The Pomeranian is a small, animated dog that is prone to barking at times. Although a playful and loyal companion, the dog's incessant yapping is just about enough to drive anyone up the wall. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to help stop or reduce your Pomeranian's barking ̵1; so don't throw in the towel and buy those earplugs just yet.
Things You'll Need
- Treats
- Favorite toy
- Rawhide or bone
- Veterinarian
- Doggie bed
- Spray bottle with water
Instructions
Limit your dog's anxiety. Pomeranians are nervous dogs that crave constant love and attention. Not surprisingly, they hate being left alone. When your Pomeranian sees you getting ready to leave, its inner response is a feeling of desertion, followed by anxiety. This is a great time to distract the dog. Take a minute out of your routine to play with your dog for a bit, give it a treat or a rawhide to chew on and call it a ̶0;good dog!̶1; This will help prevent the dog from thinking you are leaving because it did something wrong.
Reward your Pomeranian when it does NOT bark. If it usually barks when it hears a noise outside, the next time it does this, call it a ̶0;good dog̶1; and give it a treat. This lets the dog know you appreciate its warning. However, if the dog continues to bark, sternly say ̶0;No bark!̶1; Remember to be consistent.
Leave your dog in a place where it feels safe while you are not home. For example, limit its roaming to one bedroom. Leave it with a comfy bed, toys and a ̶0;project,̶1; like a rawhide spread with peanut butter.
Keep a spray bottle with water handy. While using voice commands to teach your dog not to bark, also consider spraying it with water when it starts to yap. Although you should never spray the dog in its face, it will still find this very unpleasant. Once the dog begins to associate barking with being sprayed, it will think twice before the next yap.
Talk to your vet if the above tips don't work. Depending on your dog's reasons for barking, your vet may recommend an anti-anxiety medication, a citronella collar, a different form of behavior modification or a combination of several of these techniques.