Havanese Puppy Checklist: First 90 Days at Home

Before the Puppy Arrives

What do you need before bringing home a Havanese puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Install Ramps and Steps Before Pickup Day

Havanese have some elevated risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The most practical preventive measure is reducing spinal impact — specifically, preventing the dog from jumping on and off furniture. Before the puppy arrives, install ramps or steps at any furniture the dog will be allowed on: sofas, beds, and if applicable, car seats. Establish the use of ramps from day one. A dog that has always used ramps will use them automatically as an adult.

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Verify Health Testing on Both Parents

• Hip dysplasia OFA evaluation: Both parents with passing scores
• Eye certification (CAER): Annual exam on both parents
• Patellar luxation evaluation: Both parents
• Cardiac evaluation: OFA cardiac certification on both parents
• BAER hearing test: For dogs in lines with white or chocolate colouring, deafness testing is relevant

Gear Checklist

• Small wire or travel crate
• Properly fitted harness
• Dog ramps or steps for all furniture
• Pin brush and metal comb
  One option: Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush (20 mm) on Amazon. Chris Christensen's Original Series oval pin brush with 20 mm pins, the size for small and toy breeds. Brush in layers from the skin out; a pin brush is for daily maintenance, not for working out mats.
• Tear stain wipes or damp cotton rounds
  One option: Earth Rated Dog Eye Wipes, Unscented (70 ct) on Amazon. Unscented, vet-developed wipes for cleaning dirt and discharge from the fur around the eyes. For cleaning only; persistent staining, redness or discharge is a question for your vet.
• Dog-safe enzymatic toothpaste and finger brush
  One option: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, Poultry (2.5 oz) on Amazon. A poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste made without foaming agents, so it's meant to be swallowed rather than rinsed. Use it with a soft-bristled or finger toothbrush.
• Small-breed puppy food
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy, Chicken & Rice (6 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's small-breed puppy formula, with kibble sized for small mouths and chicken as the first ingredient. Ask your vet about portions and when to move to adult food.
• Small food and water bowls (stainless steel — may help with tear staining)
• Dog bed or crate mat
• Baby gates for management
• Enzymatic cleaner
  One option: Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzyme stain and odor eliminator for urine, feces and vomit, carrying the Carpet and Rug Institute's seal for carpets. Spot-test on delicate fabrics first.
• ID tag and microchip registration

First Weeks at Home

What should the first week with a Havanese puppy look like?

First Vet Appointment (Within 72 Hours of Pickup)

• Full physical exam and vaccine status review
• Set vaccination and deworming schedule
• Discuss spay/neuter timing (6–12 months for small breeds is typical)
• Ask about tear staining causes and management — if the eyes are already tearing heavily, early investigation can identify fixable causes
• Discuss IVDD risk and ramp use recommendations
• Confirm dental care protocol
• Get referral for puppy classes

Eye and Tear Cleaning From Day One

Begin the daily eye cleaning routine immediately. Wipe below the eyes gently with a damp cotton round to remove discharge before it dries and stains. This takes 60 seconds and prevents the reddish-brown staining that is common in light-coloured Havanese. Do it every morning alongside the dog's feeding. Early habits become effortless routines.

Brushing Starts Week One

Begin brief, positive brushing sessions from the first day home — even if the puppy coat is still short. This establishes coat handling as normal and builds acceptance for the daily brushing that will be required throughout the dog's life. Use the time to run the brush and comb through the coat, handle the ears, touch the paws, and check the eyes. All positive, all rewarded.

Training and Activity

What Havanese Owners Often Underestimate

More Active Than the Fluffy Appearance Suggests

Havanese are not couch ornaments. They are curious, active, and need daily play, walks, and mental stimulation. An under-stimulated Havanese becomes barky and clingy. Plan for 30–60 minutes of daily activity — short walks, play sessions, and training games. This is easily manageable but requires intention, especially for owners who expected a very low-energy companion dog.

Separation Anxiety

Havanese bond strongly with their people and are predisposed to separation anxiety. Build alone-time tolerance from day one: practice brief departures — 5 minutes out of sight — before extending duration. Do not create a dog that is always with you for the first year and then expect it to cope with alone time suddenly. Low-key arrivals and departures reduce the emotional charge of your comings and goings.

Training a Havanese

Havanese are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable. They respond very well to positive reinforcement and are a good breed for owners new to training. Enroll in puppy class early. Focus on recall, loose-leash walking, and basic manners from the start. These dogs can learn a wide range of skills and enjoy having mental challenges in their day.

• Consistent daily brushing from week one
• Daily eye and tear cleaning from day one
  One option: Earth Rated Dog Ear Wipes, Wild Oat (70 ct) on Amazon. Vet-developed wipes with wild oat for routine cleaning of wax and dirt from the visible outer ear. Outer ear only; never push anything into the canal. Redness, odor, discharge or head shaking is a vet visit, not a cleaning job.
• Ramps on all furniture before the puppy arrives
• Tooth brushing from week one
• Puppy class enrollment as soon as the vet clears it