Training Pomeranians

I have a small male pom weighing nearly 4 lbs. He is having trouble in the potty training area. I let him out in a safe place and also keep potty pads on the floor for emergencies (he uses the pads fairly well, but when I allow him out of the enclosed area he pees again on the carpet even after just eliminating on the pad).

He is shy and doesn't like to come when he is called. I have tried coaxing with treats, but he just wants to run and play. When it is time for him to come indoors he will scratch to let me know, but then will not enter unless I move across the room and then return to close the door.

He lets me hold him and cuddle when I do catch him. I have been very gentle in scolding when he makes mistakes and always reward his good actions with treats. Could it because I am the "one" that always puts him in his crate and scolds him?

Please, someone give me some advice. My main concern is the potty training, he is nearly 6 months old and knows because when I say outside he is eager to go.

Thanks,
Nelwyn

Answers:

Training Pomeranians

My beloved cousin loves pomeranians. She has had many. She has potty trained them all, without 100% success. They are cute animals with small bladders, require a lot of time, and unfortunately are not known for being highly intelligent although they are trainable to a degree.

You may need to put a diaper on your dog when you cannot monitor it with your full attention at all times. You can also put in in a pen or crate lined with pee pads when you are not able to monitor it at all, and when you must leave the house. They are high maintenance animals with special needs. One additional difficulty is the long, thick hair, which also becomes a challenge with bowel/bladder hygiene. What can I say? Beagles are easier. (03/01/2006)

By Observer

Training Pomeranians

I own a little pomeranian girl who is potty trained now at 11 weeks old. I live on the 9th floor of a condo so I trained her on wee pads and a litter box. When I first brought her home she went on the pads every time she had to go. Once in a while she would get excited and accidentally let out a little urine when she was playing, but otherwise she goes on the pads.

As far as going #2, she used to go poo on the floor and then I would put it in the litter box and show her that that is where it belongs. She finally got the hang of it after a little while and now she goes in there all of the time. Pomeranians actually are known for being intelligent (despite what the person below wrote). (04/10/2007)

By Nikki

Training Pomeranians

Everything will be OK. When training your pom, anything, always make it a positive experience. Your little baby is so ignorant of the world; you need to positively train them. Read books, buy magazines, and become an educated teacher. You are this little dog's teacher.

My handsome pom learned his name, sit and the come command within 20 minutes when he was just 8 weeks. You can do this just become educated and adopt a way of training that will best suit you. Learn about the breed, recognize his personality traits vs. his breed traits.

I live on the 17th floor of an apartment building and I am a full time student. Potty training is obviously not simple because I leave his food out all day with his water (he grazes). I have pee pads in three spots around the house and I take him out at least every three hours for a walk. At 16 weeks, my pup is finally potty trained to pee/poop outside and use the pee pads to pee on in between outings. Fine with me.
Good luck everyone!

xo (09/19/2008)

By TJ