Things to keep in mind before you do the training:
1)
Despite stereotypes, it is not true that all small toys dogs such as the Pomeranian are 'snappy'. This sort of behavior is in no way a 'breed trait'.
The Pom breed's ancestors originated in cold climates as they were sled-pulling dogs whose average size
was 30 pounds. Over time, they have become smaller dogs, but this did not make them biters.
2)
A Pomeranian will usually continue any behavior in which he receives some type of satisfaction (attention is given, etc.) unless he is trained that negative outcomes for an action exceed any possible benefit.
3)
To train your Pom to stop nipping or biting, this should be performed in a calm and controlled manner.
Never scold or yell at your dog, as all you will accomplish to to teach your Pom to be afraid of you. Adding fear or stress to the equation on exasperates the problem.
When a Pom learns to fear his owner, nothing is gained and much is lost, including that wonderful bond and relationship between human and canine.
To start the training:
Keeping this in mind what we have discussed regarding the need for proper hierarchy, the goal will be to:
A)
Take charge as leader.
And B)
Then train your Pom via temporarily banning the puppy or dog if they nip, bite, or otherwise display unacceptable behavior.
To take charge as leader:
You will want to make it clear, in a loving way, that you are in charge. When this is understood, your Pomeranian will think twice about nipping at you, because dogs rarely nip at their leader.
This is done by consistently following these rules:
- The Pom must obey a 'Sit' command any time that food is given; this includes both meals and snacks.
- When leaving the house or coming back in, humans go first, followed by the dog.
- For dogs that really need the idea driven home, stay on a physically higher level than your Pom. This means that you do not sit on the floor with him, and he does not sit up on the sofa with you.
Once that has been established, the order of training is:
1.
Give a sharp 'No' and immediately distance yourself from your dog.
2.
Immediately place your Pom in a time-out. This is best done in his indoor playpen
and it should be placed where he can see the family. After all, if he cannot see that others are carrying on, how will he know that he is being 'banished'?
During this short time, he must be 100% ignored. Zero talking, zero eye contact. No interaction at all.
3.
Continue this until your dog has noticed. You will see that he becomes a bit whiny and may pace. It is at this time that his mind is metaphorically thinking, "Did I do something wrong to be ignored by my pack leader? Oh, no, no one is noticing that I'm here ... am I being banished?"
4.
Allow him to come out. After a few minutes, allow for casual contact and interaction. There will be no praising or patting yet. However, an owner may speak out loud, etc.
5.
If the Pom nips again, immediately go to Step 1.
6.
If the Pom behaves, offer great praise and a treat.
It can take days to weeks for a dog to learn to stop biting; however once the training is complete, treats will not need to be given for good behavior; though occasionally vocal praise will encourage a dog to continue behaving nicely.