Complete Information Regarding the Pomeranian Toy Dog

              

Your Subtitle text
Pomeranian Behavior

Is a Pom Right for You?

It is important to know and understand the behavior of a Pomeranian.  If you are thinking about getting a Pom, you will want to make sure that having this dog breed is a good fit for you.  Not only if the dog will blend well into your family, but that what you envision as being a dog owner is indeed what life will be like with this little fluff ball.

If you are having training issues with your Pom or will be getting a puppy and want to know what training will be like...don't worry!  Most Pomeranians love to please. They will  be your best friend, your shadow and a whole lot of personality in that little ball of fluff

Read House Training

Pomeranian Behavior

Each Pom is different because each has his or her own particular personality.  This type of dog certainly can not be categorized by one or two words that carries over across the entire breed.  One very interesting trait however, is that once a Pomeranian becomes comfortable with its owner, he will begin to copy the behavior of its owner. For example, if a person is very loud and full of energy, so shall their Pomeranian become.  If a person tends to be quiet and shy, they will usually find that their Pomeranian is shy and quiet.  Companion analysis:  A Pomeranian will always be a perfect match to their owner. Proper house training, controlling unnecessary barking and biting will ensure a great match.
                                                                                                               
Although a Pom is a very small dog, 3 to 7 pounds generally, he doesn't know it and do not try to tell him!  This breed was originally a much larger sled dog and therefore the instinct to protect and guard its owner is still inbred in the Pomeranian. Even if your Pom is a quiet dog, do expect its behavior to turn up a notch if a stranger comes to the door.  A Pomeranian will bark as if he is a pit bull if he senses a stranger or feels there may be impending danger to its owner.  This dog shows no fear toward anything if he is in "protection mode".  The final analysis: this behavior of a Pomeranian shows 100% loyalty to its owner.                                                           

A Pom will generally adapt quite well to just about any situation.  The type of environment or home that is perfect for a Pomeranian is which ever home its owner is in.  This dog will be happy as a clam in a sprawling farmhouse and just as content in a small apartment.  However, a Pom must be an inside dog.  Going for walks and playing around in warm temperatures will always be fun for him, but he must never be considered an outside dog!  A Pom won't last long tied up in the cold weather or in a pen that is in the hot sun.  Any owner must be 100% willing and able to keep this dog living in the house as a family member.

Stereotypes

There is a stereotype against Pomeranian breed and  other small breed dogs that they are "snappy" and bark a lot.  This is not true.  The behavior of a Pomeranian can be very calm and friendly, this is done with proper training.  A Pom will not bark incessantly or nip at everyone unless there is a problem, such as the dog feeling threatened, being bothered while trying to eat his meal, etc.  If you find that your dog is behaving in such a way when the house is peaceful and otherwise quiet, it is time to learn about training and what you can do to make the dog's environment a happy one.

Socialization


It is the breeder who shapes the personality of the young Pomeranian puppy.   The first 3 months are crucial for a pup to learn about the world, become used to normal household noises, begin to potty train, learn the human touch and so forth.  This is why it is so important to know an exceptional breeder when it is time to find that perfect pup.  When you obtain your puppy, it will then be your job to carry on with this training.  A Pom who is not properly socialized will have behavioral issues; this can include inappropriate barking, signs of anxiety with visitors to your home and more.
Read about Socialization and Bringing Your Puppy Home

Jealous Behavior

Some dogs can display behavior that appears to be jealousy, either with other household members or with other pets. To learn more about this specific topic, read  Jealous Behavior.

Sleep Requirements for the Pomeranian

Are you wondering if your Pom sleeps too much or how much sleep to expect if you will be bringing a Pom into your home?  Learn all about this topic in our Pomeranian Sleep Section

Dogs who Eat Feces

This is one of the most common questions that we receive from Members.  "Why does my Pom eat feces?" and "What can I do to stop them!?"   The main reason that a dog will do this is a nutrient deficiency.  A dog who is lacking just about any needed nutrient will eat feces.

A dog who is fed a low quality dog food will have bowel movements that still contain a lot of undigested food.  This is because the ingredients in that dog food are not easily digested.  They pass quickly through the dog's body and a lot of it ends up in the dog's feces.  A dog may then eat their own feces, in an attempt to re-eat that undigested food.

A dog who is not receiving the proper dog food, may also eat another dog's or a cat's feces.  It is very important to give your  Pomeranian the highest quality dog food possible and a daily supplement.

Habit : 
There are cases when a dog is being fed 100% correctly and still displaying this behavior.  Most often, this is because it has become a habit.   If a dog eats feces and is never trained to not eat them,  it can become a very odd and upsetting behavior.

The best action to take is to simply not allow your dog to be accessible to it.   Keep your Pom on a very short leash when she is doing her business.  As soon as she has eliminated her feces, walk her away from it.  Pick her up if you must.  But do not allow her to eat it.  

If you  allow her to go outside and play in a safe area and there is feces there,  remove the feces first.  Do not allow her to play or run around where she may eat them.  Washing the feces down with a water hose works very well.

If a Pom is actually so obsessed with this, that they try and lick up their feces that end up at the bottom a their dog crate, there are a couple of things that you can do:
  • Obtain a food dispenser.  Do not feed your dog right before you leave.  Time the dispenser to release the food later in the day. This way,  your dog may be able to "hold on" and not poo until you come home and can bring them outside.
  • Try to obtain a crate in which the bottom section with the newspaper is further away from your dog.  This way, they will not be able to reach the feces.  Obtain a dog crate made for very large dog breeds.  A crate that is made for very large dogs will have much more of a distance between the landing and the newspaper area.

Keeping Your Pomeranian Happy

It is important to keep your little Pom safe.  Being so small, play should not be rough. No one should ever tower above your dog and yell.  Good behavior should be rewarded and negative behavior should be dealt with calmly.

Poms can be finicky eaters.  this breed is most happy when given some privacy to eat.  All dogs, no matter which breed, are descendants of wild dogs.  They have a natural, build in instinct to feel vulnerable when eating, as if someone is going to come and take away their food before they are done.  It is suggested to place their food in a quiet spot, in a quiet room.  Once your dog is done with its meal, the behavior of a Pomeranian will go right back to its normal, friendly self.

Spend time bonding, exploring the "world" and give back as much love as you are getting (which will be a lot!)

Already Have a Pom Puppy? You Will Need This:



Looking For a Puppy?

Looking
for a Pom Puppy?  Look no further !   We introduce you to... Personally Recommended Pomeranian Breeders