Raising a Pomeranian is full of surprises and challenges and how to potty training a Pomeranian puppy is no exception. In fact, Pomeranian house training is one of the main challenges for many Pom parents.
The Pomeranian is a small dog with tons of personality. They are very intelligent and respond well to consistent and positive training.
The good news is that your little fur buddy can learn where to go potty. It’s particularly easy if you know how to teach your Pom properly. If you don’t train and socialize your Pomeranian properly, you could wind up dealing with behavioral issues.
Pomeranian potty training is all about consistency, patience, and positive attitude. The ultimate goal is to house train your pet and build a loving bond with your Pom.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to get your Pomeranian potty trained. Let’s get started!
How to Potty Train a Pomeranian Puppy
It is recommended that you begin Pomeranian house training when it is between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At this stage, Pom puppies have enough control of their bladder and bowel movements. For a Pomeranian puppy that is younger than 12 weeks, toilet training may take longer.
How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Pomeranian?
It depends. There is no fixed timeframe when it comes to how long it takes to potty train a Pom puppy.
It typically takes 4-6 months for a Pomeranian puppy to be fully potty trained. However, every Pomeranian is individual and many aspects come into play.
So, some Pomeranian puppies might take more of less time. Always use positive reinforcement techniques to cut down on the time it takes to have your Pomeranian fully potty trained. Keep in mind that avoid punishing them for accidents will only make the situation worse.
Signs your Pomeranian Needs a Bathroom Break
As your Pomeranian begins to associate outside with the right toilet place, he will start to find ways to indicate that they need to eliminate. Here are the most common signs showing your Pomeranian needs a bathroom break:
- Abrupt changes in activity, behavior, or play
- Circling and whining
- Sniffing and licking their rear
- Scratching, pawing, or sniffing at the door
- Returning to a previously soiled area or spot in the house where they eliminated
Usually, the older the Pomeranian pup is, the easier it is to identify these signs. Very small Pom puppies may not be able to indicate promptly. If the pet owners fail to comprehend these signs or act late, they might find life with their adorable Pomeranian frustrating.
Never ever let this happen to you!
Pomeranian Parent Tip: When you start Pomeranian potty training, it’s better to be quick when you notice obvious signs your Pom needs to eliminate. Take your Pomeranian out at regular intervals to avoid potty accidents.
How to Potty Train a Pomeranian Dog
If you have already crate-trained your Pomeranian, toilet training will be very easy. It is far easier if your Pomeranian respects what you say. Having a set routine will help smooth the way through this initial potty training stage.
Being consistent is one of the keys to Pomeranian house training. When you start to potty train your Pomeranian, try to follow these steps:
- Determine a set potty area:
It is best to pick a certain spot outside and take your Pomeranian there every time it needs to go. The sooner you communicate that there is a designated potty area and some areas are off-limits, the easier it would be to potty train your Pom. Like all dogs, Pomeranians develop a preference for using the same bathroom spot. You should pick an area that is nearby, not visited by other pooches and is easy to clean up.
- Teach potty cue to your Pomeranian puppy:
Every time you take your Pomeranian outside to their designated area, use a cue or command. This will teach your Pomeranian to go to that specific location. Your Pomeranian will begin to recognize the command and understand what you want him to do. Use this command only when you want your Pom to go to avoid confusion.
- Maintain a regular feeding schedule:
Keep the Pomeranian on a regular feeding schedule and stay consistent with it. It is recommended that you break up the Pom puppy feeding schedule into three small meals. Don’t leave uneaten food for the whole day. It’s better to take away their food between meals.
- Regular access to bathroom spots:
Give regular access to the bathroom place to go. Pick a bathroom spot outside, and always take your Pomeranian to that spot to do their business. Their scent will prompt them to go. Give your puppy at least six bathroom breaks a day.
- Regular bathroom breaks:
You have to make sure you are giving your puppy enough opportunity to do its thing. Remember that all Pomeranian puppies are individuals and the timing will vary for each. You should expect to take the puppy out during these times:
- First time in the morning: Take the Pomeranian puppy out to eliminate the first thing in the morning, shortly after they wake up.
- After meals: Always take them outside after meals.
- During and after play: Take them out during and after playing.
- After nap: Take them out when they wake from a nap.
- After crate time: Take them out after spending time in the crate.
- Before bedtime: Make sure they go out the last thing at night and before they are left alone.
Pomeranians have small bladders and they need to eliminate more frequently than larger breeds. Keep in mind that Pom puppies younger than 4 months will need a midnight potty break. Be prepared and set your alarm.
- Identify the signs:
Recognize your Pomeranian puppy’s pre-bathroom signs and behavior. Look out for signs that your Pomeranian is uncomfortable. These signs can be whining, circling, barking, or any abrupt behavior change.
- Use positive reinforcement methods:
Potty training requires positive reinforcement methods. Do not punish your Pomeranian for their mistakes like potty accidents in the house. Your Pom puppy needs to know when he does something good and reward them with praises and rewards. When your Pomeranian puppy takes care of business quickly outdoors, give praise and treat, then return indoors. The Pomeranian soon will learn the purpose for going outside.
- Stay with them during training:
Stay with your Pomeranian puppy outside, at least until they are completely potty trained.
- Use a crate when you are not home:
Restrict your Pom’s access to the house when you cannot be there to supervise him. Confining your Pomeranian to a crate or defined space when you can’t watch your dog is a great idea. Your Pomeranian puppy will learn to view the crate as his safe heaven and will be reluctant to soil its area. Never confine your Pom puppy for longer than they can hold it.
- Be Consistent with potty training:
You should be firm with your dog’s potty training routine. Stick to the same daily routine as skipping sessions will only get your Pomeranian confused about what is best for him.
- If you work, consider a dog walker:
If you work long hours potty training can be a huge hurdle. Your Pomeranian’s potty training progress will be slower if you aren’t able to build a consistent routine. It’s best to hire a dog walker or dog sitter.
They can either stay with your Pom puppy all day or drop in as a dog walker for a midday walk. So, trying to potty train your Pomeranian may require quite a bit of effort. Patience is the key as the whole process may take much time.
Dealing with Pomeranian Housebreaking Problems
Expect your Pomeranian to have a few accidents in the house. It is a perfectly normal part of house training. Dealing with accidents starts and ends with not punishing or yelling at your Pomeranian for their mistake. Here’s what to do when dealing with housebreaking problems:
- If you find your Pomeranian pup in the act of having an accident in the house, immediately interrupt it.
- Make a sudden noise like “Oops, No, or Outside” to distract it. Immediately take your Pom out to his official potty spot.
- Don’t punish or yell at your Pomeranian for potty accidents in the house. It usually does more harm than good.
- Thoroughly clean up any soiled spots. Thorough cleaning of the area after a potty accident will remove any pee or potty scent.
- Take your Pomeranian out more frequently so he gets more opportunity to do his business on the designated spot. Once potty accidents are reduced, slowly increase the time between bathroom breaks.
- Always endure that there are no medical problems that might be interfering with your Pomeranian’s ability to hold it. If there are several lapses in Pomeranian potty training, make a vet appointment for a detailed health examination. Diarrhea, UTI, kidney and bladder stones might also cause potty accidents.
Helpful items to assist potty training your new Pomeranian puppy are disposable or reusable, washable potty pads.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, housebreaking problem is among the top reasons why dogs end up in shelters. As a responsible Pomeranian owner, you must understand how to potty train your Pomeranian effectively.
While you’re house training, don’t worry if there are accidents. Remember that even a house-trained Pom puppy can have potty accidents! Pomeranian owners need to understand house training a Pomeranian requires much time, patience and perseverance in the first weeks.
So, stay consistent and don’t lose your patience. As long as you continue to take your Pomeranian puppy out at the first sign they need to go and reward them for appropriate behaviour, they will eventually be house trained. Make the whole experience pleasant for your Pomeranian.
Offer treats to motivate and encourage good behaviour. You will have to reshape your Pomeranian’s behaviour with praises and reward. Do you have any useful tips for Pomeranian potty training? Feel free to share your thoughts. We would be happy to hear from you!
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References and Further Reading:
- Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
- Official English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
- Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
- Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
- L.Ives, Show Pomeranians.
- L.Ziegler Spirer & H.F. Spirer, This is the Pomeranian.
- FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE (FCI) German Spitz, including Keeshond and Pomeranian Breed Standards. PDF file.