This fantastic and informative illustration was done by Lili Chin of Doggie Drawings. It informs you how to NOT greet a dog and how to greet them the correct way.
As a Pommy Mommy, I know all too well how my Pomeranians react when new people come to the house. The barking, jumping, and excitement can be overwhelming, especially for guests who aren’t familiar with the right way to approach these tiny but spirited dogs. How not to greet a Pomeranian is something I always explain to visitors, especially since the wrong approach can leave both the dog and the guest feeling uncomfortable.
Yoki: The Overexcited Greeter
Yoki, being the youngest of the pack, is always the most energetic when someone new enters our home. She’s also the loudest, barking persistently as she tries to figure out who this new person is. My guests often attempt to calm her down by petting her, but she quickly runs away, leaving them thinking, “Oh, I guess she didn’t want to play.” However, Yoki isn’t being aloof—she’s just afraid of a big hand coming straight toward her little head. This is a classic example of how not to greet a Pomeranian!
Preparing Your Guests: How Not to Greet a Pomeranian
To make the greeting experience smoother for both your Pomeranian and your guests, it’s essential to prepare everyone in advance. One of the first things I tell my guests is how not to greet a Pomeranian. Many people instinctively bend down and reach out to pet the dog immediately, but this can be intimidating for a small breed like a Pomeranian. Instead, I suggest that guests take a different approach to make the dog feel more comfortable.
The Treat Approach: Avoiding How Not to Greet a Pomeranian
One of the best ways to avoid how not to greet a Pomeranian is by giving your guest a small treat to offer your Pommy. I always keep a few treats on hand for guests, which serve as a “peace offering.” This helps your Pomeranian associate new people with something positive. When the guest offers a treat, it builds trust, reduces barking, and makes the dog more receptive to interaction.
Let the Pomeranian Take the Lead
Another key tip to avoid how not to greet a Pomeranian is to let the dog come to the guest on their own terms. Instead of reaching out to pet the Pomeranian immediately, it’s better for guests to allow the dog to sniff and observe them first. Pomeranians are more likely to engage when they feel safe and in control of the situation. Rushing to pet them is exactly how not to greet a Pomeranian, as it can make them feel threatened.
A Happier Greeting Experience
By explaining how not to greet a Pomeranian to your guests, and using treats as a positive reinforcement, you can create a much calmer and more enjoyable greeting experience for everyone. Your rescue Pomeranian will feel more secure, and your guests will be able to interact with your dog in a way that makes them feel comfortable.
So, the next time someone comes over, make sure to explain how not to greet a Pomeranian and guide them through the best way to make a friendly and stress-free introduction!