Monday, December 31, 2012

Training Pomeranians Is Very Gratifying

By John Jeffery


Training Pomeranians is a challenge. Although they are eager to learn, they are also stubborn. Some carry loyalty to a fault and are possessive. They have a profuse double coat which needs to be maintained. If elderly cowers can manage the daily grooming required, the breed is ideal as a companion as they don't need a lot of exercise.

Small dogs are often treated too much like humans and lose their sense of where they stand in the family hierarchy. This small dog syndrome is well documented. All dogs need firm leadership and are most well adjusted when their owner is a firm but kind leader. If leadership is weak, dogs will attempt to take over as leader of their pack.

Pomeranians sometimes needs to be protected from themselves and taking on much bigger dogs. Although too small to protect their owners, they are watchful and alert and will bark if something disturbs them. While quick to learn, they become bored with repetition. They sometimes refuse to obey unless they get the expected treat.

Training sessions need to be kept short and enjoyable. Find a quiet area without distractions. Teaching your dog to sit is a very useful skill. The idea is to get the dog to sit naturally, say the command and reward the dog. The command and reward need to happen instantly so the dog comes to associate the behavior with the word and action. Most catch on very quickly. Hold a treat just above the dog's eyes and move it back slowly. Although it may take a few times, eventually he will back up and sit down. Immediately reward and praise the dog. Daily repetitions should be carried out.

This is a useful skill for your dog to learn. If he is in the habit of jumping up at visitors, you can make him sit. Once the dog knows the command, practice in areas where it is a bit harder for him to concentrate. Perhaps increase the length of the sit. Once he understands what you want, only reward him from time to time. If he doesn't want to sit, keep asking until he does. Then make a big fuss of him.

Some breeds bark more than others. Poms are known for being yappy and often bark to get affection and attention from their owners. Poms like lots of attention and if this isn't forthcoming they may yap. It is important not to unintentionally reward barking by picking the dog up or paying attention to it. Reprimand it loudly then ignore it.

Your dog should come to you when you call it by name. Puppies teach themselves this if the owner makes a fuss of it when it comes running. Do not punish a dog if it is slow to respond. However you feel, reward the dog for coming and don't punish it.

Older dogs may need to be enticed until they learn that coming when called is a good thing to do. Training Pomeranians takes time and patience just like any other breeds. If you have a dog's respect, they will want to please you.




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