3 Common Pomeranian Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Pomeranians are bold, confident little dogs with working Spitz temperament. Train them like real dogs despite their tiny size, and they'll become the devoted, entertaining companions they were meant to be.

Where Do Pomeranians Come From?

Pomeranians were bred down from larger German Spitz sled dogs weighing 30+ pounds. They were miniaturised in the Pomerania region (Poland/Germany border) in the 1800s.

Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed during a visit to Italy in 1888, bringing several back to England and breeding them even smaller (her dogs were about 12 pounds). Her promotion made them fashionable, and they were refined into the 3-7 pound companions we know today.

What were they bred to do?

Pomeranians had an interesting evolution:

• Original Spitz ancestors were working sled dogs and watchdogs in Arctic regions
• When miniaturised, they transitioned to companions for European ladies
• Retained the alertness and confidence of their working ancestors
• Bred to be portable companions who could alert to threats despite tiny size
• Essentially, working dog temperament in a toy package

Key breeding traits:

Pomeranians have miniature size with retained working Spitz temperament. They're vocal by nature (barking was essential for their watchdog ancestors), have extreme confidence despite tiny size (they don't know they're small), and strong personality with stubbornness.

They have loyalty to one person with suspicion of strangers, surprisingly loud bark for their size, and adaptability to various living situations. They were never bred to be submissive or delicate despite their appearance.

Why Do Pomeranians Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Pomeranian isn't being difficult. They're exclusively companion dogs but retain the bold, confident temperament of working Spitz breeds.

Often treated as delicate toys rather than real dogs, leading to "small dog syndrome" where owners fail to train them properly. Their confidence and alert nature make them excellent watchdogs despite their size, but also create behavioural challenges when not properly managed.

Understanding they're working dogs in toy bodies is crucial.

Problem 1: Owner Mismanagement (By Far The Biggest Problem)

What's happening: Your Pomeranian shows aggressive behaviour, isn't properly socialised, or has behaviour problems that would never be tolerated in a larger dog.

Why it happens: Despite their size, Pomeranians retain working Spitz confidence and weren't bred to be submissive lap dogs. Owners often fail to socialise or train them properly due to size, allowing behaviours (jumping, barking, snapping) that would never be tolerated in larger dogs.

The fix: Train them exactly as you would a large breed - set firm boundaries, extensive socialisation, proper consequences when needed. Their size doesn't excuse poor behaviour. Implement "big dog training" with proper heel work, sit-stays, and impulse control exercises.

Owners pick up their Pomeranians a lot during barking. You're dealing with a symptom not the cause. Being carried everywhere increases vulnerability and reactivity.

Extensive early socialisation (before 16 weeks) is critical - expose them to 100+ different people, dogs, environments before fear period sets in (DO NOT WAIT). Make sure they meet a variety of dogs. Everything is going to be bigger than them no matter what age they are, there's no need to wait.

Never reinforce fear or aggression with comforting (picking them up, soothing voice) - this rewards the behaviour. Instead, move them away from the situation calmly.

Struggling with aggressive Pom? Small dog syndrome is owner-created. Join our free Skool community to learn proper socialisation protocols and get advice on treating your Pomeranian like a real dog during weekly Q&As.

Problem 2: Excessive Barking

What's happening: Your Pomeranian barks constantly, has a surprisingly loud bark, or seems impossible to quiet down.

Why it happens: Despite miniaturisation, Pomeranians retained the vocal alert behaviour of their Spitz ancestors who were watchdogs and working dogs - barking at changes was their job. Their small size makes them feel vulnerable, leading to defensive barking at anything unfamiliar. They have a surprisingly loud bark for their size and are naturally suspicious of changes in their environment.

The fix: Teach "one bark, then quiet" protocol where alert barking is acknowledged then stopped. When they bark, calmly say "thank you" whilst looking toward the stimulus, then turn your back. If barking continues, immediately place them in a separate room for 3-5 minutes.

Implement "selective alerting" where only specific triggers (doorbell, knock) earn rewards whilst other stimuli (neighbours, cars, birds) are completely ignored.

Before 16 weeks, make sure you introduce them to a range of dogs (different sizes and breeds). They're always going to be smaller than everything. If they don't get used to big dogs, you're in for a long relationship with them.

Accept some vocalisation is breed standard - they were bred to alert and some barking will persist. They're not ideal for strict quiet requirements in apartments.

Excessive barking driving you mad? Pomeranians were bred to be vocal watchdogs. Inside our Skool community, you'll find "one bark, then quiet" protocols and can get realistic expectations from other Pomeranian owners during live weekly webinars.

Problem 3: Separation Anxiety & Attachment Issues

What's happening: Your Pomeranian becomes distressed when you leave, follows you everywhere, or can't function without being in your arms constantly.

Why it happens: Pomeranians were bred down from working dogs into pure companions, particularly popular as lap dogs for Victorian ladies who carried them everywhere - this intensified their attachment behaviours. Their small size makes them portable, so many never learn to be alone. They were bred to be constant companions, going everywhere with their person.

The fix: Practice "independent time" where they're in a separate room whilst you're home but not engaging: start with 30 seconds behind a closed door, gradually building to 15-20 minutes.

Implement "place training" away from your direct presence: they must settle on their bed whilst you move around the house.

Use gradual departures starting with 10-15 seconds: leave room, immediately return, ignore completely for 5 minutes until calm.

Avoid constant carrying which increases dependency and vulnerability - they need to navigate the world on their own four feet as much as possible. Use secure harness and lead for safety but let them walk.

Don't let them space invade when you don't want them to. Calmly create space between you and them when you didn't ask for attention.

Velcro Pomeranian won't leave your side? Constant carrying creates dependency. Join our Skool community for place training protocols and get support on teaching independence during live weekly webinars.

Is a Pomeranian Right for a New Owner?

A Pomeranian might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

An ideal dog for apartment living - Pomeranians need only 30-40 minutes of daily exercise and adapt beautifully to smaller living spaces. They're perfect for urban living.

A bold, confident personality in tiny package - Despite weighing just 1.8-3.5kg, Pomeranians have the confidence of much larger dogs. They're entertaining, bold, and full of character.

An excellent watchdog despite small size - Pomeranians are naturally alert and protective with surprisingly loud barks. They make outstanding watchdogs who will alert you to anything unusual.

A devoted companion for singles or seniors - Pomeranians bond intensely with their person and are perfect for people wanting a devoted lap dog who's also alert and protective.

A beautiful, eye-catching dog - Pomeranians are stunning with their fluffy coats and fox-like faces. If you're committed to daily brushing and regular grooming, you'll have a gorgeous companion.

If you're ready to train them properly (like a big dog), can commit to high grooming needs (daily brushing), and want a bold, devoted companion with working dog confidence in a tiny body, a Pomeranian will bring personality, loyalty, and endless entertainment to your life.

Get the Full Support System for Your Pomeranian

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Pomeranian is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Pomeranian and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Pomeranian owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Pomeranian.