Although Havanese dogs are small, they tend to have a great deal of energy and mental stimulation needs that need to be met for their well-being. They should go on daily walks, ideally two or three times a day, with at least 30 minutes of exercise daily—though they can easily handle more if needed! These dogs enjoy being active but generally require less exercise than many larger breeds. You won’t be spending hours outside chasing your Havanese around just to wear them out. Here is what you should know about the exercise needs of this breed.
All It Takes Is About 30 Minutes a Day
Havanese need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day to meet their physical and mental needs. Instead of long hauls in the forest or extended trips to the dog park daily, this breed enjoys a walk around the block or your local park and playtime at home during weekdays. On weekends you should aim for longer walks and outdoor time. However, walking is not the only type of exercise that the Havanese dog breed is designed to thrive on.
Types of Exercise That Are Healthy for the Havanese
Aside from daily walks, there are many different types of exercise that the Havanese can benefit from. For example, Havanese love camping and are happy to go on adventures in the woods. Other exercises that these dogs enjoy include:
- Hide and Seek— Hide one of your dog’s favorite toys or treats somewhere in the house, and encourage them to find it. If necessary, guide them to the treat. They will still benefit from the hunt and increase their confidence levels during the process.
- Chase— Throw a ball in the yard for your dog to chase, then chase your dog as they run after that ball. You can also play this game in a public park that allows dogs. It’s a fun game that will provide healthy exercise and fun to everyone involved.
- Training— Havanese love to train, as it makes them feel happy to satisfy their human companions. “Come,” “sit,” “stay,” and “play” are all commands that you can practice while providing your Havanese with exercise.
- Hikes — Havanese dogs enjoy going on hikes with their human companions. They can keep up on hiking trails that are uphill, downhill, and on even ground, which allows for a great deal of variety when it comes to how you can spend your time with your dog.
- Puzzle Feeders— There are many types of puzzle feeders that you can use to engage your dog and brighten their day, especially when it’s raining outside.
Conclusion
It doesn’t take much to provide a Havanese with adequate exercise for optimal health and happiness throughout the animal’s life. A walk around the block or a visit to your local park and a few games with the family should be enough to keep this breed happy and healthy during weekdays. However, you should be ready to provide plenty of outdoor time and longer walks during the weekend. That said, it’s up to your dog’s unique personality when it comes to the exercise activities that they enjoy most.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock
