How to Train a Pomeranian to Fetch a Squeaky Toy

Pomeranians are a small, plush-coated breed that has been a popular companion dog for centuries. Originally hailing from the Pomerania region of central Europe, the Pomeranian was bred down from larger Spitz-type dogs to be a companion for royalty in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today's Pomeranian is intelligent, loyal and adventurous, often exploring and playing with dogs many times their size. Training a Pomeranian to fetch a squeaky toy allows you to bond with your dog and gives her a way to play and enjoy herself while interacting with you.

Things You'll Need

• Squeaky toy
• Treats

Instructions

1. Find a soft, squeaky toy that your dog enjoys. Pomeranians are a toy breed with small mouths, and soft toys are easier to carry than hard plastic squeakies.

2. Allow your Pomeranian to sniff and explore the toy. She will probably pick it up in her mouth and carry it around, which shows she is interested in playing with it. Toss the toy for her and encourage her to go get it, speaking in a cheerful voice to keep her excited.

3. Pick up the squeaky toy and call your dog to you. Shake the toy around in front of her, pressing on it to make it squeak and excite her. Throw the toy and give her the command to fetch. You can use "fetch" or any other word you like, as long as you use the same command every time you want her to fetch the toy.

4. Call her back to you as soon as she picks up the toy, and reward her with her favorite treat as soon as she comes back to you. Make sure you tell her what a good dog she is and praise her enthusiastically.

5. Repeat the tossing and praising routine until she brings you the toy every time you give the fetch command. She will look forward to the treat and will eventually seek out and retrieve the toy any time she is asked to fetch.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to treat and praise her as soon as she brings the toy back. Giving her the reward immediately lets her know she's done a good job and will make her excited to work for you.

• Never hit or physically punish your Pomeranian if she does not obey you. Pomeranians are a small, fragile breed and physical punishment can cause serious injury and deter her from wanting to obey you in the future.

References

• Pomeranian.org: All About Pomeranians
• American Pomeranian Club
• petplace.com: Teaching the Fetch