How to Train a Pom

Pomeranians are often considered toy dogs; they have fox-like features with small, pointed ears and thick, fluffy tails. These dogs are often lovingly called "Poms" and were owned, bred and admired by several European royals, including Queen Victoria of England. Like other dogs, Pomeranians require training if they are to be well behaved, pleasant companions. Training usually requires diligence, repetition and patience on behalf of both the trainer and the dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash and collar or harness
  • Brush
  • Nail clippers
  • Shampoo
  • Toys
  • Crate and bedding
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your Pom to adjust to living with you in your home. Refrain from taking it out and showing it off to friends and family for the first few days that you have it so that it learns who you are and where its home is. Play with it in your home using puppy or dog-safe toys.

    • 2

      Place a collar around your Pom's neck. If the Pom has never worn a collar before, only leave it on for a few minutes at a time, increasing the amount of time it is worn each time. If your Pom is used to wearing a collar, simply put the collar on. Check to make sure that the collar does not become too tight by sticking two of your fingers under the collar every few days. If your fingers do not fit comfortably, adjust the collar.

    • 3

      Attach your Pom's collar to a leash and gently guide the Pom with your leash as you walk, first letting it walk on your left side and then switching up sides once it is comfortable.

    • 4

      Speak soothingly to your Pom as you brush its fur and teeth, clean its ears, clip its nails and give it baths. Doing this, as well as giving the Pom a treat during such grooming, will teach it to lie still while being groomed; it will begin to understand that grooming is not a punishment.

    • 5

      Teach your Pom basic commands, such as to sit, stay and come. Say the command, show your pet how to perform it and reward your pet when it does so successfully by giving it a treat and petting it. For example, to teach your Pom to sit, say the command "Sit," in an authoritative voice and gently push its rear end to the ground. Repeat the command "Sit" as your Pom complies. Then give it a treat, or pet it and praise it. Keep doing this until your pet can follow basic commands without you aiding it.

    • 6

      Crate train and house train your Pom as soon as possible. Place the crate in a well-trafficked area of the home and gently place your Pom in it, along with bedding. Leave your Pom in its crate for a few minutes every couple of hours so that your Pom is used to its new home. If you have a puppy, it will need to go outside to relieve itself between 10 to 12 times a day. An older dog may need to go two or three times a day. If your Pom is having an accident, startle it by clapping your hands loudly and shouting, then quickly take it outside and praise it for going outdoors.