Pomeranians are very affectionate and very vocal. It is often possible that the same barking may be an over-expression of devotion and love turned into excessive annoyance. As this breed belongs to the small type, they make natural watchdogs with an inherited instinct of barking for anything that might serve as a disturbance to their people. However, when this loud barking exceeds the limit it can break up your peace of mind and affect the serenity of your life.
Gaining an understanding of why your Pomeranian is barking will go a long way in helping you solve the problem. First, here are some general causes of barking, followed by practical ways to prevent the behavior.
Understanding Your Dog's Barks
Before you try and stop your Pomeranian from barking, it would be of great significance to understand why they are actually barking in the first place. Dogs bark for several reasons; hence, being able to understand these triggers will help you address the root cause.
Anxiety: Pomeranians can be anxious, especially when you leave the house, a factor that would develop into separation anxiety.
Boredom: A bored Pomeranian may start barking in order to get attention or release pent-up energy.
Chaotic Energy: They can get overexcited in busy homes with lots of people or other animals and may bark because of this chaotic environment. A frightened Pomeranian will try to face up to whatever threatens or upsets him by barking at strangers, animals, or situations that are new to them. Inadequate Socialization: If your Pomeranian does not get enough time outdoors or among other animals, he will be wired to over-bark at everything.
Attention Getting: Your dog may simply bark for your attention, whether it is to feed them, take them outside, or just to cuddle. Excitement: Pomeranians are also known to bark when they get overly excited, like when you come home after a long day. Loud Noises: Sirens, fireworks, and thunderstorms are some of the triggers that may cause fear-induced barking. 10 Tips to Stop Your Pomeranian from Barking
Knowing for a reason why your Pomeranian is barking will provide you with a better way of managing and reducing the behavior.
1. The Ignore Method The best thing you can do to prevent your Pomeranian from barking for attention is to ignore it. Every time you respond when they bark, you are only reinforcing the behavior. Rather, calmly disregard them until they stop barking and then praise and reward them with treats. In this way, your dog will learn that rewards come from quiet behavior.
2. "Be Quiet" Commands Teach your dog to be able to say "Be Quiet" or "Hush." When your dog barks, give them the command and immediately give them a treat when they stop their barking. Over time, increase the amount of time they must be quiet before offering the reward. Your dog learns in this instance to connect the action of silence to positive reinforcement.
3. Remove the Cause of the Problem Identify what is causing your dog to bark and remove the trigger. If they bark at everything outside, then close the blinds. If it's strangers, then adjust your walks to quieter times of the day. By removing the source of the barking, the behavior will lessen.
4. Show Your Dog There’s Nothing to Fear If fear is the cause of your dog’s barking, help them overcome it. Stand between your dog and the trigger, and calmly reassure them. Desensitize your dog by gradually exposing them to the source of their fear at a manageable distance. With patience and rewards for calm behavior, your dog will learn that there’s no need to bark.
5. Try an Anti-Bark Device Using an anti-bark device such as high pitched sound-emitting collars, vibration, and water spray is effective when it barks. These break up the rhythm he has when he barks-a sort of correction to keep your dog quiet.
6. The Interruption Technique The moment your dog barks, immediately interrupt them with a high-pitched sound, either through clapping your hands or even with your voice. The sudden noise will jolt your dog and he will stop barking. As soon as that happens, reward immediate silence with a treat and praise to reinforce that behavior.
7. Create a Distraction Distracting the dog with something else may divert his attention away from the reason for barking. Teach your dog to immediately sit or stay when he barks. Or use a favorite toy or even a playtime session to divert his attention away from whatever makes him bark.
8. Keep Them Entertained: Boredom often leads to excessive barking, especially when your dog is left alone for extended periods. Provide mental stimulation toys, puzzle feeders, or other activities that keep your dog occupied and engaged. This can reduce the likelihood of frustration-based barking.
9. Socialization Socialization is required to prevent excessive barking at new people, animals, or environments. Gradually introduce your Pomeranian to all types of situations, people, and pets in a non-threatening manner. By letting it happen gradually, your dog will develop more confidence and minimize fear-based barking.
10. Don't Make an Issue Finally, never make a big issue out of leaving or coming back. This is sometimes the reason why Pomeranians bark too much when one's arrival or departure is fancied. Low-key departures and arrivals help your pet feel less anxious, thus stopping the barking.
Conclusion
Though barking is natural in Pomeranians, it can be disturbing. Understand why your dog has been barking and reinforce good behaviors to make him bark less and communicate effectively. All you need to do is have consistency and patience for an enjoyable atmosphere that is calmer and peaceful with your Pomeranian.
