Pomeranians — Choosing the Breed of Dog That’s Right for You

When choosing a dog, it’s important to choose the breed that’s right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you’re thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Pomeranian is just one breed among many from which to choose.

The Pomeranian was developed in the Prussian region of Pomerania, which is present day Germany and Poland. Originally a descendant of the ancient Spitz breed of the far north, the Pomeranian was brought to Europe and used to herd sheep. Pomeranians originally weighed up to 30 pounds. Queen Victoria became a Pomeranian fancier in the late 1800s and made the breed popular in England. The Pomeranian has since been bred down to the current customary size of 4 to 5 pounds. Pomeranians were brought to America during the 20th century. They are sometimes used for search and rescue where small dogs are needed, for hearing assistance and for therapy for the ill and elderly (to cheer them up).

Pomeranians, also known as Poms, are tiny, fluffy and have a wedge-shaped head, pointed erect ears and bright, dark-colored almond-shaped eyes. The nose is dark or the color of the coat. They have a fox-like, intelligent expression. Their feathered tail fans forward over the back. The most common colors are red, orange, white or cream, blue, black or brown and sometimes particolored. They are typically 7 to 12 inches in height and weigh 3 to 7 pounds.

Pomeranians are usually extroverted, lively, alert, curious, affectionate, intelligent, eager to learn and busy. They are very loyal, independent and strong willed and may be picky eaters. They make good watch dogs and, if trained properly, may bark when the door bell rings or someone comes to the door and then stop barking. They are good at learning tricks but need a firm hand. They usually get along well with other household animals if introduced properly but do not always get along with children unless raised with them. They typically do not like to be held for long periods of time or be overhandled.

If owners do not display pack leadership, Pomeranians may become too demanding and may develop behavior problems such as separation anxiety, willfulness, nervousness, guarding behavior, excessive barking, being temperamental, attacking bigger dogs and being reserved with strangers, even growling, snapping or biting.

If owners display pack leadership, Pomeranians can be well rounded, mentally stable, trustworthy and wonderful family companions. Because of their size, they make a good companion for the elderly.

Housebreaking can be difficult because it is easy for a Pomeranian to sneak behind furniture or under a small table to go to the bathroom. When you do not see the deed being done, you cannot correct it and it becomes an established habit. It is, therefore, recommended to crate train a Pom.

The life expectancy of a Pomeranian is about 12 to 16 years, but health problems that can occur include dislocated patella (knee cap), heart and skin problems, eye infections and hip dysplasia. Since they are prone to early tooth loss, dry food is recommended to keep the gums and teeth in good condition. Some females require cesarean section deliveries. Older dogs may become molted, with bald spots. Because of their small size, they are susceptible to injury.

Pomeranians usually get plenty of exercise during play but still need a daily walk or they may display behavior problems. They also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area such as a fenced-in yard.

Grooming for Pomeranians consists of frequent (daily) brushing. Their cottony undercoat is shed once or twice a year. They should be dry shampooed when necessary. The eyes and ears should be cleaned daily, and Pomeranians should have regular dental checkups.

Poms are good dogs for apartment life. They are very active indoors and do okay without a yard. Because of their double coat, they may seek cooler environments such as lying on a cold floor. Overheating should be avoided in hot weather.

This breed is easy to care for, is one of the most popular toy breeds and can make a wonderful, loyal companion but requires frequent brushing because of its heavy shedding, is sometimes difficult to housebreak and needs to know who is boss. If these things are not a problem, then a Pomeranian may be the right breed for you.

Dog Training Mastery: How to Train Your Dog the Right Way

Is your dog driving you crazy?

It doesn’t–and shouldn’t–be the way. Because let’s face it, there IS some good information out there.

But where to go?

Well, it isn’t very often that I come across something in the world of dog training that truly impresses me; there’s a lot of junk, or hopelessly vague e-books.   But recently I came across a dog training guide that is simply outstanding. Before telling you what it’s about, I just want you to be clear on what it is NOT. It is NOT a guide to dog training that teaches you how to get your dog to obey by hitting, scolding or abusing your dog. It does NOT encourage you to punish or hurt your dog in any way. Here’s what it IS about. . . You’ll learn how to get your dog to WANT to please you and WANT to be a good dog. Your prized pet will learn:- Where and when it is appropriate to bark – To stop digging up your yard – To stop chewing your furniture and clothes – To stop being aggressive towards people and other dogs – To stop whining, especially at night. – To stop bolting out the front door – To stop pulling on the leash – To stop jumping up on strangers and other family members – Potty training secrets, and a whole lot more! And he’ll learn how to do all of this using his natural dog instincts (rather than human psychology). You’ll discover that mistakes that you are probably making, such as giving your dog attention when he jumps up on you (eg petting, or scolding) and others, are communicating the wrong message to your dog. You’ll find out how you should communicate to your dog. It’s not your fault, most other dog owners make these same mistakes and you’ll be so impressed with the changes in your dogs behavior once you read this essential book. To find out more, go get your copy of Secrets to Dog Training – STOP Dog Behavior Problems. Check it out!

Dog Training Aids – The Right Tools for the Job

Dog trainers and their suppliers are endlessly coming up with new and innovative tool boxes for training purposes. These new dog training tools, while attractive in nature, should not be a substitute for basic training knowledge.

The first step in dog training is ensuring your dog is in good health. Gentle collars and relaxed training regiments can be harmful if the dog has unknown open sores or twisted paws.

Clickers

One of the best ways to gain a dog’s attention is through a clicker device. This is a hand-held device which fits into the palm of a hand. Loud ‘click-clack’ noises are emitted when a button is pressed and released. The main function behind this is preserving the trainers’ voice from repeating commands over and over again. The audible sound is detectible by dogs even in common surrounding background noises.

The clicker can be used to attract a dog’s attention. The common uses are as a reward or ‘begin’ sound when the dog exhibits a desired behavior.

Leashes and Collars

The dog leash market covers everything from two-foot control leashes to 30 foot extendable and retractable nylon cord variations.

A two to four foot leash is ideal for near training situations such as training to ‘sit’ or ‘stay’. An extendable leash is ideal for when trainers want to obey their dog. Regardless of the distance between dog and trainer, the trainer should always maintain the ‘alpha male’ position and thus always lead.

Like leashes, dog collars come in many variations. Be sure that all snaps, buttons and nylon material is in quality condition. This makes the collars suitable for even large dogs. Adjust the collars to allow the dog enough room to move its head around but not enough room to easily slip through and escape.

This trainer does not endorse the use of spike collars. These can easily damage a small dog and instill fear in large dogs. All breeds of dogs have strong neck muscles. One sharp tug of a choke collar however can bruise or damaged this area. Worst case is causing a collapse of the trachea. One common mistake is placing the choke collar on backwards. For these reasons, choke collars are counter-productive and often dangerous.

Vests

Much like leashes, chest halters and full vests strengthen a trainer’s hold over the dog. There is no excess pressure placed on the dog’s throat while the trainer maintains the hold advantage.

The only drawback to a vest training device is that no dog experiences discomfort from pulling. Therefore training is limited with this device to positive reinforcement behaviors. In fact, chest halters actually encourage pulling by the dog. This is discouraged behavior.

When extra control over a strong willed dog is needed, collars and leashes will not effectively serve this purpose.

Muzzles

Muzzles are effective in dealing with short term barking and biting control issues. The only drawback here is that the dog does not obtain another means in which to stop barking. Unless the muzzle is always present, the barking will continue to be an issue. The muzzle takes the training place of voice commands such as ‘no bark’.

Other devices exist on the market such as no-bark collars; electric fences and chemical sprays. However, these are used more as control devices than effective training tools.

Above all, the most effective training tools can not be found on the market. There is no substitute for giving your dog simple love and respect. Treating the dog like the loving part of the family will produce desired behavior quickly and more effectively than any training device.