Common Behavioral Issues in Pomeranian Puppies and How to Fix Them

Pomeranian puppies are known for their fluffy coats, big personalities, and adorable looks. Despite their small size, they often have a bold and lively temperament, which can lead to some challenging behavioral issues. If you’re raising a Pomeranian puppy, understanding these common behavior problems and knowing how to address them is essential to building a well-behaved and happy companion.

In this blog post, we'll explore the most common behavioral issues in Pomeranian puppies and provide practical solutions to help you train your furry friend effectively.

🐾 1. Excessive Barking

Why It Happens:

Pomeranians are naturally alert and protective, which makes them prone to barking at anything that seems out of the ordinary. They tend to bark to express excitement, fear, or to get attention.

How to Fix It:

✅ Identify the Trigger:

• Notice what causes the barking — is it a stranger at the door, other dogs, or boredom?

• Once you identify the cause, you can work on desensitizing your puppy to the trigger.

✅ Use Positive Reinforcement:

• When your Pomeranian stops barking on command, reward them with treats or praise.

• Use commands like “Quiet” or “Enough” consistently.

✅ Avoid Rewarding Barking:

• If your puppy barks for attention, don’t respond immediately. Wait for them to calm down before giving attention.

✅ Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation:

• A tired Pomeranian is less likely to bark excessively.

• Offer toys, interactive puzzles, and daily walks to keep them engaged.

🦴 2. Separation Anxiety

Why It Happens:

Pomeranians are companion dogs and love being close to their owners. When left alone, they can become anxious and stressed, leading to destructive behavior or excessive barking.

How to Fix It:

✅ Practice Gradual Departures:

• Start by leaving your Pomeranian alone for short periods and gradually increase the time.

• This teaches them that you will come back.

✅ Create a Safe Space:

• Designate a cozy area with their bed, toys, and comforting items.

• This helps your puppy feel secure even when you’re not home.

✅ Avoid Over-Attachment:

• While it's tempting to cuddle your Pomeranian constantly, teaching them independence is important.

• Encourage them to play alone sometimes and avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning.

✅ Use Calming Techniques:

• Leave calming music or white noise on when you’re away.

• Try using pheromone sprays or diffusers to help reduce anxiety.

🐶 3. Nipping and Biting

Why It Happens:

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and Pomeranians are no exception. Nipping or biting may be a form of play, teething, or an attempt to establish dominance.

How to Fix It:

✅ Redirect the Behavior:

• If your puppy bites during play, immediately stop the interaction and give them a chew toy instead.

• This teaches them what is acceptable to bite.

✅ Use the “Ouch” Technique:

• When your puppy bites, say “Ouch!” in a firm tone and pull your hand away.

• This mimics how puppies learn bite inhibition from their littermates.

✅ Provide Teething Relief:

• Offer frozen teething toys or wet washcloths to soothe sore gums.

• Ensure they have appropriate toys for chewing.

✅ Avoid Rough Play:

• Roughhousing can encourage biting and aggressive behavior.

• Keep play sessions gentle and calm.

🚽 4. Housebreaking Challenges

Why It Happens:

Pomeranians are small dogs with small bladders, which means they need to go to the bathroom more frequently than larger breeds. Housebreaking can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a consistent routine.

How to Fix It:

✅ Establish a Routine:

• Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.

• Puppies usually need to go every 2–3 hours.

✅ Use Positive Reinforcement:

• Praise and reward your puppy immediately after they go potty in the right spot.

• Avoid punishment — it can create fear and confusion.

✅ Crate Training:

• Dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area, so crate training helps teach bladder control.

• Make sure the crate is comfortable and not too large.

✅ Limit Free Roaming:

• Until your Pomeranian is fully trained, restrict access to the house.

• Use baby gates or playpens to control their environment.

🦊 5. Resource Guarding

Why It Happens:

Pomeranians can become possessive over food, toys, or even their owners. This stems from their natural instinct to protect what they value.

How to Fix It:

✅ Teach “Drop It” and “Leave It” Commands:

• Train your Pomeranian to release items on command.

• Reward them when they give up an object willingly.

✅ Use Positive Reinforcement:

• If your puppy allows you to take a toy or touch their food without growling, praise and reward them.

• This builds trust and reduces anxiety.

✅ Avoid Taking Away Toys Forcefully:

• Instead of snatching an item, trade it for a treat or another toy.

• This prevents defensive behavior.

✅ Feed in a Quiet Space:

• To avoid food aggression, feed your Pomeranian in a calm environment where they feel safe.

🧸 6. Jumping on People

Why It Happens:

Pomeranians are excitable and often jump up to greet people or get attention. While cute as a puppy, it can become annoying or even dangerous if they jump on young children or the elderly.

How to Fix It:

✅ Ignore the Jumping:

• Turn your back and avoid eye contact when your Pomeranian jumps.

• Only give attention when they sit or stand calmly.

✅ Teach the “Sit” Command:

• When your Pomeranian jumps, tell them to “Sit.”

• Reward them when they sit and stay calm.

✅ Use Consistent Reinforcement:

• All family members and visitors should follow the same rules to avoid confusion.

• If one person encourages jumping, the behavior will persist.

🎯 7. Stubbornness and Lack of Obedience

Why It Happens:

Pomeranians have a strong-willed personality and can be stubborn when they don’t want to follow commands.

How to Fix It:

✅ Use High-Value Treats:

• Find a treat your Pomeranian loves and use it as a reward for good behavior.

• This increases motivation to listen.

✅ Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun:

• Pomeranians have short attention spans, so limit training to 5–10 minutes at a time.

• Use games and positive reinforcement to keep them engaged.

✅ Be Patient and Consistent:

• Don’t give up if your Pomeranian doesn’t respond right away.

• Repeat commands consistently, and avoid punishment.

✅ Seek Professional Help:

• If your Pomeranian remains unresponsive, a professional dog trainer can help correct behavior.

Final Thoughts

Pomeranian puppies may be small, but they have big personalities — which sometimes come with big behavior challenges. By understanding the root causes of these issues and using positive, consistent training methods, you can shape your Pomeranian into a well-mannered and happy companion. Remember, patience and consistency are key when training any puppy, and your efforts will pay off in the form of a loving and well-behaved Pomeranian.

If you're struggling with training or behavior issues, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer. With the right guidance, you and your Pomeranian will form a strong, loving bond that lasts a lifetime. 🐾❤️