With their foxy faces, fluffy coats, and big-dog attitudes, Pomeranians are pint-sized powerhouses with personalities that fill the room. Bold, bright, and born to be in the spotlight, these little dogs thrive when their clever minds are kept busy. 

But behind that confident strut lies a fiercely independent streak, which can make training both a joy and a challenge. From understanding what really motivates your Pom, to working with their sass, here’s how to set the foundation for good behaviour and lasting habits — with a little help from real food they’ll actually care about. 

Read more: Pomeranian breed insights: care, personality & expert tips 

Pomeranian temperament and trainability 

Lively, alert, and fiercely loyal, Pomeranians are natural entertainers that enjoy showing off their tricks and basking in praise. Their high intelligence makes them quick learners — but they’re also known for being a little headstrong. 

Poms can be vocal and territorial, often barking at the slightest noise or unfamiliar presence. While this makes them excellent watchdogs, it also means barking habits can become a challenge without proper training. 

Toilet training may take time, especially in colder months when your Pom may resist going pup will soon get the hang of it. 

Don’t be discouraged by the occasional stubborn moment. With gentle, reward-based training and a bit of humour, your Pom can become a well-mannered and confident companion. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

Pomeranians, while generally hardy, do have some health issues that can influence training: 

Patella luxation 

This is a hereditary condition where the kneecap slips in and out of place, which can cause intermittent lameness or discomfort. Joint discomfort often shows up subtly at first, like slower movement or hesitation during training — before becoming a more serious barrier to exercise and focus.  

Try this:   
Include dietary ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or green-lipped mussels, to help support joint health. Look for these joint-loving ingredients in Lyka meals, treats, and Joint Supplement.  
 

Excess weight or obesity  

Pomeranians have plenty of energy, but without enough movement, or with too much food, they can easily gain weight. Extra weight can make training harder — it puts pressure on your dog’s joints and can sap their energy and focus. Over time, excess weight can also affect mood and overall health.  

Try this:  
Feeding a real food diet that’s high in protein and full of fresh, low-glycaemic index ingredients can help your pup stay lean and energised. Lyka meals are custom portioned for your dog’s ideal weight, made with real food that supports a healthy metabolism and sustained energy.  

Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and video)

Dental disease 

With their tiny mouths and close-set teeth, Pomeranians are more prone to dental issues like overcrowding, which can make tartar build-up harder to avoid. Staying on top of their dental health is especially important to help them avoid discomfort and keep their little smiles shining. 

Try this: 

Regular tooth brushing and chewing aids, in combination with a high-protein, low-carb diet, like Lyka, is the best preventative approach to oral care.  

Read more: Protecting your dog's mental health: how to clean your dog's teeth

If your Pomeranian seems unusually distracted or reluctant during training, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet to confirm there are no underlying health issues affecting them.   

How real food fuels your Pomeranian’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information. 

Pomeranians benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly. 

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning. 

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients, from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms, support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing. 

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.” 

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health. 

Read more: What does a Pomeranian eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips 
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training  

Exercise first for improved focus 

Although they don’t need long hikes, Pomeranians are energetic pocket rockets and benefit from regular physical activity. 

Giving your Pom a chance to burn off energy before a training session helps improve focus and can reduce hyperactive behaviours. Aim for: 

• Short walks or brisk indoor playtime, like a game of fetch or tug 

• Puzzle toys or scent games for mental exercise 

An exercised (but not overtired) Pom can be more attentive to training. 

Training tips for Pomeranians 

Training a strong-willed Pomeranian can be a little challenging — but with patience and a playful approach, it’s incredibly rewarding. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement 

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 

Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Pomeranian, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Pomeranian motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training another time. 

Training your Pomeranian puppy 

Pomeranian puppies are bold, curious, and full of personality — but their attention spans can be short, and their stubborn streaks may show early. 

House training is usually top of the list, followed closely by socialisation and basic obedience cues like sit, stay, and leave it. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations 

Pomeranians are sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

Training your adult Pomeranian 

Growing up doesn’t mean slowing down — Pomeranians love learning at every age. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door 

• Learning new tricks or games 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change, making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and celebrate progress — no matter how small. 

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Pomeranian’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer can help with the everyday stuff — like manners, recall, and routines. But if your Pomeranian’s behaviour is leaning into more complex territory, a qualified behaviourist may be the better fit. Consider connecting with a reputable dog behaviourist (ask your vet and dog community for recommendations) if you notice behaviours like: 

• Reactivity  

• Anxiety or phobias  

• Aggression  

• Resource guarding  

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.” 

– Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Pomeranian is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a sassy puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Pomeranian’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Pomeranians across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.