Do Pomeranian Dogs Bark a Lot? A Friendly Guide for Owners
A lot of new Pomeranian owners ask, do Pomeranian dogs bark a lot? Yes, they are naturally vocal. For some, it may be due to excitement, some may do it due to anxiety, and some do it to get attention. Excessive barking can be stopped given the owner is persistent and patient. Understanding the barking triggers and using positive reinforcement, will help your Pom be calm and happy.
Why Do Pomeranian dogs Bark a lot?
Overview
Pomeranians might be little, but they have a huge personality! One of the first things they notice is how vocal Pomeranians are. These little fluffy dogs really love to express themselves, and barking is the first way they do that!
They communicate through barking, whether it is saying ‘hello,’ ‘watch out,’ or ‘pay attention to me!’ A Pomeranian barking is a sign of excitement or curiosity, and even anxiety. So, even if they seem to be barking for no reason, there is always something behind it.
Controlling the barking is easier once you understand what your Pom is trying to tell you. After that, you can relieve the triggers instead of silencing the noise.
Do Pomeranians Bark a Lot?
Yes they really do! It’s part of their nature. Pomeranians are alert, smart, and highly responsive to what’s happening around them. Because of this, they bark more than a lot of other breeds.
Their tiny bodies hold a lot of energy, and barking helps release it! They react to sounds like footsteps, doors, and even the TV. This constant alertness is because Pomeranians have not lost their watchdog instincts.
But barking doesn’t mean they’re “bad.” It’s just their way of saying “Hey, something’s going on!” You can find effective Pom training barking commands to help with this.
Do Pomeranians Bark More Than Other Breeds?
Pomeranians do get labeled as “bad” barkers, especially in comparison to calmer breeds like Shih Tzus or Cavaliers. Pomeranians tend to be on the barking scale’s higher end. As with any person or animal, temperaments do vary so it should be noted that not all Pomeranians will behave this way. However, they do have strong territorial tendencies, and will defend what they view as their space. Pomeranians will also bark to get and keep attention.
Socialization, integration into regular family activities, and training, are all big factors that determine a Pomeranian’s barking tendencies, and to what extent they experience it. Pomeranians do tend to be “bad” barkers, but it is more of a social assertion on their part to gain family attention. The good news is that there are simple, effective techniques to keep attention-seeking barking to a minimum.
6 Reasons Why Pomeranians Bark So Much
Let’s jump in to understand why your Pomeranian might be barking and what that might mean for your Pom!
Stranger Alert
When your Pom barks to let you know someone’s near, this means your Pom is being protective! Sometimes this can be mistaken for bad behavior, but your Pom isn’t barking to annoy you, they are trying to help!
Training silent commands can help reduce excessive barking, but be sure to keep your Pom confident and alert.
Seeking Attention
Every now and then your Pom wants to be noticed, and if they are being ignored for too long they might start barking to get your attention!
Attention-seeking behaviors can be reinforced, so be sure to give your Pom attention when they are calm and quiet to help them learn the right behaviors.
Boredom
Bored Pomeranians can become noisy. When they are left alone without toys or any interaction, they bark to let out some of their energy.
Consider calming toys for small dogs or, even better, puzzle feeders. Mental stimulation helps curb excessive barking and prevents the dog from developing destructive habits.
Doesn’t Feel Well
If your Pomeranian starts barking a lot and out of the ordinary, possibly, they are trying to telling you something. Warning signs in your dog’s behavior can indicate something is wrong and probably painful.
Always check for limping, lethargy, or restlessness, for example. When these signs appear, the vet should be your next stop. When the cause is resolved, their barking will become calm and normal.
Loud, Sudden Noises
Many small dogs bark from fear when they hear thunderstorms, fireworks, or vacuum cleaners. Pomeranians, in particular, are very sensitive to loud sounds.
When these sounds are present, guide your dog to a calm, cozy area. Something like soft music or a blanket can make them feel safe. Dog desensitization training can also lessen fear over time and should be used regularly.
Excitement
It could be that your Pom is not scared. Maybe, they are just thrilled! They might bark when you arrive home, when it’s playtime, or when they see another dog.
Excited barking is harmless, although it can become excessive if not controlled. During frenzied times, training a quiet command or refocusing them with treats can help make everything calmer.
Dealing with Pomeranian Dog’s Barking Issues
It’s okay if your Pom barks a bit too much. It can be managed. The first step is to figure out what is causing the behavior. This helps you restructure their behavior to a calmer one. The aim is to help your Pom learn to bark for the right reasons instead of trying to make them completely silent.
Learn to Understand the Different Pomeranian Barks
Not all barks mean the same thing, and some are high-pitched and excited while others are deep and sharp. In time, you’ll learn to identify a “play with me” bark and a more serious “someone’s here” sound.
Being attentive to the different tones and rhythms of your Pom’s barks will help you with their Pomeranian barking behavior. The easier it is to identify what a Pom is trying to communicate, the more effective your response will be. This awareness is the key to harnessing effective Pomeranian bark control method.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the leading causes of incessant barking. Pomeranians are a small breed of dogs that form deep attachments to their owners, and being left alone can make them stressed. Without you, they will bark to express that fear and loneliness.
At first, try leaving them for short periods of time until you can increase it. Have some of their toys or a blanket for additional comfort. If your Pom is frequently anxious, try some anxiety barking solutions like soothing music or a calming spray. Extra playtime before you leave can also help a lot.
Persistent unwanted barking is very difficult for first time dog owners; however, it can be managed. The understanding of a situation and patience can lead to a calm and confident Pom. The more you learn about your Pom’s emotions, the more likely you can prevent unwanted barking.
Preventing and Managing Pomeranian Barking in Different Situations
Every Pomeranian owner knows barking is triggered in certain moments more than others. From doorbells to nighttime noises, your Pom reacts to what they can see or hear. Here the strategy is to remain calm and consistent in managing the moments.
Managing Pomeranian Barking When Someone Knocks on the Door or Rings the Doorbell
The classic barking trigger is the doorbell. Pomeranians bark to alert you and not to annoy you. It is their built in watchdog instinct.
To manage it, you can train your Pom to understand that the sound does not always mean danger. You can practice it in short sessions where someone rings the bell and you reward your Pom for staying calm. Over time, it gradually improves their response to the quiet command and helps them.
Fear Barking
Sometimes your Pom isn’t angry — they’re scared. Loud noises, new places, or unfamiliar faces can trigger fear barking. The best way to handle this is through slow, gentle exposure.
Let your dog observe from a safe distance until they feel comfortable. Pair these moments with treats or praise. This is a form of dog desensitization training and works wonders for anxious Poms.
Barking at Neighbors
Your Pom may bark at people outside simply because they feel territorial. They think they’re protecting their space, even if it’s just the window view.
To help your Pom, try blocking their view, or distracting them with toys. For Pomeranian bark control, the most effective method is redirection. You can also reward them for being quiet, which reinforces calm behavior.
When Your Pomeranian Wants Something
When barking becomes part of their attention-seeking behavior, it simply means your Pomeranian wants something, like food, attention, or playtime.
To counter the barking, try waiting for a moment of silence to reward your Pomeranian with what they wanted. That way they learn that calm behavior is what leads to a reward.
Stopping a Pomeranian Puppy from Barking at Night
Pomeranian puppies bark at night because they feel lonely or afraid. This behavior will pass with time, no punishment will help. Young Pomeranians can benefit from a soft bed, a warm blanket, or even a ticking clock for comfort.
Don’t rush to them every time they bark. This teaches them that barking will get your attention. Provide them with consistent reassurance to help them feel safe. This, combined with a calm environment, will help progressively reduce their nighttime barking.
How to Stop a Pomeranian of Any Age from Barking When You’re Home
Excessive barking needs to be addressed. Keeping barking to a minimum can be accomplished by boredom management. Make sure to provide interactive calming toys for small dogs along with a consistent and regular interval of play. Boredom and lack of engagement are key factors in excessive barking.
Use the “quiet” command in a calm voice. Make sure to reward their obedience and efforts for effective learning. Positive reinforcement is the only method that will yield consistent results. Excessive barking can be annoying and a behavioral issue, but patience and kindness will help train a Pomeranian.
How to Train Pomeranian Not to Bark
Your Pom will bark, and training them to bark less doesn’t mean barking in silence. It’s teaching them when it’s ok to bark and when it’s not. Every Pomeranian can learn this with patience, consistency, and a lot of love.
As a reminder, some Pomeranian barking behavior is a reflection of excitement or anxiety. So, your goal is to calm and control those triggering emotions.
How to Stop Pomeranian Barking
Stop Pomeranian barking behavior but identify why first to understand the cause. Are they bored, anxious, or simply seeking attention? Knowing the “why” will help you solve the issue.
Using positive reinforcement dog training is effective. Reward your Pom the instant they stop barking on command. No need to shout. It only raises excitement. Barking will stop with calm tones, treats, and repetition.
Pomeranian Barking at Home
While at home, distractions will present themselves — doorbells, guests and other pets. Use the same command, like “quiet” or “enough.” Say it only once, and reward them for the silence.
When your Pom keeps barking, gently redirect their attention with a toy or a quick game. This adopts the Pomeranian training style which encourages mental discipline while providing a fun approach.
Training a Pomeranian to Stop Barking on a Walk
When it comes to outdoor excursions, your Pomeranian will encounter a vast array of sounds, scents, and people, all of which will trigger aggressive barking. Start with short exercises in quieter parts of the environment, where they will learn to become calm and focused.
Should they begin to bark, cease walking and wait for them to quiet before moving again. This teaches them that silence results in forward movement during a walk. This is a simple but effective Pomeranian barking control strategy.
The 7 Ways to Train Your Pomeranian Not to Bark Excessively
– Identify the Bark
Every bark serves a specific purpose. They can express fear, excitement, or frustration. Identify which and how to respond.
– Ignore Your Pom
If the barking is attention-seeking, stop reacting. Delay your praise to the Pomeranian until they stop for a while.
– Redirect Their Attention
A brief diversion, like throwing a toy, distracts them enough to cease the habit.
– Be Quiet
Teach them the “quiet” command, and while they bark, state it slowly so that they can learn.
– Don’t Yell!
Yelling only sounds like barking to them and will only aggravate the situation.
Incorporate Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding someone with praise, munchies, or engaging in play right after someone showcases that desired quiet behavior definitely helps reinforce that behavior.
Be Consistent
You’ll need to lean on sameness because it will help. Routines and repetition become your best friends. Consistency in rules amongst all members of your household is crucial.
Training Tips for Pomeranians
Training a Pomeranian is about effective communication, not about breaking their will. It is essential to remain calm and supportive. If this is proving difficult for you, a trainer or veterinarian may be able to help you with the more advanced solutions for anxiety barking.
Collars that silence barking and other punishment techniques only serve to escalate the problem. Calm correction, structure, and rewards will help reinforce desired behavior for your Pomeranian. With your routine, teaching your Pomeranian when silence is golden will become a lot easier.
Pomeranian Conclusion on Barking
Yes, Pomeranian dogs bark. However, it is not overly excessive. That is attributed to their temperament. However, it is a matter of time, patience, and consistency in training them to be quiet and still.
Give them the time and the quiet training will be positive. Brighton will tell you when barking is appropriate as it is positive communication. With improvement, your little active watchdog will be both quiet and bark to perfection and be well adjusted.
References:
American Kennel Club (AKC). “Pomeranian Dog Breed Information”
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FAQs
Of course! It’s possible to minimize excessive barking. Start by finding your Pomeranian’s barking triggers then use a steady, positive approach with reinforcement for the ‘quiet’ command, and rewards for compliance with your commands. Afterward, implement desensitization techniques along with mental enrichment activities. It’s a process, but don’t expect instant total silence.
They are overly protective and stubborn barking and fence-running, commitment issues along with separation anxiety, attention-seeking, and resource guarding. These problems often arise from inconsistent socialization practices, inconsistent rules, and unmet mental and physical needs.
Moderate. Pomeranians require a certain amount of maintenance. Grooming and dental care need to be done, along with positive, consistent command training, socialization, and daily problem-solving activities.
Determine the triggers, do some desensitization, train, and reward for the ‘quiet’ command, increase their mental and physical activity, and don’t reinforce the barking by giving attention while it’s happening.
They are noisy as a rule. They belong to the spitz family of dogs and were bred to be vocal. Pomeranians will naturally bark but the amount of training and the dog’s individual character will greatly affect the amount of vocal noise produced.