Pomeranian Needs
When we choose to share our life with a Pomeranian—a sentient being—we should be ready to treat it with respect and love. We can be more than certain that we will receive the same, and even more, in return.
Bringing a puppy home makes us responsible for that dog for the rest of its life. The knowledge we acquire before welcoming a little Miniature Spitz is therefore very important.
For a healthy relationship that is rewarding for both sides, we must remember that a Pomeranian’s needs are no different from those of other dogs. Meeting our companion’s basic needs is our responsibility.
A Pomeranian is a dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Despite its appearance, shaped by humans over many years, it is a form of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) domesticated over thousands of years.
Our Miniature Spitz is therefore a social animal—a pack is an advanced form of social organisation with an internal hierarchy—and has needs whose fulfilment supports its mental and physical health:
1. Walks: freedom to move and sniff
Patrolling territory, leaving a scent and searching or tracking are basic activities of the species. To meet this need, take your dog on longer walks during which it can sniff freely or on a long lead.
2. Companionship = security
A Pomeranian also needs to belong to a pack. This strengthens its sense of acceptance and security, making time together extremely important. A shared walk, play session or even a nap means more to your dog than you might think. Activities together strengthen your bond and give it a sense of belonging.
A dog is a sentient being: it feels pain, longing, fear and joy. We generally have little difficulty recognising these basic emotions. Remember them at every stage of your Spitz’s life. Think carefully about whether you will still want to devote as much time to your sweet ball of fluff when it becomes an adolescent with raging hormones, and later an elderly dog.
3. Feeding
Like other dogs, the Pomeranian naturally searches for food. As a carnivorous animal, it also needs to tear and chew. We can meet this need by feeding our companion a BARF diet. Giving treats as rewards during training also provides an active way of obtaining food, combining pleasure with usefulness: training meets the need for mental stimulation too.
4. Mental stimulation
– Sniffing: a Pomeranian’s brain processes an incredible number of scents gathered on walks, providing a wealth of information about its surroundings.
– Eating can also stimulate the mind: reaching the tasty, valuable marrow in a large bone takes some thought, as does positioning a chew between the paws.
– Training and games provide excellent mental stimulation and strengthen your bond.
– Interactive toys are ideal for keeping a dog occupied while you are away. [I will discuss them in a separate article.]
5. Attachment, love…
Social animals—and we can include people here too ;)—carefully nurture relationships within their family or pack. Mutual affection, help and respect strengthen security, acceptance and belonging; normal life is impossible without them. All these needs are equally important and overlap. I have listed them separately for clarity and hope they help you make the right decision. 🙂