The Behavior of Pomeranians

Take your Pomeranian with you as much as possible when you go places to give your dog the opportunity to see many places, people and other dogs. Without this socialization, it is easy for a dog to become shy or aggressive around strangers and uncertain in strange environments. Teach your Pomeranian to feel confident when out in the larger world. Dog training classes or dog sport classes such as agility offer ways to bond into a working partnership with your little dog while providing needed socialization.

Teach your Pomeranian puppy basic obedience commands that you will use throughout your dog’s life, such as "Sit," "Stay," "Down" and "Come." Use particularly tempting treats to encourage your Pomeranian to learn the desired response. You can begin shaping your puppy's understanding and response early in life without formal work. For example, if you have a tempting morsel in your hand during play, you can hold it just out of reach above the puppy's nose and quietly say "Sit." It is most likely that the puppy will try to obtain the treat, then will sink into a sit, focused on wanting it. Immediately give the treat and praise the puppy. Bring out another morsel after the puppy is up again and repeat the exercise. It generally takes little time for a puppy to learn the "Sit" command in this way.

Later, you can build on thoroughly learned commands, for example turning a "Sit" into a "Stay" by lengthening the time the pup holds the position before you give a reward. Turn a "Sit" into a "Down" by saying the new command and bringing a morsel to the floor in front of the sitting puppy so that the puppy will have to go to the floor to get it. With repetition, the puppy will sit and lie down on command without overt help on your part. Be certain your puppy thoroughly understands each command before you begin work on another.

Always keep treats in your pocket, and always give a treat when you call your Pom. Soon, your dog will associate your call with the treat.

Toy breeds like the Pomeranian can be a little harder to potty train because of their small size. Small dogs have small bladders, and they need to eliminate more frequently than larger dogs, so house training requires more vigilance from you.

Take your dog outside to the spot you have chosen as the potty area at least every one to two hours, especially first thing in the morning, shortly after meals and before bedtime. A young puppy with little control will need to go out immediately after waking up and after eating meals. Watch for the signs and try to prevent mistakes. When your puppy takes care of business quickly outdoors, give praise and reward, then return indoors. The puppy soon will learn the purpose for going outside.

A roomy wire or plastic dog crate can provide a safe, secure den-like sleeping area for a dog. It can be a place for the puppy to stay when you have to be away, and a place of refuge for your little dog when there is too much activity going on in the house. Crate training can be a big help with house training. Dogs of any age will avoid soiling their living area if they have a choice. You can use that fact as a training aid, preventing accidents in your home when you are unable to watch your puppy. Make the pup comfortable in the crate. Provide fun toys and a comfortable blanket. Use treats to make going into the crate desirable. Feed your dog in the crate, make certain the pup has clean water, and leave puzzle toys for your Pom to play with. Use treats to teach your Pom to associate entering the crate with a verbal command, such as "Bed" or "Crate."

Reinforce the kindergarten work you did with your puppy by joining obedience classes offered by the local American Kennel Club organization. Check with the local chapter of organizations such as the American Pomeranian Club and the AKC to obtain recommendations on finding specific training classes, such as those limited to small breeds.

Pomeranians have a tendency to bark at strangers and outside noises because of their desire to protect their owners. This high-pitched bark can be annoying for both you and your neighbors if it occurs too often. To deal with this issue, train your Pomeranian to be quiet on command. Do something such as knocking on a door or a wall to make your dog bark. Once your Pomeranian begins barking, say "Quiet" and immediately reward your dog with treats and praise if the barking stops. Repeat the training until your Pomeranian stops barking on command.

Do not begin socialization of a puppy to new places and dogs until the puppy's immunizations are complete. Until that time, work on bonding and socialization with the people and other pets in the household.