importantisimo! Do not tie a hangman’s knot around any part of your dog. It’s a forever-tightening knot and isn’t easy to remove once tight. You could seriously injure or fatally wound your dog if you do. Only use it to connect the hook to the rope.

** I chose to use a Hangman’s knot for two reasons: 1) it’s easy and doesn’t accidentally untie, and 2) it creates a thicker, reinforced part of the rope right where a doggy likes to chew on its lead.

Havanese Dog Food

Until your Havanese puppy turns one, feed him (or her) puppy food. Quality puppy chow has added nutrients and vitamins that strengthen your puppy’s system and helps him to grow.

Bumi’s breeders started him on whatever it is they sell at Costco. We don’t have a Costco membership, so we used the Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Food kibble for a few weeks, as it’s said to be similar. (Again, I don’t have Costco, so I can’t verify that.)

Eukanuba seemed decent enough, but after some extended comparisons with other foods, I concluded that it was too expensive and only slightly more healthy than most other brands, but if your wallet is okay, maybe spring for it!

I decided to order a more wholistic dog food made by Fromm. Bumi transitioned to it without any issues and continues to enjoy the taste. Now that he’s been eating it for a while, he’s leaner, more fit, his breath smelled better, and his coat is shinier.

  • Recommended Havanese Puppy Food: Fromm Puppy Gold Premium Dry Dog Food - Dry Puppy Food for Medium & Small Breeds - Chicken Recipe - 15 lb*
  • Recommended Puppy Food 2: Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dog Food

Avoid food by Purina and other mass-produced dog foods. Their food ranks among the least healthy dog food, and it’s akin to feeding your puppy Captain Crunch for every meal. Sure, they’ll get full, but there are far more nutritious options on the market.

As a side note, We’ve been thinking about feeding Bumi a raw diet, but I’ve gotta’ be honest, it smells like bunk and it’s expensive. I’m not sure my sniffer or wallet can handle it. We have also considered just cooking up a healthy balanced diet for him, but the thought of cooking multiple meals at dinner doesn’t sit too well with me right now.

Food and Water Bowls

As for dishes, about anything will work as long as it doesn’t have lead in it. As a general rule of thumb, if it’s safe for a human to eat on or with, it’s safe for your puppy. We went with straight-edged, heavier bowls so that they stay upright.

  • My absolute favorite: The Neater Feeder (upgraded to a deluxe after Bumi was full-grown).
  • Recommended food and water bowls: Anti-Slip Stainless Dog Bowls – you only need the smallest ones
  • Recommended placemat (if you need spill protection): Waterproof, Nonslip Dog Feeding Mat

* It takes 1-2 weeks to switch your puppy to a new dog food. Start mixing the new food in with the old until he’s transitioned to the new. If you move too fast, you risk giving your puppy explosive, gooey diarrhea or other tummy issues—eeeewwww!

Havanese Dog Treats

Find treats with the least amount of sugars, wheat, and filler content. We like the chewier treats for simple training and biscuit-like ones for crate training.

You don’t have to buy treats. Shred some boiled chicken breast, cut up some pre-cooked ham, or even use hot dogs for training if you’re on a budget. As with you, the fewer preservatives, additives, and salts you give your dog, the better.

Here are a few commercial ones that we have loved so far:

  • Jerky, which we cut up into smaller bits: Rocco & Roxie Gourmet Jerky Dog Treats
  • Training Rewards: Pet Botanics Training Reward
  • Bit-size treats: Zuke's Puppy Naturals
  • Inexpensive & Quintessential: Milk-Bone Flavored Snacks – there’s a reason these have near perfect ratings… dog’s just love them.
  • Gourmet Biscuit-ish: Fruitables Skinny Minis – comes in multiple flavors

Something else that is easy to do, and that most dogs love, is to use frozen (or just chilled) watermelon pieces, or cutting sweet potatoes into thin slices and baking them on low heat until they’ve dried out a bit.

Crates for Havanese

Your crate choices are flexible. We found that a plastic crate can become a chew toy, which of course, ruins it. Too small a crate and your dog acts like it’s in the bitterest throws of its life. Too large of one, and it might use one end of it as a potty. That’s no bueno.

Havanese Puppy in front of crate

A plastic crate has less internal space because of the diagonal walls, lets in less light, is easier to chew, and takes up more space if traveling with it. I like the doors on plastic crates better, and I also like the color varieties.

Metal crates let in more light, are roomier, a little heavier, let you attach things almost anywhere, and can collapse for travel. They also look nicer.

We started with a plastic crate about 18″ x 10″ x 12″ (not sure of exact dimensions) and our dog hated it. He felt stuffy and crowded, so we upgraded to a 21″ metal crate. He still didn’t like it and whined about the size. We then purchased a 24″ double-door, and to this day he loves it. We like it too.

From my research, I found that most Havanese owners use a 21″ crate until their dogs are full grown. Your dog will let you know. Most dogs also like a “den-like” experience, and so covering the crate with a small blanket or crate-cover can add a nice atmospheric, and comforting touch.

  • Recommended Crate: 22 or 24-inch Midwest iCrate
  • Recommended Crate Mat: Reversible Paw Print / Fleece Pet
  • Recommended Dog Bed (this also fits in the crate): K&H Manufacturing Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper
  • Recommended Crate Cover: HiCaptain Polyester Cover

Playpens

Playpens come in all sorts of sizes and materials. Havanese love climbing, and many new puppies learn to climb out of their pens (even up to 4-feet tall!) soon after arriving in their new homes. The little smarty pants. A plastic pen’s smaller grid make it easier to climb on.

Before buying a playpen, ask a few questions:

  1. Does it have enough room to use a potty pad?
  2. Will the puppy be using a potty pad, or will outside potty training begin immediately?
  3. What surface will it be on?
  4. Does it match your house? (If you care about that sort of thing, we do.)
  5. Do you need a playpen?

Playpens are helpful if you want a place to play with your puppy without the fear of it escaping. They’re also helpful to keep your puppy from feeling overwhelmed when introducing it to a new environment and as they’re learning about their bowels.

Playpen for a Havanese Puppy
Outdoor playpen for a Havanese
  • Recommended Open Air Pen: MidWest Exercise Pen, 30″ minimum height with door
  • Recommended Enclosed Pen: ESK COLLECTION Puppy Dog Playpen Exercise Pen Kennel (Perfect for outdoors and camping!)

Dog Toys for Havanese

Your puppy is still a baby, taking in its surroundings and figuring out its senses. Dogs use their mouth to feel around and explore their environment. Help a doggy out by providing her (or him) with some different surfaces to chew on. When redirecting chewing, having surface varieties is helpful.

You can make toys at home, or you can buy some from the store.

Havanese Puppy in a Dog Bed with Toys

I’ve learned over the past 6 months that toys are controversial. What is safe for one dog is not safe for another. No matter which toy you choose, please be responsible and pay attention to how your dog plays with it. If he is chewing pieces off of it that he shouldn’t, remove the toy and try another one. Some times are made for more aggressive chewers.

Something you’ll need to understand is that there is a high probability your dog will go through more toys than you think; they certainly don’t understand the concept of value. Here are some toys that we’ve had success with:

  • Chuckit! Ultra Ball (small for starters)
  • Tough Plush Dog Toy
  • Mammoth Flossy Chews Monkey Fist Bar, small (up to 24″ works fine, but after that is too heavy)
  • KONG Puppy Kong, start with small, upgrade to medium if needed. We liked to put milk-bones and peanut butter in the middle as a reward.

Dogs, like people, have their own personalities. Watch and learn from them until you can find and buy them the best-matched toys!

Rawhide and other toys and chews that splinter and cause damage to their digestive system (and that can clog your dog’s anal glands) are not considered safe. The Humane Society has a descriptive article on how to pick the best and safest chew toys.

Make your Own Dog Chew Toy

  • Throw a sock over an empty water bottle, tie a knot to keep it in. Want it to rattle? Add dried beans or peas.
  • Cut out a pocket or a longer strip from an old pair of jeans.
  • Use a small length of old rope, tie some knots in it.
  • Tie a knot in an old kitchen towel (one of our dog’s favorites)
  • Use a sole from an old shoe.
  • Avoid toys that break apart or chip when chewed.

Traveling with a Havanese

Havanese Puppy in Car Seat and Harness

One reason we purchased a Havanese puppy is so that we could travel and take him along for the ride. Ours loves traveling, and we’re looking forward to taking more trips with him. We have three different setups for car travels: 1) a doggy car seat in our van, 2) a seatbelt clip in our car, and 3) when no seat is available, a carabiner to hook his harness to the seat belt while he sits on a lap.

These solutions all work from ages 10 weeks to 15 years. Choose one, or all three.

Traveling with a puppy in your car

  • Option 1, A Car Seat: K&H Manufacturing Bucket Booster Pet Seat, Small or Kurgo Skybox Dog Booster Seat are both great options.
  • Option 2, a seat belt with clip: Vastar Adjustable Pet Vehicle Seat Belt
  • Option 3, for if pups is on your lap: Use a strong carabiner in combination with a seat belt clip.
  • For all options, make sure to use a harness (not a collar) for safety!

Traveling with a puppy in an airplane

The Havanese breed is suitable for airline travel, and with proper gear, they fit under an airline seat. (I think it costs about $100 one way to take your dog on board.)

Sherpa makes the best bags, and it’s worth the extra dough for it. You should avoid traveling with your puppy until he’s completely vaccinated, so you’ll only need this for special use.

  • Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier, Medium

Grooming your Havanese & Hygiene

Havanese are hairy dogs. It doesn’t take long for them to turn into walking puff balls. (It’s hilarious when only their legs are wet and the rest of them is still poofy.)

Make no mistake, the longer the hair, the more upkeep needed. Here are some tools that have worked for us, and that we would recommend.

  • Recommended brush: Two-sided pin-brush
  • Recommended Comb: Homdox Pet Grooming Comb Stainless Steel Lightweight (great for getting out eye boogers)
  • Recommended Shampoo: OxGord Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner 100% Natural or Tropiclean Hypo Allergenic Pet Shampoo
  • Recommended towel: Any towel will do, but the DII Bone Dry Microfiber Towel is extra special.

As strange as it sounds, you should also consider brushing your dog’s teeth. We do for two primary reasons: 1) like humans, their teeth rot, and 2) it keeps their breath from smelling. Also, it can be cute and fun.

  • Recommended toothbrush: Pet Republique Dental Hygiene Brushes
  • Recommended toothpaste: SENTRY Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs

What about nail clippers? Your Havanese puppy’s nails are soft enough that you can use regular nail clippers on them. There’s no need for expensive dog nail trimmers. Just be careful so that you’re not cutting into the quick (the inner pink part of the nail).

Make grooming time fun with plenty of yummy treats!

Havanese Puppy Taking a Bath
Havanese Puppy in a Bath Towel
Havanese Puppy after a Bath

Havanese Potty Training

Potty training advice is everywhere, and I’m sure you can find really good advice all over YouTube and other dog training sites. I’ll explain what we did, and then you can make your decision from there.

When your puppy first comes home, start if off with a small living space where it can adjust to its new surroundings.

We laid a waterproof tarp on our floor, and then placed the playpen on top of it. We placed the edges against a corner wall so we could get more space out of it. Our puppy could not scratch or bite through the heavy duty tarp.

We then put his crate, water, and food dishes in one corner, and the potty pad in another. When puppy had an accident, it cleaned up easily. An excellent urine cleaner is a must have.

The Havanese breed (all dogs maybe?) prefer to poop and pee as far away from their beds as possible, so do your best to separate the two by distance.

  • Recommended tarp: Super Heavy Duty Tarp
  • Recommended pen: MidWest Exercise Pen
  • Recommended potty pads: All-Absorb Training Pads
  • Recommended potty pad holder: Dogit Training Pad Holder
  • Recommended crate: 22″ or 24″ Midwest iCrate
  • Recommended urine and crap remover: Pet Stain & Odor Miracle

Once your puppy is ready to venture out into larger areas, or even pee outside, you can train him to ring a bell to let you know it’s potty time.

  • Recommended potty bell: Mighty Tinkle Bell
  • Recommended doggy bags: Pogi’s Earth-Friendly Poop Bags

Give your puppy plenty of praise and rewards for potty-time. We used his favorite and best treats for potty training. Remember that your puppy is already stressed enough with a new environment and learning the potty ropes, punishing him for an accident will only make him more stressed. Positive feedback is always best.

Havanese Training & Puppy Socialization

After weeks of research, I decided to subscribe to The Online Dog Trainer. It’s been awesome, and Doggy Dan knows his stuff. Included with your subscription is over two hundred live training videos, a forum where you can ask Doggy Dan questions, and more. So far, it’s been 100% worth it.

Subscribing to his training website may be the most valuable thing you can do besides socialization. Take the time to start training the right way, and it will save you time, resources, and frustration down the road.

  • Recommended Online Training Program: Go to The Online Dog Trainer (With this link, you can start for free!)
  • Recommended In-Person Training: Try to find a local chapter of the AKC Training Club
Doggy Dan Online Dog Training free classes

As awesome as Doggy Dan is, your puppy will still need socialization starting around 13 weeks. The American Kennel Club has official clubs around the nation. Here in Utah, there’s one in West Jordan called the Great Salt Lake Dog Training Club. This is where we took Booms, and they were great. Your puppy gets both training and socialization, which helps balance your pup’s temperament and behaviors around other people and dogs.

Havanese Puppy Pet Insurance

If you purchased from a reputable breeder and also performed a post-purchase vet visit, you should know your puppy’s health. If you insure now while there are no pre-existing conditions, you will find the best rate and coverage.

After researching, we decided to enroll with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. All pet insurance companies had some bad reviews online (nature of the business), but Healthy Paws had far more positive reviews than any other. They are also affordable and their claim submission process is easy.

I have called and emailed a few times, and have always received a response within a reasonable time frame. I’m happy with this choice, and I’m sure you will be too.

  • Recommended Pet Insurance: Healthy Paws (Use link for 10% off monthly rate forever.)

The alternative to health insurance is to put a little money aside each month for pet medical emergencies. Some claim that this is less expensive in the long run if you have a healthy Havanese.

Havanese Puppy Vaccinations

Ask your dog’s breeder and veterinarian for advice in this area. Most breeders will start your puppy’s vaccinations before you can pick them up.

The American Kennel Club has a comprehensive vaccinations guide you can use to inform yourself: First-Year Puppy Shots; A Complete Guide.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this list helpful. As a first-time dog owner, it shocked me to know how much I needed to buy—not as much as your first kid, but still more than I expected.

Even with the added expenditures, the adventure has been worth it. I’m allergic to cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. Luckily the Havanese breed is hypoallergenic, and so far, I can be around him. The only exception is when he licks my face, it’s cute but ends with me sneezing for the next hour.

I never considered myself a dog person, but now that I have one, it’s wonderful. The gear I’ve listed above has helped make our experience enjoyable. If needed, take some time to do your own research and buy (or not) the equipment that will make worth owning a dog worth it to you.

Best wishes!

Havanese Puppy Hiding Under Couch
Havanese Puppy on Pillow

Just Shop, No Time to Read!

If you don’t want to read through the article, or just want a quick reference to all the products referenced, here you go! If you’d like an explanation as to why these items are on the list, pop up into the article and find the section header relevant to the item.

Preview Product Price
Clover 'Shiro Tape Measure Clover "Shiro Tape Measure Buy on Amazon
Pawtitas Reflective Dog Collar Adjustable Dog Collars for Small Dogs Puppy Collar Extra Small Dog Collar Red Dog Collar Pawtitas Reflective Dog Collar Adjustable Dog Collars for Small Dogs Puppy Collar Extra Small Dog... Buy on Amazon
Blueberry Pet X-Small Dog Collar | Girl Dog Collars | Female Dog Collar XS | Quick Release Dog Collar | French Pink Nylon Dog Collar for Girl, Collar for Small Dogs Blueberry Pet X-Small Dog Collar | Girl Dog Collars | Female Dog Collar XS | Quick Release Dog... $9.99 Buy on Amazon
BRONZEDOG Rolled Leather Dog Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs with QR ID Tag (XS: 9-11 Inch, Coffee Brown) BRONZEDOG Rolled Leather Dog Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs with QR ID Tag (XS: 9-11 Inch,... $12.99 Buy on Amazon
TV1 TV1 Buy on Amazon
SiliDog - The Original Silicone Silent Dog Tag - Personalized Engraved Soundless Pet ID - As Seen On Shark Tank - Durable - Never Fades - Bone - Blue SiliDog - The Original Silicone Silent Dog Tag - Personalized Engraved Soundless Pet ID - As Seen On... $19.99 Buy on Amazon
Snazzi Pet Teacup Dog Harness - XXS Dog Harness - Soft Mesh Step in Dog harness No Pull - Adjustable dog harness - dog harness small size dog 2-25 lbs Mini, Toy Yorkie (Black, SM 12.5'-13.5' 5-6.5 lb) Snazzi Pet Teacup Dog Harness - XXS Dog Harness - Soft Mesh Step in Dog harness No Pull - Adjustable... $11.95 Buy on Amazon
Pawtitas Reflective Dog Harness Padded Dog Harness Provides Comfort Control for a Walk or Running Great Pet Accessories Dog Vest XS Extra Small Black Dog Harness Pawtitas Reflective Dog Harness Padded Dog Harness Provides Comfort Control for a Walk or Running... $24.99 Buy on Amazon
Max and Neo Small Dog Reflective Nylon Dog Leash - We Donate a Leash to a Dog Rescue for Every Leash Sold (Black, 4x5/8) Max and Neo Small Dog Reflective Nylon Dog Leash - We Donate a Leash to a Dog Rescue for Every Leash... Buy on Amazon
iYoShop Durable Slip Lead Dog Leash with Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads, No Pull Dog Training Leash (1/2' x 4 FT, Blue) iYoShop Durable Slip Lead Dog Leash with Padded Handle and Highly Reflective Threads, No Pull Dog... Buy on Amazon
TUG 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Slip Handle | 16 ft Strong Nylon Tape | One-Handed Brake, Pause, Lock (Small, Blue) TUG 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Slip Handle | 16 ft Strong Nylon Tape |... $17.99 Buy on Amazon
FLEXI Neon Retractable Dog Leash (Cord), 16 ft, Small, Black/Yellow FLEXI Neon Retractable Dog Leash (Cord), 16 ft, Small, Black/Yellow $21.31 Buy on Amazon
Soft Touch Collars Leather Braided Dog Leash, Brown 4ft x 1/2 Inch Wide, Recommended for Small Dogs Soft Touch Collars Leather Braided Dog Leash, Brown 4ft x 1/2 Inch Wide, Recommended for Small Dogs $19.95 Buy on Amazon
Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead - 15ft 20ft 30ft 50ft 100ft Leash - Great for Play, Camping, or Backyard - Black Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead - 15ft 20ft 30ft 50ft 100ft Leash - Great... $18.97 Buy on Amazon
TOUGH-GRID Premium 550lb Paracord Rope - 50ft - Camo Green - 100% Nylon Type III Mil-Spec - UV & Abrasion Resistant - Heavy Duty Strands - Outdoor Survival Rope - Used by US Military - Made in USA TOUGH-GRID Premium 550lb Paracord Rope - 50ft - Camo Green - 100% Nylon Type III Mil-Spec - UV &... $9.47 Buy on Amazon
2pc ALAZCO Flag Swivel Snap Clips Hooks 3.5” Heavy Duty Spring Sturdy 200lbs Safety Load 0.78” Eyelet Capacity Flagpole Hardware Pet Leash Key Chain Leather Craft Camping Boating Tarp Cover Clips 2pc ALAZCO Flag Swivel Snap Clips Hooks 3.5” Heavy Duty Spring Sturdy 200lbs Safety Load 0.78”... $5.71 Buy on Amazon
Fromm Puppy Gold Premium Dry Dog Food - Dry Puppy Food for Medium & Small Breeds - Chicken Recipe - 15 lb Fromm Puppy Gold Premium Dry Dog Food - Dry Puppy Food for Medium & Small Breeds - Chicken Recipe -... $44.95 Buy on Amazon
Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food, 15 lb Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food, 15 lb $54.99 Buy on Amazon
Neater Feeder Express Mess Proof Dog Bowls Elevated for Small Dogs – Made in USA – No Spill Raised Dog Food Bowl Stand, Stainless Steel Dog Food and Water Bowl Set, Elevated Dog Bowl Set, Grey Neater Feeder Express Mess Proof Dog Bowls Elevated for Small Dogs – Made in USA – No Spill... $27.99 Buy on Amazon
PEGGY11 Deep Stainless Steel Anti-Slip Dog Bowls - 2-Pack, 3 Cups PEGGY11 Deep Stainless Steel Anti-Slip Dog Bowls - 2-Pack, 3 Cups $12.99 Buy on Amazon
DogBuddy Dog Food Mat – Waterproof Dog Bowl Mat for Food and Water, Silicone Pet Feeding Mats for Floors, Non-Slip Placemat with High Edges for Dogs Bowls, Puppy Essentials (Small: 19'x12', Shadow) DogBuddy Dog Food Mat – Waterproof Dog Bowl Mat for Food and Water, Silicone Pet Feeding Mats for... $15.99 Buy on Amazon
Rocco & Roxie Dog Treats for Small, Medium & Large Breed - Soft Treats for Senior Dogs & Puppies - Chicken Jerky Dog Treats - Best Dog Training Puppy Treats & Snacks for Happy, Healthy Dogs - 1lb Rocco & Roxie Dog Treats for Small, Medium & Large Breed - Soft Treats for Senior Dogs & Puppies -... $19.97 Buy on Amazon
Pet Botanics 10 oz. Pouch Training Rewards Mini Soft & Chewy, Bacon Flavor, with 500 Treats Per Bag, The Choice of Top Trainers Pet Botanics 10 oz. Pouch Training Rewards Mini Soft & Chewy, Bacon Flavor, with 500 Treats Per Bag,... $11.69 Buy on Amazon
Zuke's Puppy Naturals Bag of Soft Puppy Treats for Training, Natural Dog Treats Bites with Salmon Recipe, 5 oz., Zuke's Puppy Naturals Bag of Soft Puppy Treats for Training, Natural Dog Treats Bites with Salmon... $5.99 Buy on Amazon
Milk-Bone Mini's Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce Milk-Bone Mini's Flavor Snacks Dog Treats, 36 Ounce $11.48 Buy on Amazon
Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats, Healthy Sweet Potato Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, Puppy Training, Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy, Made in the USA, Bacon and Apple Flavor, 5oz Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats, Healthy Sweet Potato Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious,... Buy on Amazon
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features, Black MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor... $25.99 Buy on Amazon
MidWest Homes for Pets Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed in Blue / White, Dog Bed Measures 35L x 21.5W x 3.5H for Intermediate Size Dogs, Machine Wash MidWest Homes for Pets Reversible Paw Print Pet Bed in Blue / White, Dog Bed Measures 35L x 21.5W x... Buy on Amazon
K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Pet Bed Mocha/Green Small 16 X 20 Inches K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Lounge Sleeper Pet Bed Mocha/Green Small 16 X 20 Inches Buy on Amazon
HiCaptain Polyester 24in Dog Crate Cover - Durable Windproof Pet Kennel Cover for Wire Crate Indoor Outdoor Protection (24 inches, Light Tan) HiCaptain Polyester 24in Dog Crate Cover - Durable Windproof Pet Kennel Cover for Wire Crate Indoor... $19.99 Buy on Amazon
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Exercise Pen & Playpen, 24'W x 30'W, No Door, Black MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Exercise Pen & Playpen, 24"W x 30"W, No Door, Black $36.99 Buy on Amazon
ESK Collection 48' Pet Puppy Dog Playpen Exercise Pen Kennel 600D Oxford Cloth, Red, Model: 48' Red ESK Collection 48" Pet Puppy Dog Playpen Exercise Pen Kennel 600D Oxford Cloth, Red, Model: 48" Red $55.99 Buy on Amazon
Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Balls for Dogs to Fetch, Durable Rubber, Small 2-inch, Pack of 2 Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Balls for Dogs to Fetch, Durable Rubber, Small 2-inch, Pack of 2 $7.64 Buy on Amazon
goDog Just For Me Gator Dog Toy, Blue goDog Just For Me Gator Dog Toy, Blue $7.80 Buy on Amazon
Mammoth Pet Products Flossy Chews Color Monkey Fist Bar, Small, 15-Inch - Colors Vary, MultiColored (20094F) Mammoth Pet Products Flossy Chews Color Monkey Fist Bar, Small, 15-Inch - Colors Vary, MultiColored... $5.99 Buy on Amazon
KONG Puppy - Natural Teething Rubber Chew Toy for Dogs - Stuffable Dog Toy for Extended Playtime - Chew & Fetch Toy for Puppies - for Small Puppies - Blue KONG Puppy - Natural Teething Rubber Chew Toy for Dogs - Stuffable Dog Toy for Extended Playtime -... $7.49 Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Share47
Tweet
Pin498
Yum
Reddit

Filed Under: Chris in Real Life Tagged With: Dog Toys, Fluffy Puppy, Havanese, Havanese Puppy, Hypoallergenic Puppy, Puppy, Shopping List

Thanks for Reading!

I love connecting with people around the world and sharing stories. If you're on any of these social media sites, please reach out, and let's get to know each other!

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Comments, Kudos, and Thoughts

  1. Linda Schuyler intensely remarks...

    September 19, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    Amazing research. I am planning to get a Havanese next summer and have been researching like crazy. I wish I found this in the beginning of my search. You have covered everything. I’ve taken notes and bookmarked your site. Huge thank you!Li

    Reply
    • Chris Mower victoriously says...

      October 2, 2017 at 10:56 am

      Awesome, Linda! I’m so excited for you! We love our Havanese, and I’m sure you will too! Let me know if you have any questions about things. I try to keep the article updated.

      Reply
  2. Jeannine briefly fleshes out...

    March 25, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    Your shopping list has been a life saver. We brought home our 9-week old Chocolate Irish Pied Havanese two weeks ago. We had the pen set up as suggested and were fully stocked with a leash, harness, crate, bathing products, etc. Without your detailed advice and links, the transition would not have gone as well. We also just started watching Doggy Dan! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Chris Mower attractively claims...

      May 17, 2018 at 2:55 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you’ve found success with your puppy! I love the Havanese breed, they’re so cute and fluffy and fun! I hope you enjoy many years to come with your new puppers! And Doggy Dan is just the best!

      Reply
  3. Michael reassuringly announces...

    May 16, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    I get my Havanese puppy in 2 weeks and I’m so excited. Definitely took your advice. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Chris Mower vivaciously divulges...

      May 17, 2018 at 2:59 pm

      Yay! I’m so excited for you! I hope everything goes well and you have a great time with your new pup.

      Reply
  4. Beverly proudly announces...

    June 4, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    My havanese is going to be 12 years old! Best dog I ever had ,take it everywhere, doesn’t bark , well behaved and a real Velcro dog ! Best of luck !

    Reply
    • Chris Mower pleasantly chimes...

      October 4, 2018 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks! Ours barks at walkers as they go by from the window when he’s bored. LOL.

      Reply
  5. Mary courageously chats it up...

    July 2, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Do you have any comment on Thunder Shirts?

    Reply
    • Chris Mower brainily reveals...

      October 4, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      I haven’t used Thunder shirts before, so I don’t have an opinion. I have, however, heard many people swear by them.

      Reply
  6. Laura Neff enthusiastically relates...

    July 13, 2018 at 7:38 am

    Thanks for all the tips and info! We have a 6 month old female Havanese who is most obstinate but just the cutest!

    Reply
    • Chris Mower victoriously mentions...

      October 4, 2018 at 1:44 pm

      They can certainly be obstinate. Best of luck with your Havanese!

      Reply
  7. Judy beautifully declares...

    August 29, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    I have a Havanese. BEST dog I have ever had. A little hard to housebreak, but she finally got it after her spay.
    Good advice, but I disagree on the Purina (and I don’t work for them…just a really good vet). Purina does a lot of research on their food. Yes they have cheaper foods, but Pro plan is an excellent food. And their veterinary diets are very good too. They also had very few foods recalled during that major recall as they source their food and make their food in the USA.

    Reply
    • Chris Mower reassuringly claims...

      October 4, 2018 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Judy, thanks for stopping by and providing some additional thoughts!

      Reply
  8. Jenna boistrously states...

    November 23, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    My Havanese pup barks like nothing else. He’s almost 15 weeks old. Any suggestions for bark collars? It’s stressing me out because I’m intending on traveling with him everywhere, including via airplane, and I can’t have a dog barking nonstop in the airport or airplane!

    Reply
    • Chris Mower luckily chats it up...

      March 11, 2019 at 10:06 am

      Hi Jenna,
      I can understand your concern, especially for traveling. I personally don’t use dog collars, as I believe it’s possible to accomplish the same thing through training. Sorry I’m not much help there. Maybe there is someone reading this who has more experience in that regard and could answer your question.

      Reply
  9. Amp attractively relates...

    June 19, 2019 at 11:44 am

    I get my Havanese puppy in 1 month and I’m so excited. Definitely took your advice. Thank you so much! Also, do you suggest we have a blanket that smells like his family and Mom to help the transition?

    Reply
    • Chris Mower spicily conveys...

      June 20, 2019 at 1:37 am

      Yay! That is exciting! I would suggest a blanket from his original home. It doesn’t have to be a huge blanket. You could ask the breeder to cut a small 1′ x 1′ cloth and keep it in the pen with the puppy until go time for this purpose.

      Reply
  10. Lorraine Payne attractively divulges...

    November 3, 2020 at 10:35 am

    Thank you so much for sharing such important info! Our little Havanese will not be born until Dec. but I am doing as much research as possible to try to make puppie’s transition to his new home as easy as possible for all concerned.

    Had a little rescue poodle/havanese mutt for nine years. Best friend and dog ever! She came to us off of the street and was so wonderful. We had no toilet training or crate training. She was just so loving. Our “free” rescue dog cost approximately. $1,200.00 for vet bills; but it was worth every cent. Finally after 4 years of no Molly I am excited about having a new puppy/dog in our lives.

    This time we have no choice but buying a purebred from a breeder through the Canadian Kennel Club. Any thoughts on a purebred havanese. Regardless we are getting one, and can’t wait. Have met the owner and the pregnant moms and made our deposit. ($s that is). The owner lives approx. 2 hours from our home and says puppy will arrive with a “care package”.

    Thanks again for sharing your wealth of info about puppies.
    P.S. Our little Molly was a great traveller and loved her “carry” sports bag. She flew many flights from Van. Canada to Phoenix without any problems. Can’t say enough about what a great companion these little dogs are.

    Reply
    • Chris Mower briefly asserts...

      September 13, 2021 at 8:51 am

      I’m hoping your puppy adventures are going well! In regards to rescue vs purebred, I’ve done both, and I’ve loved both. You can also rescue purebreds. Like all things, there’s pros and cons to either side. I like to encourage rescuing, but as someone who is allergic to most animals, purebred is the only way I know how to have a dog that doesn’t make my eyes itch and nose run 24/7.

      Reply
  11. Kat brainily expatiates...

    February 22, 2021 at 1:24 pm

    Thank you so very much. I will be getting a Havanese puppy later summer. My grandpup is a Havanese too.

    I appreciate the tips!!

    Reply
    • Chris Mower cooly chimes...

      September 13, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Hi Kat! I hope you are having a great experience with your Havanese puppy 🙂

      Reply

Share what's on your mind! Cancel reply

I'd love to hear what you have to say, so please leave a comment below. Just be sure to use your real name or I might (accidentally) mark it as spam! If you'd like a nifty picture by your name, check out Gravatar.com. Type away, amigo.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Up for Awesomeness

Join The Cooking Dish newsletter and receive special newsletter-only offers, tips, and more. I will NEVER EVER spam you.

Looking for Something?

Let’s Be Friends

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The Cooking Dish Affiliates

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Take Cooking Classes Online with CraftsyPhotographing Food CourseGenesis Framework for WordPressShopify makes it easy to open an online store by providing all the tools and help you need. Try it for free!

Recent Posts

  • Minimalist Shoes (Barefoot Shoes) and Where to Buy Them
  • Let food by thy medicine
  • Havanese Puppy Shopping List
  • Food Bloggers from IFBC: A Short Q&A
  • Stay Home if Reject Food and Customs

Recent Comments

  • Khomini on Chef’s Knife: How to Hold and Wash It
  • Chris Mower on Nonstick Pans: Top 10 Rules for Using Them
  • Jhon Macklin on Nonstick Pans: Top 10 Rules for Using Them
  • Chris Mower on Nonstick Pans: Top 10 Rules for Using Them
  • Chris Mower on How to Blacken Chicken or Fish
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Copyright ©2025 · Chris Mower & The Cooking Dish
Built con queriño on the Genesis Framework
 

Loading Comments...