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The Best Toys for Pomeranians

The 5 Types of Toys Every Pom Needs

Rosie, photo courtesy of Denise Plentz

Overview

It's pretty amazing what a difference the right toys can make.

If you think of toys as tools that are meant to meet an exact need that your Pomeranian has, you'll find that they can help in regard to an impressive number of things. A dog's behavior and even his level of security can be altered with the right help.

You do not need to have a lot of toys; in fact, having too many can just create a big pile that is essentially ignored and it can make it hard for your Pomeranian to have access to the right ones.

So, what you will want to do is take some time to have a few carefully chosen toys that meet your Pom's exact needs.

Here, we'll go over the 5 types of toys needed, and how these can benefit your Pom puppy or dog.

#1 Chew Toys

Teething: When Pomeranian puppies are teething, this can be a rough time for the pup, and a desperate time for owners, as they search for ways to help. Teething, the process in which milk teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in, typically starts at the 4 to 5 month mark. It will last several months, often winding down at the 8 to 9 month mark.

During this time, a pup's gums are incredibly itchy and may feel sore as well. The urge to chew is exceedingly strong. Just about anything may be mouthed in a pup's search to find relief. So, now is the time to have a few great teething toys that do their job.

Elements to look for in a good teething toy:

Correct size, so that sections of the toy can fit into a Pom puppy's mouth, which is not always easy with small toy breeds.

A pliable yet durable consistency to provide a pleasing chewing experience.

It must draw the pup in. Flavor is an effective method for this.

And it must be designed in a way that the toy is able to 'scratch' the strong itch that a puppy will have.

There are two main things to look for in this regard. Small nubs and/or ribs work very well. These are tiny little bumps that you'll see on the toy, which are fantastic for a teething pup.

The other is twisted rope toys. Rope, when sized right, is terrific; it can be worked into areas that are giving the pup a problem at any one given moment, and the texture is great for itchy gums.

Recommended Teething Toys:

1. Nylabone Just For Puppies Petite Bone Chew Toy.

These are fantastic due to their ideal size, flexibility, and nubs that massage sore gums and offer relief.

2. Nylabone Just For Puppies Key Ring Toy.

This neat little set that has a ring and three 'keys' offers different chewing surfaces, so that whether your puppy is feeling pain or itching, this toy will help.

3. Puppy Chew Mini Teething Rope Toy Set.

This is an awesome set of 4 braided ropes (two have frayed ends) which is greatly appreciated by teething pups. To make this even better, wet down the ropes and freeze them for a soothing chew that helps with inflamed gums.

4. KONG Duckie Dog Toy.

If your teething Pom puppy likes to shred up pillows, chew on your socks, or bite on other soft objects, this is the toy that you'll want for him or her. This is a durable yet soft little yellow duck that has a squeaker inside.

Chew toys for all ages: The other type of chew toy is a more general toy, that is meant to please dogs of all ages.

Often, if a Pomeranian puppy has found that his teething toys met his needs, and that chewing on them was enjoyable, wanting something to chew on can carry over to his adult years. This is a good thing, since he will already have the habit of looking to his toys for his chewing urges (and not your shoes or other belongings).

Adult dogs will also chew just because it feels good to work their jaws, and it is generally a good way for canines to pass the time. Though there is much more needed, it is one aspect of taking care of the teeth.

You'll want some sturdy chew toys that have some pleasing aspects or elements that make them fun.

And while Pomeranians are not known for completely shredding apart toys, some are relatively strong chewers, and for that you will want to look to 'indestructible' dog toys that can really stand up to sharp teeth and enthusiastic play.

One problem that you may have encountered in regard to finding indestructible toys for your Pom, is that many are great, but are sized much too large for this toy breed dog. Fortunately, there are a couple that are rather small, but exceptionally durable.

Recommended chew toys: For basic chew toys, there are a couple of terrific ones that stand out:

1. Spencer The Crinkle Monkey.

This was one of our prizes for our last Halloween Contest. These come in size small, and are still a good sized toy, but the arms and legs are the parts that fit into a Pom's mouth for lots of chewing fun.

These are neat because there is crinkle paper inside the limbs which dogs seem to love. Other parts of the monkey have a squeaker and a rattle. These are well made and are very durable. ZippyPaws also makes crinkle butterflies, dragonflies, and other cute toys.

2. Kong Low Stuffing with Squeaker Dog Toys.

Another type that you may want to consider is Kong's low-stuffed dog toys. These can be found in extra-small, which makes them perfect for both puppies and adult Poms that love to chew. These are very durable, and also machine washable.

Recommended toys for super strong chewers: If your Pom's teeth are like sharp little razors, and they're known for ripping things apart (even the durable toys as mentioned above), the next step would be to move to the Hurleys and for larger Poms, the Kongs. Again, the tricky part is finding ones small enough.

1. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Toy.

Good thing that these start at size 'mini' (ideal for most Poms) because these are great toys for strong little chewers. This is made in America and is 100% guaranteed to stand up. For extra incentive, swipe a bit of fish oil on this and your Pom won't be able to resist.

2. Goughnuts for Small Dogs.

If your Pom is able to shred apart just about every toy you offer, you'll want to try Goughnuts. These are virtually indestructible and are designed to let you know if your dog does go too far; if you see the inner red color, it's time to take the toy away and the company will send you a new one for free.

Cuteness break!

Titou, photo courtesy of Josee from Quebec City

#2 Toys to Keep a Pom Busy and Focused

Another important reason to make sure you have the best toys possible, is to help prevent boredom and to keep a Pomeranian engaged.

These will be needed for several reasons:

To keep a Pom busy and focused when he's home alone by himself.

These can be a great tool for if a Pom wakes up at night to offer something to play with instead of waking you up.

Are perfect when you want to keep your Pom busy when you are home, but are doing other things and cannot interact with him.

The most important element for 'stay busy' toys are that they need to capture a dog's attention and hold it. In most cases, a toy that is just 'there' will not fit the bill.

You will want to look for toys that draw a dog in. And then keep him wanting to play. This can be accomplished with toys that a dog perceives are interacting with him.

Recommended 'stay busy' toys: Dog toys that speak are really great for this. Let's look at some awesome options:

1. PetQwerks Talking Babble Ball.

This is a really cool ball that emits 20 funny phrases when it's nosed, so this can keep a Pom entertained for quite some time. It says silly things like 'Hot diggity dog!', 'Come here, puppy!' and 'Ohhh, baby!'.

2. Multipet Mr. Bill Toy.

Your Pomeranian will be just as assumed as you are when this toy lets out the classic 'Oh, nooooo!' phrase. It's simple yet colorful and as with many toys that seem 'alive', it can keep a dog intrigued.

3. Multipet Look Who's Talking Cow.

This is the talking cow which is quite amusing (and cute) but there are a slew of other adorable talking animal toys as well including a monkey, parrot, duck, frog, and rooster.

Cuteness break!

Pepper, at 9 months old, photo courtesy of Eryn March

#3 Treat Release Toys

If you've had a bad experience with treat release toys for your Pomeranian, most likely this was because the toy was huge. Many of these are designed for medium and large sized dogs. However, there are a few great ones that are more appropriate for toy sized breeds.

Treat release toys are really terrific for a couple of reasons:

To keep a puppy occupied if he wakes up during the night or super early in the morning.

It can be hard for pups to sleep through the night during the first couple of months; in some cases, if they have a small treat dispensing toy, this can keep them happy for quite a while (though companion toys work great too, and we'll touch on those ahead).

An effective method to feed a Pomeranian when he's home alone during meal time.

Pomeranians need to be fed 2 to 3 meals per day. And while you can leave food out in a bowl if you will be gone during a feeding time, another great option is to use a treat dispensing toy.

Tips for treat release toys for your Pom: You can fill these with either your Pom's dry kibble or small-sized treats. If you find that your puppy or dog is able to release the food much too quickly, you can mix the dry bits of kibble or treats with all-natural, smooth peanut butter. Most dogs love this.

Be sure to clean these toys out every other day or so, since bits of leftover food can become stale and quite stinky.

Recommended treat dispensing toys for Poms: The tricky part of this is to find ones that are the right size for this breed. A huge majority of these are for dogs up to 20 lbs. Luckily, the PetSafe Busy Buddy Barnacle Dog Toy, Extra Small exists; they really hit the mark on this one, offering just the right size that dispenses treats perfectly. It consists of 3 orbs that each hold treats, making it easy for Poms of all ages to manipulate.

Another really great one is the PetSafe Twist 'n Treat, which comes in both extra-small and small sizes. With just a twist, you can adjust the difficult level so it can be perfect for your particular Pom's needs. This is also very durable and super easy to take apart and clean.

Cuteness break!

Pebbles, at 10 weeks old, photo courtesy of Adele

#4 Companion Toys

It's really heartbreaking to leave a Pomeranian home alone if you know that he has a hard time with separation anxiety. And while there are many steps involved in helping a dog cope with being alone, part of this is to remove the feelings of isolation via a companion toy.

In addition, this sort of toy is perfect for young puppies that are having a hard time at night, often crying or whining because they don't want to be alone.

But, the right toy can make a Pomeranian feel as if he truly has a real friend right keeping him company. With these, your Pom will never be alone again; he'll always have a source of security and comfort.

Our recommended companion toy: By far, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy is one of the best companion toys that you'll find.

These are quite amazing. They are good sized, quality stuffed animals that are great for snuggling. Importantly, they emit a rhythmic, soothing heartbeat that realistically mimics a living creature. And, there is an option to turn on a comforting warmth, which is a fantastic bonus. This is the closest you can come to having another dog to keep your Pom company, without technically doing so.

You'll find that these toys essentially last forever, because you can obtain replacement hearts (these typically last for years, so you may never have to replace the heart) and purchase heating elements as needed.

Cuteness break!

Bella, at 5 months old (with her Nina Ottoson toy), photo courtesy of P. Need (Hawaii)

#5 Toys for Both of You to Play Together

Pomeranians love spending time with their humans, and will want to be active with them as much as possible. And, playing together is a great way to increase the bond between the two of you.

There are 2 main types of toys for this:

1. Fetch Toys. Engaging in a game of fetch will always be appreciated. It's easy to play, great exercise for Poms of all ages, and a great way to bond. The only thing needed is a fun toy that is sized small enough for a Pom to mouth it and your enthusiastic participation.

There are some really fun options for this. Let's take a look:

1-A. Flashing Fetch Balls.

These are a set of 3 sturdy balls that light up (bright enough to show even in daylight) and aside from that, each one does something silly. One bounces in its own direction, one makes giggle noises, and one squeaks. This is a great choice if your Pom needs incentive to give chase. As an added bonus, one has soft 'spikes' which makes it easy to mouth.

1-B. KONG Wubba Dog Toy.

Wubbas are awesome for a few reasons; though, the small is pretty good size which makes this ideal for adults, not so much for young pups. This cool toy consists of a tennis ball and a squeaker ball wrapped in fabric and a 4-piece tail, which makes it enticing to run after and easy to mouth and bring back to you. You might also want to check out the KONG Wubba Ballistic Friends, which is the same toy but made to look like cute animals.

1-C. Chuckit! Flying Squirrel.

This is a super-fun fetch toy that is also the right size for adult Pomeranians. This is specially designed to soar up high and then glide down which helps a dog have time to position themselves. You'll have just as much fun throwing it as your Pom does chasing after it. Note that there is also an 'indoor' version that is made of soft plush to fun playtime on rainy or cold days.

1-D. Midlee Mini Dog Tennis Balls.

If you want to stick with the classic game throwing your Pom a tennis ball (most dogs do love this!), these are just the thing to use. With just a diameter of 1.5 inches, these are perfect for a Pomeranian's tiny mouth. As as added plus, these are a deep red which makes them easier for a dog to see compared to the standard yellow.

2. Puzzle games. These are a fantastic choice if you want to do an activity with your Pom that encourages bonding while increasing your dog's self-confidence level.

Let's look at some puzzle games that are sized well for Pomeranians while offering lots of fun:

1-A. Nina Ottoson Dog Brick Treat Puzzle Toy.

Dogs love to be challenged and to flex their brain muscles, and it can really make a dog feel good about themselves when you have a fun game like this to teach them how to nose levels and paw buttons in order to release tasty treats. This is a good one to start with, it's a bit of a challenge but not overly complicated. As you Pom learns how to maneuver the puzzle pieces, there are others in this line with higher difficult levels.

1-B. Trixie Pet Products Flip Board Game.

This is an intermediate level game made for small dogs. There are levers, sliders, and pop-up covers, which makes this super-fun and a great way to bond with your Pom as you teach your little one what to do.

1-C. Joe’s Home Dog Snuffle Mat.

This one will have you more of a by-stander but is a great option if you want to be able to set something up and have your Pom stay busy. A foraging mat like this is an alternative to playing hide n' seek because it's all done on one good-sized mat. This has a 'forest' of fabric and pockets to hide treats, then your Pom goes searching for the goodies, gobbling them up as they are found.

Cuteness break!

Keisha, at 7 months old, photo courtesy of Cyann Davis

Toy Tips

Here's some tips that can help out in a number of ways:

1) Rotate your Pom's toys. If you buy some of the better toys that last quite a while, that is great; but, it also means that your Pomeranian will keep seeing the same toys over and over again. Though he may love to have a couple of favorites near him at all times, it can be a good idea to have 2 toys bins.

Every few weeks, switch them out, and this way your Pom will keep getting 'new' toys. Do, however, keep those 'favorites' as a Pom can become very attached to a certain toy and can become upset if it suddenly goes missing.

2) Routinely check the toys to see if there is enough wear and tear that the toy could present a choking hazard and needs to be thrown out.

3) As your Pomeranian matures, toys needs will change. So, do a toy assessment every so often, looking at the 5 main types of toys here, to see if your little guy or gal is in need of a toy element that they are not currently receiving.

With toys designed to meet the needs of chewers, teethers, dogs that are bored, those needing encouragement to play, those feeling lonely when home alone, and those in need of both physical and mental stimulation, the right toys can help with all of these elements.

Best Toys for Pomeranians with Missing Teeth - If your Pom can no longer chomp down on toys, there are still plenty of great options to keep your little guy or gal happily occupied.