Pomeranians may be small, but they are packed with energy, intelligence, and a bold personality. As a breed known for its lively and sometimes stubborn nature, training your Pomeranian is essential to ensuring they grow into well-behaved and happy dogs. Whether teaching a Pomeranian puppy or an adult dog, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are critical to success.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about training your Pomeranian, from the basics of housebreaking and obedience to more advanced training techniques that tap into your dog’s intelligence. With the right approach, you can build a strong bond with your Pom while teaching them the skills they need to navigate the world confidently.
Understanding the Pomeranian Personality
Before discussing training techniques, it’s essential to understand the unique personality traits of Pomeranians. As descendants of larger Spitz-type dogs, Pomeranians are strong-willed and sometimes overconfident. Despite their small size, they often act like much larger dogs, which can lead to behaviors such as barking, territoriality, and stubbornness.
However, Pomeranians are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. Their ability to learn quickly, combined with their natural curiosity, means that with the proper guidance, Pomeranians can excel in obedience training and even perform tricks and commands that keep them mentally stimulated.
The Importance of Positive Reinforcement
One of the most effective methods for training a Pomeranian is positive reinforcement. This technique rewards good behavior with treats, praise, or toys, reinforcing that positive actions lead to positive outcomes. Pomeranians respond particularly well to this approach because they are motivated by food, attention, and play.
Avoid punishment-based training methods, as Pomeranians can be sensitive to negative experiences. Punishment or harsh corrections can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Instead, reinforce the behaviors you want to see and redirect or ignore unwanted behaviors when possible.
Basic Obedience Training
Basic obedience training is the foundation of good behavior for any dog, and Pomeranians are no exception. Teaching your Pom commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down” not only improves their behavior but also strengthens your bond with them. Start with these basic commands, and be patient—small dogs can sometimes be stubborn, but they’ll catch on consistently.
Sit
Teaching your Pomeranian to sit is one of the most fundamental commands and a great starting point for obedience training.
How to Teach “Sit”:
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- Hold a treat in front of your Pom’s nose.
- Slowly move the treat upward, causing their head to tilt back and their bottom to lower into a sitting position.
- When their bottom touches the ground, say “sit” and reward them with the treat and praise.
- Repeat this process several times, gradually increasing their seated time before rewarding.
Stay
“Stay” is essential for keeping your Pomeranian safe in potentially dangerous situations, such as near a busy road or a crowded area.
How to Teach “Stay”:
- Begin with your Pom in the “sit” position.
- Hold your hand before you, palm facing your dog, and say, “Stay.”
- Take a step back and, if your Pom stays, reward them with praise and a treat.
- Gradually increase the distance you step away, always rewarding them for staying in place.
- If your dog moves before you give the release command (such as “okay” or “free”), reset and try again without punishing them.
Come
The “come” command is essential for ensuring your Pomeranian returns to you when called, especially in off-leash situations.
How to Teach “Come”:
- Start by calling your dog’s name in a happy, excited voice and say, “Come.”
- When they move toward you, praise them enthusiastically and reward them with a treat once they reach you.
- Practice this command in various environments to ensure your dog learns to come when called, regardless of distractions.
Down
Teaching your Pomeranian to lie down is helpful for situations where you need your dog to relax and stay in one place for an extended period.
How to Teach “Down”:
- Start with your Pom in the “sit” position.
- Hold a treat before their nose and slowly lower it to the ground.
- As they follow the treat with their nose, their body will naturally move into a lying-down position.
- Once they lie down, say “down” and reward them with the treat and praise.
Housebreaking Your Pomeranian
Housebreaking or potty training is one of the first things you’ll need to focus on when bringing a Pomeranian puppy into your home. Due to their small size, Pomeranians can have small bladders, which means they may need to relieve themselves more frequently than larger breeds.
Tips for Successful Housebreaking:
- Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent routine for bathroom breaks, especially after meals, playtime, and naps. Take your Pomeranian to the same spot every time to reinforce where they are supposed to go.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your Pom goes potty in the right spot, immediately reward them with treats and praise. Make the experience positive so they associate good things with proper behavior.
- Crate Training: Crate training can be an effective tool for housebreaking, as dogs typically avoid soiling the area where they sleep. Use the crate as a safe space where your Pomeranian can stay when you cannot supervise them.
- Be Patient: Pomeranians are intelligent, but housebreaking can still take time. Accidents will happen, so avoid punishment and clean up accidents without drawing too much attention to them.
Dealing with Barking
Pomeranians are known to be vocal dogs, and barking is one of this breed’s most common behavioral challenges. While barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate, excessive barking can become a problem, mainly if triggered by separation anxiety, boredom, or territorial behavior.
Tips for Managing Excessive Barking:
- Identify the Trigger: Pay attention to what triggers your Pomeranian’s barking. Are they barking because of noises outside, visitors at the door, or when they’re left alone? Once you identify the trigger, you can work on managing it.
- Teach “Quiet”: Teaching your dog the “quiet” command can help reduce excessive barking. Start by allowing your Pom to bark a few times, then say “quiet” calmly and reward them when they stop barking.
- Avoid Reinforcing Barking: Be careful not to unintentionally reward barking by giving your Pomeranian attention every time they bark. If they’re barking for attention, wait until they stop before acknowledging them.
- Provide Mental Stimulation: Boredom can lead to excessive barking, so make sure your Pomeranian gets plenty of mental stimulation through puzzle toys, games, and interactive play.
Socialization: The Key to a Well-Adjusted Pomeranian
Socialization is a crucial aspect of training for any dog, but it’s essential for Pomeranians, who can sometimes be wary of strangers and new experiences. Proper socialization helps prevent fear-based aggression and ensures your Pom is comfortable around other people, animals, and environments.
How to Socialize Your Pomeranian:
- Expose Them to New Experiences: Start socializing your Pomeranian early by exposing them to various people, places, sounds, and other animals. Take them for walks in different environments, invite friends over, and introduce them to other well-behaved dogs.
- Reward Calm Behavior: When your Pomeranian behaves calmly in new situations, reward it with treats and praise. This positive reinforcement helps the dog associate new experiences with positive outcomes.
- Enroll in Puppy Classes: If you have a Pomeranian puppy, consider enrolling them in a puppy socialization class. These classes provide a controlled environment for your dog to interact with other puppies and learn critical social skills.
Advanced Training: Tricks and Fun Commands
Once your Pomeranian has mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced training, including fun tricks and commands that challenge their intelligence. Pomeranians love to learn, and teaching them new tricks can be a great way to bond with your dog while keeping them mentally stimulated.
Popular Tricks for Pomeranians:
- Spin: Teach your Pom to spin in a circle on command by using a treat to guide them in a circular motion. Once they complete the spin, reward them with praise and a treat.
- Shake: Hold your hand and ask your dog to “shake” by gently lifting its paw. Reward it when it places its paw in your hand.
- Roll Over: Have your Pomeranian lie down, then use a treat to guide them to roll onto their back and complete a full roll. Reward them once they’ve rolled over.
These tricks provide mental stimulation and reinforce the bond between you and your Pomeranian. They’ll love showing off their new skills to friends and family!
Addressing Stubborn Behavior in Pomeranians
Pomeranians are known for their strong-willed nature; some may display stubborn behavior during training. If your Pom is resisting commands or ignoring instructions, don’t get discouraged—this is a common trait in small breeds.
Tips for Overcoming Stubbornness:
- Keep Training Sessions Short: Pomeranians have short attention spans, so it’s essential to keep training sessions brief—around 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Short sessions will keep your Pomeranian engaged and prevent frustration for you and your dog. You can do multiple sessions throughout the day to reinforce learning.
- Be Patient and Consistent: Patience is vital when dealing with a stubborn Pomeranian. Stick to your training routine and be consistent in your commands and expectations. Over time, your Pom will learn that following commands leads to positive rewards.
- Use High-Value Rewards: If your Pomeranian is incredibly stubborn, consider using high-value rewards, such as their favorite treats or a toy they love. These rewards can provide extra motivation to follow commands, especially when learning something new.
- Stay Calm and Positive: Avoid getting frustrated or raising your voice if your Pomeranian isn’t following commands immediately. Pomeranians are sensitive and respond better to calm, positive reinforcement than to harsh corrections. If things aren’t going as planned, take a break and try again later.
The Role of Mental Stimulation in Training
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for a Pomeranian. This intelligent breed thrives on learning new things and being mentally challenged, so incorporating mental exercises into your training routine will help prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors.
Ways to Provide Mental Stimulation:
- Interactive Toys: Puzzle and treat-dispensing toys are great for engaging your Pomeranian’s mind and keeping them occupied. These toys require problem-solving skills and can be especially helpful when you need to keep your Pom busy while you’re out or occupied.
- Training Games: Games like hide-and-seek, where you hide treats or toys around the house and ask your Pomeranian to find them, can provide physical and mental exercise. These games also reinforce your Pom’s recall and scent-tracking abilities.
- Learn New Tricks: Even after your Pomeranian has mastered basic obedience, introduce new tricks and commands to challenge them. Teaching your Pom to fetch specific items, perform more complex tricks, or even dance on command will keep their mind sharp.
Addressing Behavioral Issues
Like any breed, Pomeranians may develop specific behavioral issues like separation anxiety, aggression, or resource guarding. Training can help mitigate these behaviors, but it’s essential to understand the root cause of the problem and address it appropriately.
Common Behavioral Issues and How to Address Them:
- Separation Anxiety: Many Pomeranians form strong attachments to their owners and may become anxious when left alone. To address separation anxiety, practice leaving your Pom alone for short periods, gradually increasing your time away. Provide toys and distractions to keep them occupied, and avoid making a big deal of your departures and returns.
- Resource Guarding: If your Pomeranian shows aggression over food, toys, or other resources, practice desensitizing them by offering high-value rewards when you approach them during mealtime or play. This teaches your Pom that having you near their resources is a positive experience, not a threat.
- Aggression: If your Pomeranian displays aggression toward other dogs or people, it’s essential to address this behavior with the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Socialization and desensitization techniques can help, but some cases of aggression require a more tailored approach.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Bond Through Training
Training your Pomeranian is essential for ensuring good behavior and building a deep bond with your dog. Pomeranians are intelligent, energetic, and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for basic obedience and advanced trick training. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Pom everything from basic commands to fun tricks that showcase their unique personality.
Remember to keep training sessions short and engaging, provide plenty of mental stimulation, and address behavioral issues calmly and consistently. Whether you’re working on housebreaking, curbing excessive barking, or teaching new tricks, the time you invest in training will pay off in a happy, well-behaved Pomeranian who is a joy to have as part of your family.
Most importantly, training allows you to deepen your connection with your Pomeranian. As you work together, you’ll develop mutual trust and respect, creating a fulfilling and lifelong relationship. With the proper training techniques, your Pomeranian will be well-mannered and thrive in an environment where they feel secure, loved, and understood.