Are Poms hard to potty train?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

In my personal experience, potty training a Pomeranian can be quite challenging. Poms are known to be a stubborn breed, and this can make the process of housebreaking a bit more difficult. However, with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it is definitely possible to successfully potty train a Pom.

One important thing to keep in mind is that every dog is different, so the time it takes to fully house train a Pomeranian can vary. In general, it typically takes around 2 to 4 months for a Pom to be fully house trained. However, this timeline can be longer if the dog does not have consistent guidance throughout the day.

If you have a busy household where there may not be someone home to provide guidance for most of the day, it can make the housebreaking process take a bit longer. This is because the Pom may not have as many opportunities to go outside and learn where it is appropriate to eliminate.

To overcome this challenge, there are a few strategies that can be helpful. One option is to hire a dog walker or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to come by during the day to take the Pom outside for potty breaks. This way, the dog will have more consistent opportunities to learn where it should go to the bathroom.

Another strategy is to use indoor potty pads or a designated indoor area where the Pom can eliminate. While this is not ideal and should not be a long-term solution, it can be a temporary measure to prevent accidents while the Pom is learning where it should go outside.

Consistency is key when potty training a Pom. Establish a regular schedule for taking the dog outside, including first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Take the Pom to the same spot each time so it learns that this is the designated area for eliminating.

Positive reinforcement is also vital in the housebreaking process. Praise and reward the Pom with treats or verbal praise when it successfully goes to the bathroom outside. This positive reinforcement will help the dog understand that eliminating in the appropriate area is a good thing.

Accidents are bound to happen during the housebreaking process, and it’s important not to punish the Pom for these accidents. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly and try to identify any patterns or signals that the dog may be giving before eliminating. This can help you anticipate when the Pom needs to go outside and prevent future accidents.

Housebreaking a Pomeranian can be a challenging task, especially if the dog does not have consistent guidance throughout the day. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, it is definitely possible to successfully potty train a Pom. Just remember to be patient, stay consistent with the training, and provide plenty of opportunities for the dog to go outside.