Pomsky Puppy Training 101: Potty Training and Basic Commands

Bringing home a Pomsky puppy is a joyous occasion, but it comes with responsibilities—especially when it comes to training. Pomskies are intelligent, energetic, and sometimes a bit stubborn, making consistent and early training essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of potty training and teaching basic commands, addressing common challenges you might face along the way.

1. Potty Training Your Pomsky: Step-by-Step Guide

Potty training is one of the first (and most important) lessons for your Pomsky puppy. With patience and consistency, you can help your pup learn where and when to go potty.

Step 1: Establish a Routine

Pomskies thrive on routine. Start by taking your puppy outside at regular intervals throughout the day, especially:

• First thing in the morning.

• After meals.

• After playtime or naps.

• Before bedtime.

Puppies have small bladders and need frequent potty breaks, so take them outside every 2-3 hours.

Step 2: Pick a Potty Spot

Choose a specific spot in your yard or near your home where you want your Pomsky to go potty. Consistently taking them to the same spot helps them associate that area with bathroom time. The familiar smell will encourage them to go there again.

Step 3: Use a Verbal Cue

As your puppy begins to go potty, say a specific cue word or phrase like “Go potty” or “Do your business.” Over time, they’ll learn to associate this command with the act of going to the bathroom, making it easier to prompt them in the future.

Step 4: Reward Immediately

Positive reinforcement is key to successful potty training. As soon as your Pomsky finishes going potty in the right spot, immediately reward them with praise, treats, or both. This reinforces the idea that going potty outside is a good thing.

Step 5: Supervision and Crate Training

If you can’t always keep an eye on your puppy, consider crate training. Dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so keeping your Pomsky in a properly-sized crate when you’re not watching them helps prevent accidents. Be sure to take them out immediately after releasing them from the crate to go potty.

Common Challenges in Potty Training:

• Accidents: Expect accidents in the house, especially in the early stages. Clean them thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove any lingering odor that might encourage your puppy to go there again.

• Regression: Some puppies may seem fully trained, only to have accidents later on. This is common—simply go back to basics with a stricter potty schedule.

• Stubbornness: Pomskies, particularly if they inherit the Pomeranian’s independent streak, can be stubborn. Stay patient and consistent, and don’t punish your puppy for accidents.

2. Teaching Basic Commands to Your Pomsky

Once your puppy starts getting the hang of potty training, it’s time to introduce basic commands. Pomskies are intelligent, making them fast learners, but they can also be independent, so keeping training sessions short, fun, and rewarding is important.

Basic Command 1: Sit

Teaching your Pomsky to sit is a great foundation for further training.

Step-by-Step:

1. Hold a treat close to your Pomsky’s nose.

2. Raise the treat slowly above their head. As their head follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.

3. As soon as they sit, say “Sit” and reward them with the treat and praise.

4. Repeat this process multiple times daily until they sit on command without needing the treat.

Basic Command 2: Stay

The “stay” command helps your Pomsky remain in one place, which is useful for many situations.

Step-by-Step:

1. Start with your Pomsky in the sit position.

2. Hold up your hand like a stop signal and say “Stay.”

3. Take a small step back. If your Pomsky stays in place, reward them with a treat and praise.

4. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay command, always rewarding them for remaining in place.

Basic Command 3: Come

Teaching your Pomsky to come when called is essential for their safety and your peace of mind.

Step-by-Step:

1. Start in a quiet, enclosed area.

2. Get down to your puppy’s level and say “Come” in an excited, inviting tone while holding a treat.

3. When your Pomsky comes to you, immediately reward them with the treat and lots of praise.

4. Practice this command in different environments, gradually increasing the distance and adding distractions as they get better.

Basic Command 4: Down

“Down” helps calm your Pomsky and is useful for preventing jumping or over-excitement.

Step-by-Step:

1. With your Pomsky in the sit position, hold a treat close to their nose.

2. Lower the treat to the floor in a slow, straight motion.

3. As their head follows the treat, they should naturally lie down.

4. Once they’re lying down, say “Down” and reward them with the treat and praise.

3. Common Challenges in Training Pomskies

While Pomskies are smart, they can also present a few unique training challenges:

Stubbornness

Pomskies inherit a strong will from their Pomeranian side. If your puppy seems disinterested in commands, stay patient and consistent. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to prevent boredom and frustration.

Separation Anxiety

Pomskies are affectionate and bond closely with their owners. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. To avoid this, teach them to be comfortable being alone by starting with short periods away and gradually increasing the time.

Excessive Barking

Pomskies can be vocal, especially if they’re bored or under-stimulated. Providing plenty of physical and mental exercise can reduce barking. You can also teach the “Quiet” command to manage this behavior.

High Energy Levels

Pomskies have a lot of energy and need regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. If they don’t get enough, they can become restless or destructive. Make sure to incorporate walks, playtime, and puzzle toys into their daily routine.

Conclusion

Training your Pomsky requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. With their high intelligence and energy levels, Pomskies can be quick learners, but their independent streak means you’ll need to keep training sessions engaging and rewarding. By mastering potty training and teaching basic commands early, you’ll be setting your Pomsky up for success as a well-mannered and happy companion.

With love, guidance, and a lot of treats, you and your Pomsky will build a strong bond, and your furry friend will thrive as a valued member of the family!