Pomeranians are adorable, but training these fluffy bundles of energy can be a challenge. At DogingtonPost, we’ve gathered essential Pomeranian dog training tips to help you succeed.
From basic obedience to addressing common behavior issues, we’ll guide you through the process of raising a well-mannered Pom. Get ready to transform your feisty furball into a perfectly behaved companion.
What Makes Pomeranians Unique?
The Pomeranian Personality
Pomeranians pack big personalities into small bodies. These pint-sized pooches surprise first-time owners with their confident and lively temperament.
Poms exhibit alert, curious, and intelligent traits. They form strong bonds with their owners, often favoring one person in particular. This loyalty sometimes leads to overprotectiveness, which underscores the importance of early socialization.
The American Kennel Club ranks Pomeranians as the 23rd most popular dog breed in the United States. Their charm and adaptability to various living situations contribute to this popularity.
Early Socialization: Essential for Poms
Expose your Pomeranian to different people, animals, and environments from a young age. This practice prevents fear and anxiety later in life. Start socializing your Pom as soon as you bring them home (ideally between 3-16 weeks of age).
A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior revealed that puppies who attended socialization classes developed fewer behavior problems as adults. For Pomeranians, this translates to less excessive barking and reduced stranger anxiety.
Recognizing Your Pom’s Unique Traits
While Pomeranians share common characteristics, each dog possesses its own quirks and preferences. Some Poms vocalize more, while others naturally perform. Pay attention to what motivates your dog (it could be treats, toys, or praise).
Dr. Stanley Coren, a canine psychologist, notes that Pomeranians score above average in working intelligence. This breed ranks 28th out of all dog breeds in terms of obedience and working smarts, meaning they learn quickly.
Harnessing Pomeranian Intelligence
Pomeranians thrive on mental stimulation. Provide puzzle toys and interactive games to keep their minds sharp. This mental exercise prevents boredom and reduces destructive behaviors.
Try short training sessions (5-10 minutes) multiple times a day. This approach suits their attention span and keeps them engaged. Vary the commands and activities to maintain their interest.
Adapting to Pomeranian Energy Levels
Despite their small size, Pomeranians possess high energy levels. Regular exercise helps manage this energy and promotes good behavior. Two 15-20 minute walks daily, combined with playtime, usually suffice for adult Poms.
Indoor activities like hide-and-seek or obstacle courses provide both physical and mental stimulation on days when outdoor exercise isn’t possible. This versatility makes Pomeranians adaptable to various living situations.
Understanding these unique Pomeranian traits lays the foundation for effective training. In the next section, we’ll explore basic obedience training techniques tailored for these spirited little dogs.
How to Train Your Pomeranian Effectively
Start with the Basics
Train your Pomeranian with essential commands like sit, stay, and come. Use small, high-value treats to motivate your Pom. Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it upward and back over their head. As their nose follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower into a sitting position. Immediately reward and praise them.
For the stay command, ask your Pom to sit, then take a step back while holding your hand out, palm facing them. If they remain in place for a few seconds, reward them. Gradually increase the duration and distance.
To teach come, start in a quiet area. Call your Pom’s name followed by “come” in an excited tone. When they approach, reward them generously. Practice this in various locations to reinforce the behavior.
Positive Reinforcement: The Key to Success
Pomeranians thrive on praise and rewards. Use a clicker or a specific word like “yes” to mark the exact moment your Pom performs the desired behavior. Follow immediately with a treat. This method, known as marker training, helps your dog understand precisely what they did right.
Positive reinforcement methods have been shown to be more effective than aversive techniques. Dogs trained with positive reinforcement display fewer stress-related behaviors, are more frequently in relaxed behavioral states, and pant less compared to those trained with aversive methods.
Consistency Breeds Success
Set a regular training schedule for your Pomeranian. Short, frequent sessions of 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times a day, are more effective than longer, infrequent ones. This approach aligns with their shorter attention spans and high energy levels.
Ensure all family members use the same commands and reward system. Inconsistency can confuse your Pom and hinder progress. Create a list of commands and their associated hand signals (if any) and post it where everyone can see.
Overcome Stubbornness and Distractions
Pomeranians can be stubborn, especially when distracted. To combat this, start training in a quiet, familiar environment and gradually introduce distractions. If your Pom becomes distracted, regain their attention with an exciting toy or treat, then ask for a simple command they know well before returning to the new skill you’re working on.
Use the Premack principle to your advantage. This principle states that high-probability behaviors can reinforce low-probability behaviors. For example, if your Pom loves to play fetch but struggles with stay, ask for a stay before throwing the ball.
Address Specific Pomeranian Challenges
Pomeranians often struggle with leash pulling due to their energetic nature. Start leash training indoors where there are fewer distractions. Reward your Pom for walking beside you without pulling. If they pull, stop walking immediately. Only move forward when the leash is slack.
Excessive barking is another common issue. Teach the quiet command by allowing a few barks, then saying “quiet” while holding a treat in front of their nose. When they stop barking to sniff the treat, wait a few seconds, then give it to them. Gradually increase the duration of quiet time before rewarding.
Every Pomeranian is unique. What works for one may not work for another. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter persistent challenges. In the next section, we’ll explore how to address common Pomeranian behavior issues in more detail, providing you with targeted strategies to tackle specific problems.
Taming Your Pom’s Troublesome Behaviors
Silencing the Bark-a-thon
Excessive barking plagues many Pomeranian owners. These tiny dogs often bark to alert, seek attention, or express anxiety. To curb this behavior, identify the trigger first. Is it passing cars? The doorbell? Once you know the cause, you can address it.
For attention-seeking barks, ignore the behavior completely. Only give attention when your Pom is quiet. For alert barking, teach the “quiet” command. When your Pom starts barking, say “quiet” and wait for a pause. The moment they stop (even for a second), reward them with a treat. Increase the duration of silence required for the reward gradually.
Training methods based on rewards are claimed to be more humane and equally or more effective than aversive methods. Consistency is key – stick with your training, and you’ll see results.
Conquering Separation Anxiety
Pomeranians often develop separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to their owners. Prevention trumps cure, so start early. Accustom your Pom to being alone gradually. Start with short absences (even just stepping out of the room for a few seconds), then increase the duration slowly.
Create a safe space for your Pom when you’re away. A comfortable environment that is the right size yet limits any possible destructive tendencies can provide security. Leave a piece of clothing with your scent to comfort them. Some owners find success with calming music or TV designed for dogs.
Exercise your Pom before you leave to tire them out, making them more likely to rest while you’re gone. (A tired dog is a good dog, as the saying goes.)
Mastering the Art of the Walk
Leash training is essential for Pomeranians, who often pull despite their small size. Start indoors where fewer distractions exist. Put on the leash and reward your Pom for standing or sitting calmly by your side. Take a step, and if they follow without pulling, reward them immediately.
When you move outdoors, prepare for more challenges. If your Pom pulls, stop walking immediately. Only move forward when the leash is slack. This teaches them that pulling gets them nowhere.
Try using a harness instead of a collar. Harnesses distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of tracheal collapse (a condition small breeds like Pomeranians are susceptible to).
Housebreaking Your Pom
Pomeranians challenge owners during housebreaking due to their small size and sometimes stubborn nature. Establish a strict routine. Take your Pom out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime.
Choose a specific spot outside for potty breaks. The scent will encourage them to go in the same place. When they eliminate outside, praise them lavishly and offer a small treat immediately.
Inside, watch for signs that your Pom needs to go – sniffing, circling, or whining. When you see these signs, take them out immediately. If accidents happen, clean thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove all scent.
Pomeranians have small bladders and may need more frequent potty breaks than larger breeds. Patience and consistency will pay off in the end.
Final Thoughts
Training a Pomeranian demands patience and consistency. We explored essential Pomeranian dog training tips to help you raise a well-behaved companion. Positive reinforcement and adapting your approach to your Pom’s individual needs will lead to success.
Training strengthens your bond with your Pomeranian. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of each other as you work together. Small victories deserve celebration, and setbacks should not discourage you (they’re part of the learning process).
DogingtonPost supports you in navigating dog ownership challenges. Our comprehensive resource offers information on dog care, health, and training. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll soon have a well-mannered Pomeranian who brings joy to your life.
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