Can’t Afford a Crate for Pomeranian Puppy Training?

Pomeranian puppy training can be either an arduous task or an exhilarating one depending on how much time you have and how much patience you “actually” have. A couple of weeks back I was very annoyed at one of my “then”, Pommy Mommies of America Facebook group members. I’m actually a pretty patient person (say that 5 times really fast) when it comes to people asking me questions about Pomeranian puppy training… but this went too far.  She kept asking the group, “How could she keep her Pomeranian puppy, that she just bought, from peeing on her couch and carpet”. Pomeranian Puppy Training

I had answered her, my husband and 30 other people answered her with pretty much the same answer. You need to restrict her movement around the house and keep her off furniture. When you are not around her to monitor her behavior it is best to “crate” her or put her somewhere safe, like a play pen or actual pen. The group member told me and every one else that answered that she couldn’t afford a crate, pen or otherwise. This is what got me annoyed, Pomeranian Puppy training is very important… and if not done correctly can lead to problems down the road. Pomeranian Puppy Training

Pomeranians are a very special breed, that require very special care and training. If you can’t afford the necessary tools to provide an appropriate home environment for “house breaking” or as us Pommy Mommies call it, “Potty Training”, then don’t get a Pomeranian… and for that matter, don’ get a dog. Get a cat, a gerbil or a bird… but don’t get a Pomeranian. Although I still don’t believe this woman should have a Pomeranian puppy and no amount of Pomeranian puppy training she did would matter… it got me thinking. If you’ve been reading the blog long or follow me on Instagram and Facebook you’ll know that I have the cutest most wonderful PomChi named “Little” Sophia. Pomeranian puppy training

Well, “Little” Sophia is getting up there in age… she’s 13 years old but it’s not really the age part that’s a challenge, it’s the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her previous owners. If you don’t know “Little” Sophia, she has neurological damage in her neck and spine, where her vertebrae are separated and expose her spinal cord. An injury sustained from being thrown against a wall, the Vet has surmised.  Both of her back legs are locked in place with luxating patellas that can not be fixed… so she walks like she’s wearing high heels and her back in curved.

She loves to walk around and get into various mischief… our challenge is that she can’t keep her balance for very long and falls into things and can get hurt. We don’t have any problems with her urinating inside the house because she pees on “potty pads” and I take her out whenever she starts her cute little bark. (everyone says she sounds like a baby seal) but when we leave the house I was filled with anxiety. I felt I needed to restrict her movement so we tried to “crate” her but the crate seemed too small. She kept banging into the metal cage part which concerned me that the metal would hurt her separated vertebrae. I was also a little afraid she might get her little paws stuck in the grating. That’s just me as a overly loving Pommy Mommy. So I ran it passed my ever resourceful husband… if you know him, he literally has an answer for everything. Most of the time it can be annoying but in this case I was happy to hear his opinion.

“Little” Sophia is very small, only 3 lbs and can’t jump. We were talking about getting a little playpen for her but then he looked out the window to the backyard and saw that I had set up the baby pool I bought for Maggie a couple years back… for the then boys (Luka & Niko) to play in. He suggested we just use an empty… yes, very important, empty pool, as in no water, to help with our dilemma. I thought it was a great idea. We placed potty pads on the bottom, blankets over them and place her little bed inside. It was awesome. Pomeranian Puppy Training

She’s got traction to walk around, if she falls there’s blankets to cushion her fall, and if she falls sideways… she is then cushioned by the plastic puffy walls. The pool is big enough to give her room but not give her too much to get in trouble… because she is blind now she also uses the walls as a guide to get around. It has worked so well that I bought another one for my husband’s office , it’s a little smaller but works just as well. We like to keep an eye on her at all times, so when I go out I didn’t want to be dragging the larger pool all the way up to the third floor where his office is. Now I just bring “Little” Sophia up there and he watches her while he’s working. The average healthy Pomeranian is a great jumper and depending on their size could easily escape. This is obviously not for them.

Pomeranian Puppy Training

Getting back to my story about not being able to afford a crate, pen or otherwise. Puppies “need” to be restricted to establish boundaries and to help potty train them. We are lucky because Pomeranians are extremely smart and can pick up commands and training, and I may be biased here but… better than any other breed I know. So to the woman who couldn’t afford a crate… I suggest you spend the $6.99 for a kids blow up pool and do the right thing by setting up boundaries for your little furry baby and continue your Pomeranian puppy training. For everyone else who may have to restrict your Pomeranian’s movements for any reason, like they’re hurt, sick or getting older and need a safe haven like “Little” Sophia, do yourself a favor and go buy a kids blow up pool and give yourself some peace of mind.  I can’t tell you how much better I feel leaving “Little” Sophia home… it’s like a weight was lifted off my heart. Pomeranian Puppy Training