How to Teach a Pomeranian the Place Command
Teaching a Pomeranian the Place command is an excellent way to manage their lively, extroverted nature and redirect excessive barking. These bold, inquisitive toy dogs benefit tremendously from a designated "safe zone"—a mat or bed where they learn to settle and hold a calm stay. Pomeranians are moderately trainable but can develop small-dog syndrome if boundaries aren't established early; the Place command provides structure while honoring their spirited temperament. This intermediate exercise channels their ~30 minutes of daily exercise into mental engagement, reducing boredom-related barking and giving you a reliable tool to manage their bold personality. Success requires consistency, high-value rewards, and patience with their independent streak.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose and Mark Your Place Zone
Select a specific mat, dog bed, or blanket in a low-traffic area of your home—ideally away from windows to reduce barking triggers. Place it consistently in the same spot. Pomeranians are inquisitive, so make the mat visually distinct with color or texture so your dog immediately recognizes it as their dedicated space.
- 2
Introduce the Mat with Positive Association
Scatter high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or liver) directly on the mat while your Pom explores. Never force them onto it—let curiosity do the work. Repeat this several times daily for 2–3 days so the mat becomes a self-rewarding destination rather than a command.
- 3
Add the 'Place' Verbal Cue
Once your Pomeranian willingly goes to the mat, say 'Place' clearly as they step onto it, then immediately reward with treats and praise. Their bold, extroverted nature means they'll respond well to enthusiastic positive reinforcement. Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes) to match their moderate energy and prevent frustration.
- 4
Build Duration with Relaxation
Reward your Pom for staying on the mat for increasingly longer periods—start with 5 seconds, then 10, then 30. Reward calm, relaxed body language (lying down) more heavily than standing or pacing. Pomeranians can be wary and excitable, so a slow, boring mat becomes less appealing; reward stillness specifically to counteract their lively nature.
- 5
Add Distance and Mild Distractions
Once your Pomeranian reliably stays for 1–2 minutes, gradually step away (1 foot at a time) while they hold their stay. Introduce mild distractions like gentle sounds or movement in another room. Their barking tendency means they may break the stay when triggered; redirect calmly back to the mat without anger.
- 6
Proof the Command in Real Life
Practice Place during your Pom's daily exercise routine and in different rooms. Use it when guests arrive (a key moment for excessive barking) or when you need them settled. Maintain consistency: always use the same verbal cue and reward generously to override their bold, independent streak.
Pro tips
- Use ultra-high-value treats (chicken, cheese, liver) for Pomeranians—their bold, independent nature means they'll tune out generic kibble. Reserve the best rewards specifically for Place to make the mat irresistible.
- Practice Place before your Pom's daily 30-minute exercise session when they're already primed to engage mentally. A tired Pomeranian is more willing to settle, and the command becomes a calming ritual rather than a challenge to their lively nature.
- Pair Place with moments when they'd normally bark (doorbell, visitors). Redirect them to the mat preemptively before their barking tendency kicks in, then reward silence. This transforms Place into a practical tool for managing their high barking tendency.
Frequently asked questions
My Pomeranian breaks the stay to bark at sounds outside. How do I handle this?+
Pomeranians have a high barking tendency—this is normal. When they break to bark, calmly guide them back to the mat without scolding and reset the stay. Reward quiet moments generously. Over time, the mat becomes an alternative to barking. You can also practice Place in quieter environments first to build confidence before adding real-world distractions.
How long should a training session be for a Pomeranian?+
Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes. Pomeranians have moderate energy and can lose focus quickly; short, frequent sessions (3–4 times daily) are far more effective than one long session. Their lively nature means they'll stay engaged and motivated with this approach.
What if my Pom has small-dog syndrome and ignores the command?+
This is common in Pomeranians bred with limited boundaries. Never force them onto the mat or show frustration. Instead, make the mat irresistibly rewarding: use higher-value treats, practice before meals, and ignore attempts to leave. Consistency and patience will eventually overcome their independent streak.
Can I use Place as a timeout or punishment?+
No—this will damage your training. Place must always be a positive zone. Using it as punishment teaches your Pomeranian to avoid or fear the mat, undoing all your work. Reserve it only for rewards and calm settling.