DOG FAQ - What is the best way to house train a Pomeranian?

This type of training can be a challenge with small dogs. We suggest trying crate training, to give the dog a “den” that it will naturally want to keep clean. The key with the Pomeranian puppy is patience and consistency. Your Pomeranian will want to please you and is very intelligent. By working with this breed in a deliberate manner, you should be fine.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - I live in an apartment; will the Pomeranian be OK with this?

Yes, the Pomeranian should do well in an apartment. They will not need a lot of exercise, though you may want to take your pet for short walks on a light leash occasionally. This is an active, energetic breed, so inside play is a good idea.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - I have heard the Pomeranian has a double coat, what does this mean?

The Pomeranian dose have a double layer coat. The undercoat is softer, fluffier, and dense. The outer coat has longer strands and is coarser, harsher in texture. A soft, flat coat is considered a fault, as are open spots or very thin spots.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How should I start to look for a Pomeranian?

As with all purebred dogs, it is best to read as much as possible about this breed. Then locate and visit at least three top breeders. Be prepared to ask many questions and look closely at the living conditions for the dogs. Ask about guarantees for replacement and ask about genetic health problems with the Pomeranian.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How do I care for the wonderful coat?

Daily brushing is essential to keep the coat from matting. The Pomeranian is also a consistent shedder, so you may be cleaning up little bits of hair most days. Plan to do some occasional trimming as well. Professional grooms often start at the head and brush back with a part, allowing the longer hair to fall naturally.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How long does the Pomeranian live?

Most healthy Pomeranian will live up to 15 years with proper care and diet. Pomeranian are actually a quite sturdy little dog, though they weigh only 4 to 7 pounds. Limited exercise will be OK for this breed.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What health problems should I look for?

Pomeranian may be prone to dislocated kneecap, sometimes known as luxating patella. You may want to watch for any eye and ear problems. Pomeranian can be subject to early tooth loss, so some dry food may be necessary to keep the teeth and gums in good shape.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What color is best for a Pomeranian?

The Pomeranian is recognized by the American Kennel Club in a variety of colors, from solid white, red, or cream to black-and-tan or white with colored markings.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Pomeranians difficult to live with?

Actually, they are generally good with children and other pets, but it may take some time for the new puppy to fit in. Early socialization with the breeder, during the first few weeks of the puppy’s life, can make a lot of difference. The Pomeranian gets along fine with older children and may be an excellent companion for an elderly person. Be prepared for a dog that is somewhat temperamental, however.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

POMERANIAN AND CHILDREN

Pomeranians are usually happiest when they're with people, including children. But as with all dogs, small children shouldn't be left alone with them. Young children may not have the coordination and understanding to properly handle such a small dog. On a personal note, my mom's Pom ended up with a broken front leg from an encounter with an eleven-year-old, so please use caution if you are going to have children around your Pomeranian.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

TRAINING

The best way to train your Pomeranian is to use treats, a clicker, and a smile. Following a few simple steps will keep your dog on the path to success. Getting rid of negative Pomeranian training behaviors, as well as bringing in positive behaviors, is quite easy to do.

The first step is to keep things simple. As you begin to work with your Pomeranian, you want to be sure that you are starting in a very easy way. In order to get rid of negative behaviors, you first need to install positive behaviors in your dog. The best place to begin is with the "sit" command, which is a very easy command for dogs to learn. In order to teach them this command, hold a treat above their heads and walk towards them until they sit down to receive it. A gentle push down might be something that you add. After you have mastered this, you can move to "down" and "stay". These three commands together make up the basics of dog training.

Once your dog has mastered these basic commands, you will have much more command over him. Remember that praise and positive encouragement are the best ways to create this bond. Now that you have taught him a few good things, you can start to concentrate on helping him learn how to avoid the negative Pomeranian training behaviors.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

FEEDING

The amount of food that Pomeranian eats and the number of times per day that Pomeranian is fed changes as it matures. As a puppy, it should be fed small portions frequently. While it is young, the puppy’s activity level is high and you will want to be sure that it is eating enough to develop properly and steadily gain weight. Basically, a Pomeranian should be fed four times a day until it reaches three months of age. Between the ages of three to six months, give the puppy three meals a day, the portions being slightly larger than before. After six months, there should be two meals a day; and at one year of age, there should be only one meal. You could also feed your dog some dry biscuits in the morning and evening if it is having only one meal per day.

Once the Pomeranian becomes an adult, it’s important to keep in mind that it does not need to be given as much food; obesity can be a problem if not monitored closely. When your Pomeranian is a year old, you may decide to feed it in the evenings when your family has its meal. The Pomeranian’s meal can also be divided into two smaller portions, one given in the morning and one at night. Never over-feed your dog; since it will not turn down food, it’s up to you to monitor its eating habits and provide a reasonable amount. Remember to keep a bowl of fresh clean water near your dog’s food bowl at all times.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover

HEALTH INFORMATION

Pomeranians are generally a healthy, hardy, and long-lived breed often, Pomeranians live 15 or 16 years.

The teeth of the Pomeranian can be the cause of serious health concerns for the breed. The teeth must be meticulously cared for through frequent cleaning to prevent the teeth from falling out at a rather early age. Problems with the teeth can cause heart problems which may lead to an early death.

Pomeranians are known to have a higher likelyhood of suffering from seizures either from idiopathic epilepsy or hypoglycemia. Another common ailment is a dislocated patella.

Pomeranian - Dog Lover