Obedience · Pomeranian
How to Teach a Pomeranian to Leave It
Updated · How we write our guides
Short answer
Teach your Pomeranian to leave it by pairing positive reinforcement with high-value rewards, beginning with simple closed-hand impulse control exercises. Because of their bold, inquisitive nature, short and engaging practice sessions help them reliably ignore tempting items and household hazards before acting on curiosity.
The "Leave It" command is essential for Pomeranians, whose bold, inquisitive nature and high barking tendency make them prone to grabbing forbidden items and reacting impulsively to stimuli. Despite their moderate trainability (3/5), Pomeranians respond excellently to positive reinforcement when training sessions are short, engaging, and rewarding. This guide teaches impulse control around food, objects, and household hazards—critical skills for a breed susceptible to choking risks and small-dog syndrome behaviors. With consistent, patient practice tailored to their 30-minute daily exercise routine, your Pomeranian will learn to pause before acting on curiosity, creating a safer home and a more reliable companion.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Establish a High-Value Reward System
Identify what your Pomeranian values most: tiny training treats, a favorite toy, or praise. Because Pomeranians have moderate trainability, using exceptionally rewarding incentives makes the alternative to grabbing items genuinely appealing. Practice rewarding calm behavior around the house so your dog understands the exchange: ignore the tempting thing, get something better.
Step 2: Start with Closed-Hand Foundation Work
Hold a treat in a closed fist at your Pomeranian's nose level. When they sniff but don't mouth or paw at your hand, mark the moment with "Yes!" or a clicker and immediately open your hand to reward. Repeat 5–10 times per session, keeping it short to match their attention span and moderate energy level.
Step 3: Introduce the "Leave It" Cue
Once your Pomeranian consistently ignores the closed fist, say "Leave It" just before presenting the challenge. Reward the moment they pull away or look away from your hand. This teaches them the specific words trigger the impulse-control behavior you're reinforcing.
Step 4: Graduate to Open-Hand and Floor Objects
Progress to holding a treat in an open palm and later placing low-value items (like a toy) on the floor. Each step should feel easy for your Pomeranian before advancing; their inquisitive nature means they'll test boundaries, so patience prevents frustration and excessive barking during training.
Step 5: Practice Near Real Distractions
Once your Pomeranian reliably leaves items indoors, practice near mild distractions: a treat on the kitchen floor, a dropped toy during play. Keep rewards immediate and enthusiastic so they understand "Leave It" works even when temptation is real and their bold personality wants to investigate.
Step 6: Extend Duration and Proof in Daily Life
Gradually ask your Pomeranian to "Leave It" and wait 2–5 seconds before rewarding, building impulse control stamina. Integrate the command into real scenarios: during walks, meal prep, or when encountering dropped food. Consistency across contexts prevents small-dog syndrome behaviors where they think rules don't apply to them.
For the Pomeranian
Pro tips
- Use treat pieces smaller than a pea: Pomeranians are toy-sized, so tiny rewards maintain focus without overfeeding and prevent choking hazards during training.
- Train before their peak energy times: Pomeranians have moderate energy, so training before walks or playtime when they're eager to please works better than post-exercise when they're mentally fatigued.
- Prevent small-dog syndrome by applying 'Leave It' consistently: Pomeranians often learn they can ignore rules around smaller family members—enforce the command equally for everyone to avoid selective obedience and behavior issues.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Pomeranian barks every time I say 'Leave It.' Is this normal?
Yes—Pomeranians have a barking tendency of 5/5, so vocalizing during training is typical. Avoid rewarding the barking; instead, wait for even a brief moment of quiet before marking and rewarding. Stay calm and patient; punishing barking often increases it. The behavior typically diminishes as your dog gains confidence in the routine.
How long should training sessions be for a Pomeranian?
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Despite their moderate trainability, Pomeranians have moderate energy and can lose focus quickly. Short, frequent sessions prevent frustration, maintain enthusiasm, and fit well within their 30-minute daily exercise recommendation.
My Pomeranian ignores 'Leave It' for high-value items like chicken. What should I do?
This is common with inquisitive, bold Pomeranians. Start over with lower-value items and increase difficulty more gradually. Alternatively, use an even more rewarding treat (like freeze-dried liver) as the "ignore it" reward. Ensure your dog isn't hungry before training, and never use items they're truly obsessed with until the foundation is rock-solid.
Can 'Leave It' prevent my Pomeranian from eating hazardous items outside?
Yes, with consistent practice. However, never rely solely on "Leave It" for safety outdoors—Pomeranians are curious and may not always comply under high distraction. Always supervise, use a secure fence, and consider a harness for walks. The command reduces risk but doesn't eliminate it; prevention remains the best strategy.
Watch
Videos: leave it
How to Train Your Dog to LEAVE IT: Complete Beginner's Guide
Happy Hounds Dog Training · Works for any breed
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
