Do Pomeranians Need a Lot of Attention?

Last Updated on 24/04/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on April 24, 2024.

If you’re considering the addition of a Pomeranian to your family, you’ll no doubt have plenty of questions regarding how best to look after them. One major question you’ll want answered is – do Pomeranians need a lot of attention?

Find out exactly how much attention your new Pomeranian will require so you can decide if they’re suited to your lifestyle.

About the Pomeranian Dog

Pomeranians, with their fox-like faces and fluffy double coats, are a popular breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their intelligence and affectionate nature. Despite their small size, Pomeranians are active little dogs that thrive on attention and regular interaction.

Originating from the historical Spitz breeds of northern Europe, they were made famous by Queen Victoria, who fell in love with their charming personalities and reduced their size to better suit royal laps. Today, these toy breeds are celebrated for being excellent companion dogs, especially suited for first-time dog owners and those with smaller living spaces.

While Pomeranians are known for being great companions, their fluffy coats and lively spirits require a lot of care to maintain their overall health and happiness.

Health issues like patellar luxation and tracheal collapse are concerns within the breed, so regular vet visits are a priority to keep these small dogs healthy.

Additionally, because Pomeranians crave being the center of attention, engaging them with puzzle toys, short walks, and training sessions offering mental stimulation and physical exercise is a good idea. This helps prevent unwanted behaviors and fosters a deep bond between dog and owner, ensuring that your little guy remains a joyful and integral part of the family.

Does a Pomeranian Require An Abundance of Attention?

All dogs need attention, and Pomeranians don’t differ in that respect. They strongly prefer to always be near their owner, often to the point of being needy, as they are companion dogs. Poms also need plenty of grooming to look as incredible as the day they arrived in their new home.

How do you know if you need to give your Pomeranian extra attention, and how long can he be left alone? Read on for the answers to these and other questions.

Pomeranian Needs

Many owners ask how long they need to pay attention to their Pomeranian. It’s fair enough because you wouldn’t want your Pom feeling ignored or neglected.

It’s nearly impossible to give a definite answer because temperament and age are the two biggest variables. Pom puppies sleep most of the time. When awake, they’re so energetic that you can’t keep up.

Every 2-3 hours, they must be fed, led to the potty spot, and groomed. It’s like caring for a baby. A Pom puppy requires an incredible amount of your attention until he’s housetrained and mature.

Regular Exercise Needs

Adult Poms don’t have a lot of energy, but you still need to take them for two brisk 20-minute walks each day. Just because a Pomeranian is small, it’s no excuse for not exercising.

Grooming

Regular brushing to manage their thick double coat, especially during cold weather, is essential to prevent matting and maintain their iconic appearance.

Brushing your Pomeranian’s coat daily will prevent it from tangling and matting, which can cause discomfort. He will also need his teeth brushed at least three times each week. Bathing him and trimming his nails must also be factored into his routine.

Proper Training

Thanks to their intelligence, training a Pomeranian can be a delightful experience. Pomeranians respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods and are among the smartest small breeds. This technique fosters a loving relationship and encourages good behavior by rewarding their efforts with treats, praise, or playtime, which is especially effective for this breed.

Pomeranian puppies require consistent and gentle guidance with their high energy levels and curious dispositions. Since they are intelligent dogs, they can start learning basic commands like stay, sit, and come from an early age. It’s crucial for dog parents, particularly first-time owners, to establish a regular training routine.

Short, engaging sessions several times a day are best, as prolonged training can overwhelm these small pups. Early socialization is also key, ensuring that their pets grow up to be well-adjusted, healthy dogs comfortable around smaller and larger dogs and young and older children, and reaping the long-term benefits of a well-socialized Pomeranian.

Given their small size and fluffy double coats, Pomeranians are commonly viewed as lap dogs, but they still need consistent mental stimulation and physical activity to maintain their health. It’s recommended that they get around 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day, coupled with indoor games, which can keep them fit and prevent the development of health problems associated with inactivity. Regular exercise is not just a recommendation; it’s necessary for Pomeranians, helping them maintain their health and prevent potential issues.

Potty training is another crucial aspect of raising a Pomeranian. These small breeds can be stubborn, so patience and consistency are key. Establishing a clear routine and taking them out regularly can help minimize accidents and ensure a clean, safe environment for everyone at home. Moreover, due to their affectionate nature, Pomeranians thrive on attention and interaction, making them loyal companions. Ensuring they live in a nurturing, peaceful environment will keep your Pomeranian physically healthy and emotionally content.

So, if you add everything just mentioned and exercise, training, grooming, and feeding, then you have 1-2 hours each day that you’ll need to devote to your Pomeranian’s care and attention and his basic physical needs.

Of course, your Pomeranian’s emotional needs must also be considered. He has been bred as a companion dog, so he dislikes being apart from you for even a short period. He prefers being with you to keep his eye on whatever you’re doing.

Each Pomeranian is unique in temperament and personality. However, most Poms want to be cuddled and played with, and if they feel neglected, they’re guaranteed to let you know.

Regardless of how much attention you have given your Pomeranian (walking, feeding, grooming, etc), don’t be surprised if you’re still being pestered for extra attention. You’ll never find a Pomeranian who doesn’t think he has had enough attention, and you’ll certainly know it if you ignore him for too long.

A typical Pomeranian’s lifespan is 12 to 15 years. If you’re not prepared to meet all his physical and emotional needs for that entire period, perhaps you should consider a different breed.

How Long Are You Able to Leave a Pomeranian On His Own?

Apart from learning how much attention an average Pomeranian may require, it’s just as necessary to understand the approximate amount of time you can leave your Pomeranian on his own.

The main factor is his age. Young Pom puppies should never be left alone for an hour or more because their bladder control is minimal. Every 1-2 hours, you will need to take your puppies to their designated potty spot so they learn to do their business there and only there.

A mature Pomeranian can be left alone for eight hours if he has plenty of toys for entertainment. However, it’s necessary to check that your Pom can’t cause mischief by getting out of his pen and that his water and food bowls are within easy reach.

Pomeranians are very social and love having company. Even though you can leave him alone for eight hours, it won’t mean he’ll be happy. Consider how you might feel if left alone all day with nobody with whom to talk.

Remember that Pomeranians and other companion dogs can often succumb to separation anxiety because their bond with you is so strong that when you’re not home, he’s unable to function. Owners can think their Pom is playing up when he’s in distress and desperately needs help to cope.

While you’re away, you won’t know what’s happening at home. Your Pomeranian feels so anxious when you’re not home that he tries to relieve the stress by using various forms of destructive behavior such as whining, barking, and pacing up and down. A neighbor complaining about the constant noise might be the first time you’re aware of this problem.

There Are Several Things You Can Do to Help Your Pom Feel Less Distressed

Go home for lunch, check on him, play with him a little, and give him a different toy and maybe an extra treat.
Get a second dog to keep your Pom company. This often works well, but seek the advice of your vet before doing anything else. Both dogs will keep each other company, which can prevent separation anxiety for them.
Get a kitten to keep your Pomeranian company. A young kitten will bond with your Pomeranian and quickly become good buddies.

Six Signs Your Pomeranian Craves Extra Attention

Now you know Pomeranians love (and need) to be around people. Finding ways to compensate for the time you’re not home would be best. If not, you may notice one or more of these clear indicators that your Pom is clamoring for extra attention.

Your Pom Doesn’t Behave Properly.

When you get home, has your dog made a mess? If so, it’s because he’s bored and trying to find fun ways to keep himself entertained.

You need to ensure that he has plenty of mental and physical stimulation so that he is not a tornado, destroying everything wherever he goes.

He might play up while you’re at home, testing boundaries and ignoring your commands.

Your Pomeranian Is Extremely Clingy.

You can leave home, and your Pom will have everything needed, but he will still feel sad that he has no company. Once you arrive home, if your Pom doesn’t leave you for even a second, it tells you he craves quality time with you. Some Poms will stare at you or sit at your feet as an indicator that he’s trying to tell you what he needs.

Your Pomeranian Appears to Be Sad or Depressed.

How might YOU feel if the person you love the most doesn’t give you any attention and ignores you? You would most likely feel extremely depressed. The same thing happens if you neglect your Pomeranian.

Your Pomeranian may sleep more than normal or not have a big appetite. These signs may indicate that your Pom is sick. However, they may indicate that your Pomeranian is alone and miserable.

Your Pomeranian Has Put on Extra Weight

While dogs and people are very different, there are times when they demonstrate the same techniques for coping. I mean that they ease boredom and anxiety by stress-eating. Some owners will feed their Pomeranians too much if they feel guilty about ignoring them.

Your Pomeranian’s Toenails Are Overgrown

Another indicator of insufficient attention is toenails that have become overgrown. Long nails indicate that you have been so absorbed with everything else in your life that you haven’t had time to trim them, let alone give your Pomeranian the attention he so richly deserves.

Pomeranian Barking Issues

Pomeranians often bark to tell their owners they need attention. If your Pom begins to bark without reason, think about how much time you have spent with him recently before you try telling him off.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, Pomeranians do require a substantial amount of attention to thrive. Their small size and endearing personality may make them seem like low-maintenance pets, but they are energetic and intelligent dogs that flourish with regular interaction and engagement.

Providing them with the attention they need through play, training, and affection ensures that these affectionate dogs remain healthy, happy, and well-adjusted members of your family.

Now you know that Pomeranians need much attention and will be miserable when left alone for too long. You might provide your Pomeranian with the best toys and comfortable beds, but nothing can replace your presence. So, spend as much quality time with your Pomeranian as possible.

References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
[2] Denise Leo “Training Your Pomeranian ”.