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Why Does My Pomeranian Follow Me Everywhere?

This is a question that a lot of owners ask... And they wonder if it is normal. Does your Pomeranian follow you, no matter where you go or what you are doing? Is your Pom like your shadow...right under your feet or trotting along behind you as you walk from room to room?  You may have even almost stepped on your dog by accident (which could cause serious injury).

Are you the type of owner that never has to wonder, "Where is my dog?"  

If so, this section will be helpful to you. We will discuss why a Pomeranian may have the type of personality that drives him or her to stay right by your side... And we will talk about whether or not this is healthy behavior.
Reason 1 - This is common behavior for very young puppies. Think about what a puppy's life was like right before you brought him or her home. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy's world is very small. It consists of his or her littermates, mother (the dam) and most often just 1 or 2 people (the breeder/s). This small group of others is the Pom's pack. It is canine instinct to stay close to the pack. After all, doing so equals survival. Staying close to the dam ensures that a puppy is able to nurse. As he or she grows older, a pup's food and water source are given by the breeder.

When a Pomeranian puppy goes to his or her new home, this is a dramatic change! Everything changes... gone are his littermates, dam and breeder. His entire world is turned upside down. He must get used to a new environment...smells, people, toys, a new sleeping area... every single element that surrounds him is different. This is a happy time for owners as they bring home a new canine family member, but it can be a stressful time for a baby Pomeranian.
Pomeranian looking up
Milo, 1 year old
Photo courtesy of owner: Natanya R.
While one pup may withdrawn, behaving shy until he or she gains footing in the new surroundings, another way to cope is to stay close to their human. After all, you offer: Comfort, love, hugs, pats, praise, entertainment by playing, food, water, treats and a soothing voice. It is natural that all of these things appeal to a tiny pup. 

As your Pom grows older, he or she will slowly learn to venture out. The instinct to explore will grow stronger and the courage to actually do so will develop (although with some Poms, training will need to be given to prompt this).

During this time, you can help by encouraging your puppy to interact with the world in a healthy way. The process of doing so is called socialization.

For many dogs, this type of training is key... as without it, a dog can become anxious or defensive when meeting others or when put into certain situations. 

We will talk more about this as we read on ahead to reason #2...
Reason 2 - The Pomeranian is a companion lap dog. This classification should not be overlooked. Some breeds are in the working class, others are hunters.... The Pom has been bred and perfected over many generations to hold the traits that lap dogs have...and this means that they are characteristically friendly and want to be near your side. You cannot undo such a strong, inbred trait.

If someone is looking for an independent dog, the Pom will not fit that guideline. Sure, as this breed matures there can often be more independent play and older, senior Poms often like to retreat away from noise and too much commotion.

However, in general, this breed truly enjoys the company of his humans. It is normal for this breed to crave human companionship. Many will be more than happy to follow you around just to have that feeling of security, and it will not matter if anything exciting is going on or not.
Do remember that just because your Pom is always at your side, that this does not mean that you must constantly play or provide interaction. 

It is best to teach your dog that there are times when you will be doing tasks (cooking, talking on the phone, reading....anything that you normally do at home) and that they are expected to either stay quietly beside you or play with a toy.

If your Pom is continually jumping up on you or barking to gain your attention, the best course of action is to completely ignore negative behavior and reward desirable behavior.

While you will want your dog to be self confident and able to interact with others in a healthy way, do be happy that your Pom enjoys your company so much. With this said, to have a well-rounded life and to be truly happy, a dog needs to be able to have the right training to be able to engage with other people and other dogs. 
Pomeranian following owner
Princess Di, 3 years old
Photo courtesy of owner: Queen Dianne 
To feel at peace, they must have the skills to enter into a new environment or meet others without feeling anxious or defensive (hiding or barking). If you feel that your Pomeranian is in need of some socialization training, have a look at the PetPom Book.
What is your Pom's animal sign? And what does that mean?

Have fun in our newest section, Pomeranian Chinese Zodiacs.
See how your Pom's year of birth can give you insight into his/her core personality & traits.
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