Training Your Pomeranian Puppy to Sit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Training a Pomeranian puppy can feel like trying to convince a toddler to eat broccoli—possible, but not without a little effort and creativity. Pomeranians are intelligent, eager to please, and stubborn enough to test your patience. Teaching your Pom to sit is one of the first and most important commands because it lays the groundwork for everything else: leash manners, staying calm, and learning more advanced tricks.

If done right, this process will feel less like a chore and more like bonding time. Plus, a puppy that knows how to sit on command is infinitely more manageable than one bouncing off the walls like a tiny tornado.

1. Start with the Right Environment

Before you begin training, set the stage for success. Choose a quiet space with minimal distractions. Pomeranian puppies have the attention span of a gnat, so expecting them to focus in the middle of chaos is wishful thinking.

Pick a spot where your puppy feels comfortable, like the living room or a quiet corner of your yard. Keep it consistent—dogs, especially Poms, love routine. Make sure you have treats ready. I’m talking about small, irresistible pieces of something they love. Store-bought treats work, but so do bits of boiled chicken or carrot if you want to keep things healthier.

2. Get Your Puppy’s Attention

If your Pom is busy sniffing the floor, chasing a speck of dust, or barking at their reflection, you’re already losing the battle. Start by holding a treat near their nose. This gets their attention fast.

It’s important to note that Pomeranians can be stubborn. The second they realize you’ve got food, they’ll look at you with eyes so wide and hopeful, you might think you’re depriving them of life’s last meal. Stay firm. You’re in control here.

Move the treat just enough to keep them focused on you but not jumping up like they’re auditioning for a circus act.

3. Lure Them into Position

Here’s where the magic happens. Slowly move the treat upward and back, over their head. Naturally, your Pom’s nose will follow the treat. As their head tilts up, their bottom will lower to the ground—almost like it’s a reflex.

This part takes timing and patience. If your puppy starts backing up or trying to jump for the treat, pause and reset. Their bottom needs to hit the ground. You’re not looking for “almost sitting” here; you want the real deal.

The moment they sit—even if it’s accidental—celebrate like they’ve just won an Olympic medal. Use an enthusiastic voice and say “sit” while giving them the treat. Dogs thrive on immediate feedback, and Pomeranians love praise.

4. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Repetition is key when training a Pom puppy. You’re not going to nail this in one go, and if you do—congratulations, you’ve adopted a genius. Most puppies need multiple short sessions to connect the word “sit” with the action itself.

Keep training sessions short, around 5-10 minutes at a time. Pomeranians are smart, but they’re also prone to boredom. Push too long, and they’ll lose interest faster than you can say “good boy.”

Be consistent with your cues. Say “sit” in a calm but firm voice, and reward them as soon as they get it right. Treats work best at first, but once they understand the command, start mixing in praise or petting.

5. Troubleshooting: When Your Pom Refuses to Cooperate

Now, let’s be honest: training doesn’t always go smoothly. Pomeranians are clever, and if they think they can outwit you, they’ll try. If your puppy starts jumping, barking, or pulling all kinds of acrobatics instead of sitting, don’t lose your cool.

Stay calm, reset, and try again. Adjust your hand movements to make it easier for them to follow the treat. If they still don’t get it, take a break and come back later. Puppies have good days and bad days—so do humans.

The key is not to reward bad behavior. If your Pom starts bouncing like a kangaroo, don’t give in and toss them the treat. That just teaches them that hyperactivity pays off.

6. Practice in Different Environments

Once your Pomeranian has mastered “sit” in a quiet room, it’s time to level up. Dogs don’t generalize commands well, so you need to practice in different settings. Try the backyard, the sidewalk, or even at a park—places where there are distractions.

Pomeranians are naturally curious, and their love for exploring can easily get the best of them. Practicing in new environments helps reinforce the command, teaching them that “sit” means “sit” everywhere, not just where treats magically appear.

7. Gradually Phase Out Treats

Treats are a great motivator, but you don’t want to rely on them forever. Once your Pom consistently follows the “sit” command, start rewarding them randomly. Replace treats with verbal praise, a belly rub, or a quick play session.

This step prevents them from becoming treat-dependent and turns “sit” into an automatic response. Poms are smart enough to know when you’re holding out on them, so mix up the rewards to keep things interesting.

Why “Sit” Matters

Teaching your Pomeranian to sit isn’t just about having an obedient dog. It’s about setting boundaries and creating structure. A dog that knows how to sit on command is easier to manage in everyday situations:

• They’ll stay calm when meeting new people instead of jumping all over them.
• You can stop them from running out the door when it opens.
• It provides a foundation for more advanced training like “stay” or “down.”

For a breed as lively and excitable as the Pomeranian, the “sit” command gives you a tool to redirect their energy and focus.

Final Thoughts

Training a Pomeranian puppy to sit takes patience and consistency. They’ll test you, distract you, and sometimes look at you like you’re speaking an alien language. That’s okay. Training isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Keep the sessions fun, celebrate their wins, and don’t let their charm convince you to skip the rules. When your Pom finally sits on command, tail wagging and eyes bright, you’ll know it was worth every second.

And hey—at least you’ll have one command in your arsenal the next time they’re bouncing off the walls.