Pomeranians are tiny dogs with enormous personalities. They are remarkably intelligent, eager to please — and just stubborn enough to keep things interesting. If you have recently welcomed a Pom into your family (or are about to), this guide will walk you through every key aspect of training, from basic obedience to fun tricks.
Understanding the Pomeranian Temperament
Before you start any training programme, it helps to understand why your Pomeranian behaves the way it does. Poms descend from larger sled-pulling Spitz dogs, so they are confident and independent by nature. They bond closely with their owner but can be wary of strangers, which means early socialisation is essential. Their intelligence is a double-edged sword: they learn new commands quickly, yet they also learn how to get their own way if you are not consistent.
Basic Obedience: Sit, Stay, Come
Start with the three foundation commands — sit, stay, and come. Keep training sessions short (five to ten minutes) because Pomeranians lose focus fast. Use small, high-value treats — think tiny pieces of chicken or commercial training treats — and always pair the reward with verbal praise. A clicker can speed things up because it gives your Pom instant, precise feedback the moment it does the right thing.
Tip: Train before meals rather than after. A slightly hungry Pomeranian is a motivated Pomeranian.
Potty Training Challenges
If there is one area where Pomeranian owners need extra patience, it is potty training. Small breeds have tiny bladders and faster metabolisms, which means they need to go outside more often than larger dogs. Expect the process to take anywhere from four to six months — sometimes longer.
Take your Pom outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, after every nap, and before bedtime. Praise and treat immediately when it goes in the right spot. Never punish accidents — simply clean up with an enzymatic cleaner and move on. Consistency and routine are your best allies here.
Indoor pee pads can be a useful backup, especially in Luxembourg’s colder winter months, but try not to rely on them permanently. The goal is outdoor toileting so there is no confusion about where the “bathroom” is.
Why Socialisation Matters
Pomeranians that are not properly socialised can become fearful or reactive. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, expose your puppy to as many new people, dogs, sounds, and environments as possible — always in a positive, controlled way. Puppy classes are ideal because they combine basic training with structured social interaction.
Even after the critical socialisation window, keep up the exposure. Regular walks in different neighbourhoods, trips to pet-friendly cafés, and play dates with well-mannered dogs all help your Pom become a confident, well-adjusted adult.
Crate Training
A crate is not a punishment — it is your Pomeranian’s safe den. Introduce the crate gradually: leave the door open, toss treats inside, and let your Pom explore at its own pace. Feed meals inside the crate, then start closing the door for short periods while you stay in the room.
Crate training helps enormously with potty training (dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area) and gives your Pom a calm retreat when the household gets busy. Choose a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Teaching Fun Tricks
Once the basics are solid, Pomeranians excel at tricks. Spin, shake, play dead, and speak/quiet are crowd-pleasers that also provide mental stimulation. Use lure-and-reward training: hold a treat near your dog’s nose, guide it into the desired position, then mark and reward. Poms love the attention that trick training brings, so it strengthens your bond as well.
The Positive Reinforcement Approach
Pomeranians respond poorly to harsh corrections. Yelling or physical punishment will only make them fearful or defiant — neither of which helps training. Positive reinforcement (rewarding the behaviour you want, ignoring the behaviour you do not) is the most effective and humane method for this breed.
Be patient, be consistent, and celebrate small wins. Every Pomeranian learns at its own pace, and your calm leadership is the foundation of a well-trained dog.
Need More Advice?
At Woefkesranch, we support every puppy family with personalised guidance. Visit our Pomeranian breed page to learn more about this wonderful breed, or contact us with any training questions.
