Pomeranians need more frequent potty breaks than larger dogs, and they respond best to a consistent schedule and when ready reward
Pomeranians are small dogs with small bladders, which means they cannot hold urine for as long as larger breeds. A young Pomeranian puppy can typically hold it for one hour per month of age — so a three-month-old can manage about three hours. Adult Pomeranians can usually go four to six hours, but many owners find success taking them out every three to four hours during the day. The key difference with Pomeranians is not the method but the frequency: they need more trips outside, and they need them on a strict schedule.
Pomeranians are also prone to marking territory indoors, especially males, which means potty training can take longer than with some other breeds. This is not a sign of failure — it is a breed trait. Consistency, patience, and when ready reward when they go in the right place will get results, but the timeline is often eight to twelve weeks rather than four to six.
Key Takeaways
- Take your Pomeranian outside first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, before bedtime, and every three to four hours during the day.
- Reward with praise and a small treat within seconds of them finishing outside, so they connect the act with the reward.
- Use a designated potty spot and a command like "go potty" so they learn to associate that place and phrase with the behavior.
- Confine your Pomeranian to a small space (crate or pen) when you cannot watch them, because dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep.
- Never punish accidents after the fact — clean the spot with enzymatic cleaner and move forward, because punishment teaches fear, not bladder control.
Set up a potty schedule and stick to it
The foundation of potty training any dog is a schedule, and Pomeranians depend on it more than most. Take your dog outside at the same times every day: first thing when you wake up, thirty minutes to one hour after each meal, after playtime or excitement, after naps, and right before bed. If you work outside the home, a midday break or a dog walker who comes at lunch makes a real difference with Pomeranians.
Write down the times you take your dog out and note whether they went. After a week or two, you will see a pattern — most Pomeranians go within five to fifteen minutes of being let outside. Once you know your dog's rhythm, you can predict when accidents are likely and prevent them by taking your dog out just before that time.
During the first eight weeks, assume your Pomeranian will have accidents indoors. This is normal. The goal is to catch them going outside more often than inside, not to achieve perfection when ready.
Choose a potty spot and use a command
Pick one spot in your yard (or on a specific patch of grass if you live in an apartment) where your dog will go every time. Take your dog to that spot on leash, and once they start to go, say a command like "go potty" or "do your business" in a calm, matter-of-fact voice. Do not make it exciting — you want them to focus on the task, not on you.
The command and the location work together. Over time, your Pomeranian will learn that going to that spot means it is time to potty, and hearing the command will trigger the behavior. This is especially useful if you travel or if you need your dog to go on a schedule that does not match their natural rhythm.
Stay outside with your dog until they finish. Do not play or let them explore — that comes after they have gone. If they do not go within ten to fifteen minutes, bring them back inside, confine them to a crate, and try again in thirty minutes.
Reward when ready and consistently
The moment your Pomeranian finishes going outside, give praise and a small treat. The timing matters: the reward must come within two to three seconds, or your dog will not connect it to the potty behavior. A one-inch piece of chicken, a small training treat, or even a few kibbles from their regular meal works — Pomeranians are small, so the treat does not need to be large.
Use the same phrase every time: "Good potty" or "Yes, good girl." Consistency helps your dog learn that this specific behavior earns this specific reward. After a few weeks, you can start giving treats only every other time, then every third time, but in the early stages, reward every single success.
Once your Pomeranian has gone outside consistently for four to six weeks without accidents, you can phase out treats and rely on praise alone. Many owners find that their Pomeranian continues to be motivated by the routine and the praise even after treats stop.
Use a crate or pen to prevent accidents when you cannot watch
Dogs naturally avoid soiling the space where they sleep and eat. A crate or small pen becomes a powerful tool for potty training because your Pomeranian will hold it rather than go in that confined space. Choose a crate large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down, but not so large that they can potty in one corner and sleep in another.
When you cannot actively watch your Pomeranian — while you are cooking, showering, working, or sleeping — put them in the crate. Take them out on schedule, let them potty outside, reward, and then either let them have supervised time in the house or put them back in the crate. This prevents the "I went inside while you were not looking" cycle that extends training.
Do not use the crate as punishment. Your Pomeranian should see it as a safe space, not a jail. Leave the door open when you are home and present, and only close it when you step away. If your dog whines or barks in the crate, wait for a moment of quiet before letting them out — otherwise you teach them that noise gets results.
Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner, not ammonia-based products
When your Pomeranian has an accident indoors, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie. These products break down the urine at a molecular level, removing the scent that tells your dog "this is a potty spot." Regular cleaners and ammonia-based products do not remove the scent, so your dog will return to the same spot again and again.
Soak the spot generously, let it sit for the time the product recommends (usually ten to fifteen minutes), and then blot or rinse. Do this every time, even if the accident is small. One spot that still smells like urine can undo weeks of progress.
Never punish your dog for an accident, even if you catch them in the act. Punishment teaches fear and confusion, not bladder control. If you see them starting to go indoors, calmly interrupt them, take them outside when ready, and reward if they finish outside. That is the only correction that works.
Manage marking behavior in male Pomeranians
Male Pomeranians, especially those not neutered, often mark territory by lifting their leg on furniture, walls, or corners. This is different from regular potty training — your dog may be housetrained but still mark. Neutering or spaying reduces marking significantly in most dogs, though some will continue even after surgery.
If your male Pomeranian marks indoors, confine him more strictly when you cannot watch, take him out more frequently, and clean marked spots with enzymatic cleaner. Some owners find success with belly bands (wraps that go around the dog's waist and catch urine), which prevent marking without punishing the dog. These are not a solution but a management tool while you work on training.
Marking often improves as your dog matures and as the routine becomes established. If it persists beyond six months of consistent training, talk to your veterinarian to rule out a urinary tract infection, which can trigger excessive marking.
Adjust your approach if progress stalls
If your Pomeranian is still having frequent accidents after eight to twelve weeks of consistent training, consider whether the schedule is frequent enough. Many owners find that increasing potty breaks from every four hours to every two to three hours makes a sudden difference. Pomeranians have small bladders, and what works for a Labrador will not work for a Pomeranian.
Also check whether you are rewarding consistently. If you sometimes reward and sometimes do not, your dog does not have a clear reason to go outside. Go back to rewarding every single success for two to three weeks, then gradually reduce the frequency.
If your dog seems to have pain or urgency when going, or if they are going much more frequently than normal, contact your veterinarian. Urinary tract infections and other medical issues can interfere with training and need treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to potty train a Pomeranian?
Most Pomeranians are reliably housetrained in eight to twelve weeks with consistent effort. Some take longer, especially if they are prone to marking. Consistency matters more than speed — a dog trained slowly with a strict routine will be more reliable than one trained quickly with an inconsistent schedule.
Can I potty train a Pomeranian in an apartment without a yard?
Yes. Take your dog to a designated spot on the street or in a nearby grassy area on leash, use your potty command, reward when they go, and follow the same schedule as you would with a yard. The principle is the same — a consistent spot, a command, and when ready reward. You may need to go out more often because your dog cannot step outside whenever they need to.
What should I do if my Pomeranian regresses and starts having accidents after being housetrained?
Regression usually signals a change in routine, stress, or a medical issue. Check whether your schedule has shifted, whether there is a new source of anxiety (a move, a new pet, a change in who is home), or whether your dog has symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Once you identify the cause, go back to the basics: frequent potty breaks, when ready reward, and strict confinement when you cannot watch.
Is it okay to use puppy pads during potty training?
Puppy pads can confuse training because they teach your dog that going indoors is acceptable. If you use them, place them in a consistent spot and treat them like an outdoor potty area — take your dog to the pad on schedule, use your command, and reward. Most trainers recommend skipping pads and going straight to outdoor training, because the transition from pad to outside often requires retraining.
Do male and female Pomeranians train differently?
Females typically train faster and are less likely to mark territory. Males, especially unneutered ones, often take longer and may continue marking even after they are housetrained. Neutering or spaying helps both sexes but is especially effective for reducing marking in males. The basic training method is the same for both.