Physical Characteristics

Pomeranians are smaller dogs with thick, plush double coats, short, sturdy legs, a plumed curling tail, and a pointy face. Their ears, inherited from Arctic breeds, are short and designed to limit loss of body heat.

They are prone to knee issues, including luxating patella, a knee or patella dislocation, sometimes identified by a clicking sound in the knee area. They are also susceptical to tracheal collapse and should never be walked or trained on a collar or anything that places pressure on their trachea. It is vital to confirm their harness fits correctly.

Pomeranians come in many colours and markings - blue, black, black & tan, brindle, cream, orange, sable, spotted, white and merle.  Breeders have recently added the merle, which is a distinct mottling of colors. Unfortunately this colour has seen a rise in deafness of the breed ranging from mild to severe.

History

The Pomeranian takes its name from Pomerania, an area located in what is today Northern Poland and Western Germany. It is believed that breeding, and crossbreeding, of large sled dogs, created the smallest member of the Spitz family (German for "sharp," which refers to their typically pointy noses). Their cousins include Norwegian Elkhounds, Samoyeds, and the Malamute.

Pomeranians were very popular with 19th century royalty, who were responsible for altering some of the breeds features and size. Queen Victoria was an especially big fan of the tiny Pom, showing six of her own at the 1891 Crufts dog show. Over time, breeders further cemented their luxurious coats, small ears, and plumed tails, along with their short legs, pointed snouts, and big personalities.

Personality and Temperament

The Pomeranian has a big personality that belies their size. As a result, they can engage in conflicts with other dogs, asserting their perceived leadership status. This can place them at risk of being harmed by a larger breed.

Occasionally, this can lead to behaviour problems around the home. They will often want to be first to answer the door, they will bark at noises they hear, and they tend to want to run the entire household. Due to their cuteness, many people allow them to get away with what would otherwise be unacceptable behaviour.

Their tendency to bark can be problematic for flat and apartment dwellers. However, they are very trainable, and with some determined management and ongoing education, they can become well-behaved loving pets. We recommend basic training at an early age for all Pomeranians. Consistent training pays large dividends when it comes to avoiding future behaviour problems.

Health

Everyday Illnesses and Injuries

Your Pomeranian's health concerns will change over the course of their life. A puppy might be more prone to eat something they shouldn't, a 2-year-old Pom may be more likely to develop allergies, and a senior Pom is far more likely to develop arthritis as they age. Pomeranians also have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions. An active Pom that loves to run around and jump on furniture may be more prone to a luxating patella.

If you are ever concerned about your dog's health, your local veterinarian is a great resource.

Genetic Health Concerns

Like many popular breeds, the Pomeranian has its fair share of hereditary based problems, such as knee, hip and elbow dysplasia. Most reputable breeders now have their breeding stock checked and scored by a vet for these hereditary ailments. You can request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these issues.

Many other health issues are also hereditary, so we recommend you do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.

Grooming

While grooming a Pomeranian is easy, their luxurious double coat, a soft, dense, thick undercoat, with a straight (and much longer) outer coat, requires daily attention. A once a week brushing using a pin brush and slicker brush can help further alleviate any issues and keep hair from matting. Tangling can occur during the Pom’s twice yearly undercoat shedding, and clipping is advisable every couple of months to further help manage the coat. Due to their active lifestyles, their nails should be cut short as well. It is advisable to find a groomer to perform a full groom every four to six weeks.

Training Your Pomeranian

Bark Busters International Head of Training - Donna Ryan

The Pomeranian combines a tiny body whilst commanding a big-dog demeanour. Most of the problems we see with Pomeranians are due to people treating them not as big dogs, but as their babies. We've seen Pomeranians who refuse to walk, on or off lead, because they have been carried around so much. We have seen them bark nonstop, almost like a child having a tantrum, when they don't get their own way.

Pomeranians, like all small dogs, can view themselves as being big, like a German Shepherd. Most people would not carry around a German Shepherd, but they think nothing about scooping up a Pom, nestling it in the crook of their arm, and carrying it every place they go. As a result, Poms can become demanding and protective of the person catering to them. They become stressed and act up, causing their human family stress, and creating an ongoing vicious cycle.

Fortunately, Pomeranians are typically smart dogs who aim to please. With a few modifications to their owner's behaviour, things can change for the better. Take Princess, a beautiful, professionally groomed Pomeranian. She was the pride and joy of wife Susan, and the bane of her husband, Peter.

Susan had adopted Princess before meeting Peter, and initially she was a cute, funny, and endearing little dog. However, once Susan and Peter moved in together, Princess became more protective of Susan. She would sit directly beside Susan or in Susan's lap, growling and baring her teeth if Peter approached. The same thing would happen when Susan was on the bed and Peter came into the room. Finally, after months of stress, they reached their limit when Princess bit Peter. Both Susan and Peter agreed that if Princess's behaviour didn't change, she would need to be rehomed.

Thankfully, Susan and Peter called Bark Busters. Our trainer met with them to learn about Princess' history and relationships with Susan and Peter. Once we understood the causes of Princess's behaviour, we explained it to Susan and Peter, then developed a training programme to create positive changes.

We coached them through some training exercises and Princess responded beautifully. We preached consistency in practicing the exercises, as it would likely take a few weeks to make some lasting changes. Susan and Peter were excited and encouraged by Princess' response to the training programme and made regular commitments to practice the exercises, vowing to keep us updated on their progress.

A couple of weeks after that initial lesson, we received a report from Susan and Peter that Princess was like a different dog. She was no longer growling or snapping at Peter, and she was much more relaxed. As a result, Susan and Peter were more relaxed and happier too.

If you are having behaviour problems with your Pomeranian, your local Bark Busters trainer is standing by to help. Our trainers can assist in establishing a pattern of consistency to resolve any and all problems, and help you nurture a relationship with your Pom built on communication, mutual understanding, trust, respect, and love.

Walking Your Pomeranian Correctly

WAGGWALKER®  Helping you Lead     

As previously mentioned, early education is important. Making sure your Pomeranian walks properly on a lead is an important exercise. If your dog pulls on the lead, it can be damaging its skeletal frame. You should always start this training in the home and start with short walks and make them fun and educational. No need to go for long walks while educating.

Introducing the Lead

Many folks struggle to control their dogs when out on a walk regardless of their size.

We recommend starting when your dog is still a puppy and educating your puppy where you want it to walk. That should not be straining at the leash.

Bark Busters® are often asked why dogs pull on the lead and concerned ‘pet parents’ worry that their dog will be injured with all this pulling. Not to mention the toll the pulling takes on the human, the answer is simple, it’s all down to using the right technique, coupled with the right leash and equipment.

Dogs Naturally Pull Against a Tight Leash

Pressure on your dog’s neck is not good for the trachea or his skeletal frame. It also places unnecessary pressure on your arms and joints. It benefits neither you nor your dog and cannot be fun. Yet we all see this type of walking daily and it has to be because people don’t know there is a better way.

In the wild if an animal is trapped, it will naturally try to get away. It knows it is vulnerable if it is captured or tethered. Although the canine has been domesticated for thousands of years, your dog still has this instinct in its mind. The only way to avoid this natural pulling, is to learn to get your dog to walk on a loose leash.

Dogs are natural pullers. It’s in a dog’s DNA to pull against any restraint.

This is why it is possible to get a dog to pull a sled. When a dog feels a restraint, it naturally pulls against the restraint. This is normal dog behaviour, but we can alter the dog’s perception if we always keep the dog on a loose leash, where it feels NO restraint.

The Waggwalker is a walking harness designed by dog trainers to communicate and educate dogs how to walk sedately on the leash.

The WAGGWALKER® makes it easier to walk your dog because it provides a way of communicating, through sound and with no pain, letting your dog know when it is out of position and exactly where you want your dog to walk, so ‘take the lead and get tails wagging’.

Puppy Selection

There are many places to acquire a puppy where you can be sure you are getting a puppy that has had the proper breeding. Check out your local rescues and shelters because they have some amazing dogs and puppies that are desperate for a forever home.

Check out the local Breed Specific Rescues, animal welfare shelters, or RSPCA as they have many great dogs looking for homes too, who through no fault of their own, have ended up being abandoned. These organisations test their dogs for temperament and soundness.

By adopting, you will be helping a dog in need, one that wants nothing more than to be in a loving home. There are too many companion animals euthanised each year and Bark Busters encourages you to visit one first before buying a puppy from a breeder.

When you are selecting a puppy, try to avoid selecting the fearful or over-zealous puppy. If you are at a shelter, consider that the dog might just be traumatised by their surroundings. All those barking dogs cause timid dogs stress and quite often you will see a different dog if you can get the staff to bring him away to a private viewing section for you. Animal Welfare and Rescues do amazing work in trying to save dogs and match breeds to the right owners, so consider that option when looking for a new puppy.

Select the right puppy. One that suits your lifestyle.

Many of our Bark Busters’ trainers volunteer their services at local shelters and rescues to assist in rehabilitating dogs. Bark Busters have saved many thousands of dogs through our volunteer rescue programmes around the world.

If you do decide to go to a breeder, then ensure you view both parents to determine the puppy’s personality and parentage.

View all interaction between the puppies as this will tell you a lot about their personality. Look out for those assertive types if you want a dog that is going to be good family dog that is good with children.

Tips for Bringing a New Puppy Home

Do not bring a puppy home before it has reached 8 weeks of age but preferably 12 weeks. Any earlier and they will miss out on much needed bonding with other puppies and their mother.

Bring your puppy home early in the day to allow time for your puppy to settle into its new home.

Try to bring some bedding home with the scent of the mother dog, scent of other litter mates, or a familiar scent.

Ensure that you know where your puppy will sleep and introduce your puppy to this area during mealtimes.

If you need to leave your puppy alone for a short while, ensure that you address any barking, while hidden close by, without returning to the puppy. Returning every time your puppy demands, will only encourage more barking. Puppies do better if they know you are there nearby and have not deserted them.

Ensure you have the same diet that your puppy was being fed when with its mother. Any diet change must be a gradual one.

Ensure that you puppy proof your house and place anything dangerous out of harm's way, such as electrical cables and poisonous chemicals.

Make sure you provide lots of bathroom breaks. Take your puppy to do its business at least 8 times per day, after sleeping, eating, drinking and any exuberant exercise.

Do I Want One Dog or Two?

We are often asked by prospective dog parents if they should get one or two puppies. We always answer the same way. Get two only if you really want two dogs!

Dogs are pack animals, and they love having company, but the selection of two dogs is something that must be carefully thought through.

Two neutered males can cohabit without too many issues if their doggie parents treat them equally and do not display any favouritism. Unequal treatment is usually behind most Sibling Rivalry cases.

A male and a female of equal energy can also cohabit. This can be the best match, providing that the female and male are equally matched in size. If they are differing sizes, its best that the male is the larger of the two. Make sure that the female is neutered, when appropriate, or problems could occur if a large male tries to mate with a smaller female.

Two females are not always the perfect pair, as females invariably want to rule the household. It won’t be long before they test each other, and some females won't back down. When you have two females in a household, they both might try to be the boss of each other, which can lead to fights.

Toilet Training

Without a doubt, toilet training a puppy has its challenges and can try your patience. You need to be observant and begin as soon as the puppy is home with you. Bark Busters will make sure the process is not stressful for you or your puppy.

When puppies are first born, they relieve themselves in their den, but their mother is there to clean them. Therefore, there is no scent of urine or faeces where the puppies eat, sleep and play. As they get slightly older, they learn to imitate the mother when she goes outside. This way the puppy becomes conditioned to never eliminate in their dens. If you are crate training, you will find that puppies will avoid toileting in their crate at all costs.

Knowing when your puppy is likely to relieve themselves by reading their body language is the key to success.

Have you ever taken a puppy outside for a walk only to find they relieve themselves as soon as they get back indoors? To avoid this, walk the puppy directly to the area you have designated the toileting area. Stand still and stay with the puppy, so they no longer show interest in you. Do not sit down as this will only encourage the puppy to jump on you and forget what they are there for. Praise when they perform. NEVER scold or rub their nose in any mistakes. This is cruel and will teach your puppy to move out of sight or wait until you are not watching.

Your puppy does not possess human logic but will begin to form good habits through structured routines. Positive reinforcement when they do the right thing in the right place is the best and quickest toilet training method.

Four Basic Needs

Let's examine those four basic needs and why your dog needs them to keep it healthy, balanced and content.

Food - diet / nutrition

We promote a diet that is grain free, low in carbohydrates and without any harmful e-numbers, colours and preservatives. Carbohydrates do add energy that the dog needs to burn off and can make an already hyperactive dog more active.

The right diet, grain free and filled with fruits, vegetables and raw meat will have advantages to how your dog will feel, look and act.

If you want to understand why grains can make a dog more energetic, you only need to think of racehorses and how their trainers give them grain to get highly energetic racehorses. Energy in, equals energy out.

Bark Busters dog trainers are not vets or dietitians, so we urge you to do your own research into the best diet for your dog. A diet that you will be comfortable with.

We do however have vast experience of how highly concentrated grain diets effect behaviour and can cause hyperactivity. This is very prominent in Japan, where most dogs are fed high levels of rice in their diet which can adversely affect concentration and focus.

Safety - through leadership and education

All dogs need strong leadership and to know where they fit into the family unit. If they know they have a leader that will make all the decisions, one who is fair and just, they will be happy and content.

On the other hand, if they have no structure in their life, they have inconsistency, and don’t know how things will be from one day to the next, then they will become stressed and may experience health ailments, skin and stomach issues and behaviour problems. Routine and respect must be established. With equal doses of love and structure your dog will feel safe and secure.

Shelter - a place to call their own

Dogs love nothing better than to curl up on the couch or in a place they can call their own, even when there is more than one dog. Most dogs are very sociable, and they will think nothing of all snuggling in together. Provide your dog with its own "den", a place where they can call home, and somewhere they can go to for a bit of peace and quiet. Just make sure their "den" is warm, easy to clean and maintain. By selecting a place for yours to eat and sleep away from high traffic areas of your home, you can set good habits early in its life. 

Entertainment - toys and games

A very important part of your dog's four basic needs is their need to have something to do. If we want to avoid our pets becoming bored and destructive, then they need a way to fill their day. Poms have high activity levels and do best when not left inactive for long hours.

Dogs thrive with physical and mental exercise. Dogs are highly intelligent animals, and they need to keep their brains active as much as their bodies. Entertainment is an important part of their well-being and essential to your dog's overall mental health.

One great toy is the Bark Busters GameChanger^® which helps to prevent boredom, stress, and separation anxiety. You fill the toy with some small treats, and your Pomeranian must decide how to get the treats out through the small holes. Entertainment for hours!

Games to Play

The Pomeranian is an energetic athlete who needs a lot of exercise and free play. Taking your dog for long walks and hikes is great for their wellbeing. Or Pomeranians can get their exercise in small spaces, making them excellent dogs for apartment and city dwellers.

'Tug of War' is okay and playing ball is good, provided your dog is not the type that gets fixated on the ball and refuses to stop playing when requested. Hide and seek is a great game too. These are games where you hide things from your dog, such as food, toys or a ball and then encourage them to go find it. You can increase the degree of difficulty as your dog gets better at the game.

Hide and seek is a game best played where you have another family member or friend to help you. Start out where your dog sees you hide the toy, then repeat over and over, 'Find' or ‘Seek’. When your dog master this you can then move on to not letting your dog see where you have hidden the item.

Remember to give your dog praise when he finds it. These sorts of games are great entertainment and offer mind exercises for your dog that will tire them as quick as a walk. They are far better than those type of games that encourage your dog to become overexcited or possessive of its toys.

Child's Play

Pomeranians are good with kids, but don't allow the children to turn them into babies or little fur children, as they can become frustrated quite easily and will want to avoid the children.

We don't recommend letting the children pick the dog up as it could get hurt. 

Never leave any dog alone with children regardless of the breed, size or personality.

Interactive Play

Bark Busters has the ultimate toy for all dogs that provides dogs with several options. The GameChanger® by Bark Busters is an interactive puzzle toy that delivers a treat. It's a chew toy, that they can carry around and take to their bed. It's a workout toy, that they flip over with their nose and scratch it with their paws. The GameChanger® will entertain your dog for hours!

Puppy Socialisation

The best type of safe socialisation for your Pomeranian puppy is with dog owners you know have a friendly dog. One that is sensible and not intimidating towards puppies. Some dogs won’t tolerate a lively puppy that jumps all over them, and they may try to put the insubordinate puppy in its place.

This interaction quickly solves the problem but leaves an everlasting impression; one that can manifest into dog aggression.

Avoid taking your puppy to a dog park or local park where there will be lots of dogs. Instead start by introducing your puppy to only one or two dogs in a controlled manner. Be sure to control your puppy’s over-exuberance too or fights and scuffles could breakout.

The Wrong Kind of Socialisation

Many new puppy parents cannot wait to take their new puppy out in public or straight to the park to meet lots of other dogs. This is where some of the seeds of misbehaviours are sown. Bark Busters get to see the results of how these hasty decisions can cause fear and dog aggression problems.

Some older dogs or puppies can be intimidating which is possibly going to frighten an inexperienced puppy and possibly cause it long-term behaviour problems, which can turn to late onset aggression towards other dogs. Be selective of which dog you choose to play and socialise with for your puppy.

Dog Parks

Taking Your Pomeranian to Dog Parks

Dog Parks are one of the most misunderstood dog activities of the modern-day dog world. Some doggie parents love nothing more than to take their dog to a dog park. They have been told they need to socialise their dog and so off they go.

They love the fact that their dog has fun, they get to meet other dog lovers and watch the dog's romp around and play.

That is the upside, but the downside is there are those dog lovers whose dogs don't fit into this world at all. They are those dogs or puppies that were bullied, frightened on their first visit or whose personality does not fit the mould.

These folks agonise over the fact that their dog or puppy does not look forward to its trip there, it hides under the seat of the car, or it has to be carried or enticed into the park.

Many ask us why their dog acts like this and how they can fix it?

Bark Busters do have ways to assist these pet parents, but we do also explain why their dog might not like the dog park because of its personality.

It reminds us of a friend of ours who visited us regularly with her little dog, 'Harry'.

When they would arrive, Harry would walk up to each of us, sniff our legs and walk away.

She questioned us one day on why we never petted Harry when he came up to us.

We explained that this was not what Harry was doing, he was sniffing us, not requesting a pat. If he had been requesting to be petted, after sniffing us, he would have gestured to us to pet him. He did not do that, instead he walked away.

We told her that Harry was not a social dog and preferred not to be touched by anyone other than her and he avoided any interaction with our dogs too. He was a 'one person' dog that did not feel comfortable around others.

It was like a light had been turned on, our friend smiled and told us that this explained a lot to her. She further explained that every time she took Harry to the dog park, that he could not wait to get back to the car when it was time to leave, that he would stand away from the other dogs, never join in the play and snap at other dogs when they came near him.

He was telling her in every way he could that he did not fit into that dog park crowd, just like some humans hate parties!

Bark Busters Lifetime Support Guarantee

Bark Busters dog behaviour therapists and trainers have trained more than 1 Million dogs worldwide and are renowned authorities in addressing dog behaviour with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. The Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind to provide International dog training guaranteed lifetime support. With hundreds of trainers around the world, Bark Busters continues its mission to enhance the human/canine relationship and to reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia. Contact your local Bark Busters dog trainer to see how they can help.

This article is the copyright of Bark Busters^® and is intended for information purposes only. Dog owners should fully research any problems that they may have with their dogs.