How to Get a Pomeranian to Come to You When You Call His or Her Name

Pomeranians are high-energy toy dogs that can be excellent family dogs when properly trained. They can also be stubborn, which means it's important to give them strong incentives to listen to their owners. The breed's tendency toward fearfulness means that they are also not particularly receptive to aversive training methods and punishment. Consequently, reward-based training using a clicker to "mark" good behavior is a highly effective way to teach Pomeranians to come when they are called.

Things You'll Need

  • Training clicker
  • Dog treats
  • 10- to 15-foot dog leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reward your dog every time it approaches you after playing by clicking the training clicker and giving it a treat. This teaches Pomeranians to associate getting food and feeling positive emotions with being near their owners. Do not reward your dog when it runs up to you and jumps or acts unruly. Instead, reserve treats for exclusively positive behavior.

    • 2

      Bend down to your dog's level. Because Pomeranians are small and can be fearful, your dog is more likely to come if your presence is not intimidating. Look at your dog, but avoid making direct eye contact. In canine society, direct eye contact is perceived as a threat, which can be particularly intimidating to small dogs.

    • 3

      Stand only a few feet away from your dog and extend a treat out so your dog can see and smell it. Say your dog's name and then say, "Come!" Use a cheerful, upbeat tone. Avoid speaking too loudly, which may discourage your Pomeranian from coming. When your dog comes, click the training clicker and then immediately give it the treat. Repeat this exercise several times a day for two weeks.

    • 4

      Begin telling your dog to come to you from greater distances. Continue to repeat the above exercise several times a day, always giving your dog a treat. When your dog is reliably coming when you call it, begin giving it a treat only sometimes. Pomeranians thrive under an intermittent reinforcement schedule. Though they need constant rewards to learn at first, after they understand a word they are more likely to obey if they think they might get a treat as opposed to if they know they will.

    • 5

      Practice calling your dog in stressful environments. Put your Pomeranian on a long, 10- to 15-foot leash at a public location. Call it and click the training clicker and give it a food reward when it comes. This approach keeps your dog safe while still encouraging it to come when it is distracted. Repeat this exercise as frequently as you can.