How to Make Your Pomeranian Happy: A Practical Guide for Every Owner

Pomeranians are lively, intelligent, and packed with personality. To keep their tails wagging and their big personalities thriving, you need more than the occasional cuddle and a bowl of food. A happy Pom requires structured care, attention, and a healthy routine. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to ensure your Pomeranian lives their happiest, healthiest life—while still keeping your sanity intact.

Step 1: Exercise Your Pomeranian to Burn Energy and Boost Happiness

Despite their small size, Pomeranians are active dogs with surprising energy. This comes from their spitz-type ancestry, which gives them a zest for movement and exploration. If you don’t provide adequate exercise, they’ll find creative ways to release energy—like barking at the mailman for an hour straight or “redecorating” your furniture legs.

How to Exercise Your Pomeranian Properly

• Daily Walks: Two 15-20 minute walks per day provide the perfect amount of physical exercise. Keep a steady pace, but let them stop and sniff—it’s their version of reading the news.
• Indoor Play: On days when going outside isn’t an option, indoor games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek are lifesavers. Clear out a hallway or living room and turn it into a racetrack for zoomies.
• Mental Stimulation: Use puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or hide treats around the house for a fun scavenger hunt. A tired brain equals a happy Pom.
• Backyard Time: If you have a fenced yard, let your Pom roam and explore. Supervision is essential since their curiosity might lead them to dig or try their luck squeezing through small gaps.

Watch for signs of fatigue like panting, slowing down, or stopping altogether. Pomeranians, despite their energetic bursts, tire faster than larger dogs, and overexertion can strain their small bodies. In hot weather, take breaks, keep them shaded, and always ensure they have access to fresh water. Their fluffy coats trap heat quickly, so staying cautious during exercise is key to keeping your Pom safe and content. For a complete guide to Pomeranian energy levels and behavior, check the Pomeranian Dog Breed Guide.

Step 2: Feed Your Pomeranian a High-Quality, Balanced Diet

Nutrition plays a massive role in your Pom’s happiness. A well-fed Pom has a shiny coat, high energy levels, and fewer health issues. On the flip side, a poor diet can lead to obesity, lethargy, or dull fur—none of which make for a happy pup.

How to Feed Your Pom Right

• Choose Premium Dog Food: Look for high-quality dog food with real meat (like chicken, beef, or turkey) listed as the first ingredient. Avoid fillers like corn, soy, or artificial additives, which offer little nutritional value. For guidance, check this feeding schedule for Pomeranians.
• Portion Control: Overfeeding can lead to obesity, a serious concern for small breeds like Pomeranians. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging and adjust based on your Pom’s weight and activity.
• Healthy Treats: Use treats for training and rewards, but stick to healthy options. Carrot sticks, apple slices (seedless), or small pieces of plain boiled chicken are perfect. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calories.
• Monitor Eating Habits: Sudden changes in appetite can signal health issues. Puppies, in particular, need regular meals to prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Resist those pleading eyes when your Pom “begs” for a taste of your dinner. As convincing as they may be, feeding table scraps can lead to weight gain, nutritional imbalances, and digestive issues. A little discipline now will save you from expensive vet visits later—and trust me, they’ll love you for it in the long run. Learn more about avoiding obesity issues in the Overweight Issues in Pomeranians guide.

Step 3: Groom Your Pom Regularly to Keep Them Comfortable and Stylish

The Pomeranian’s double coat is their pride and joy, but it also comes with a price—regular maintenance. Grooming is about more than just keeping them looking cute; it prevents mats, skin irritation, and other discomforts.

Essential Grooming Practices for Pomeranians

• Brush Often: Brush your Pom every other day using a slicker brush and a metal comb. Focus on areas prone to mats like the ears, chest, and legs. Regular brushing reduces shedding and keeps their coat tangle-free. Learn about the best brushes for Pomeranians.
• Bathe Properly: Bathe your Pom every 4-6 weeks using a gentle dog shampoo. Avoid overbathing as it strips natural oils and dries out their skin. After bathing, dry their undercoat completely to prevent skin irritation.
• Dental Care: Small dogs like Poms are prone to dental disease. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week with dog-safe toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup.
• Nail Trimming: Trim their nails every 3-4 weeks to avoid overgrowth that can cause discomfort or affect their gait.
• Ear and Eye Care: Check their ears weekly for redness or odor, and clean them with a vet-approved solution. Keep an eye on tear stains and gently clean around their eyes with a soft cloth.

Never shave your Pomeranian’s coat, no matter how tempting it might be in hot weather. Their double coat insulates them year-round, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Shaving can permanently damage their coat, and once it’s gone, it might never grow back the same. Learn more about grooming essentials in the Grooming for Pomeranians guide.

Step 4: Train Your Pomeranian with Patience and Consistency

Training your Pom isn’t optional. Their intelligence and stubborn streak mean they’ll quickly run the household if you don’t set clear boundaries. Training keeps them mentally stimulated and builds trust between you and your Pom.

Training Tips for Success

• Start Early: Teach basic commands like sit, stay, come, and quiet as soon as possible. Puppies are easier to train, but adult Poms can learn too. Start with these training essentials.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. Harsh corrections don’t work with Poms; they’ll either ignore you or hold a grudge.
• Barking Control: Poms are natural watchdogs, and they love the sound of their own voices. Teaching the “quiet” command early will save you from complaints—and headaches. For more on barking habits, check this guide.
• Socialization: Introduce your Pom to new people, pets, and experiences to prevent fear or aggression later on.

Consistency is everything. If you give in to their stubbornness once, they’ll remember and test your limits repeatedly. Training a Pom requires patience, but the payoff—a well-behaved dog—is worth every minute.

Step 5: Keep Your Pom Healthy with Regular Vet Visits

Proactive healthcare is vital for your Pom’s happiness. Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, but like all small breeds, they’re prone to specific health issues.

Key Health Checks

• Schedule vet checkups twice a year for routine exams and vaccinations.
• Monitor for common issues like luxating patella (slipping kneecap), tracheal collapse, and dental disease.
• Always use a harness for walks to avoid putting pressure on their sensitive necks.

If your Pom starts acting unusually—whether they seem lethargic, stop eating, or show other signs of discomfort—don’t wait it out. Small dogs can deteriorate quickly, so catching issues early ensures the best outcome. Preventative care is far easier (and cheaper) than reactive treatment. Check out the Common Health Concerns of Pomeranians for a complete breakdown of potential risks.

Step 6: Provide Mental Stimulation and Emotional Care

Pomeranians are incredibly social and thrive on companionship. If you ignore their emotional needs, they’ll find ways to demand attention—usually by barking or misbehaving.

How to Keep Your Pom Engaged

• Play interactive games like fetch or hide-and-seek.
• Provide puzzle toys to challenge their problem-solving skills.
• Stick to a routine—Poms love predictability. Regular mealtimes, walks, and playtime keep them happy.
• Include them in your daily life. Poms are happiest when they’re part of the family, whether it’s cuddling on the couch or tagging along for errands.

While they love being with you, it’s also important to teach them independence. Gradually getting them used to short periods alone helps prevent separation anxiety. A balanced Pom is one who can enjoy both your company and quiet time alone.

Final Thoughts: Your Pom’s Happiness Is in Your Hands

A happy Pomeranian isn’t just about giving them food and cuddles—it’s about understanding their needs and meeting them with consistency and care. From exercise and proper nutrition to grooming and emotional engagement, every step you take ensures your Pom lives their best life.

Pomeranians may demand a lot from you, but they give back even more: endless love, excitement, and companionship. When you see that wagging tail, bright eyes, and signature Pom spin of joy, you’ll know it’s all worth it. For more insights into their unique behavior, check the Pomeranian Personality Traits, Behavior, and Temperament guide or track your Pom’s development with the Pomeranian Growth Chart.