Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Denise Leo
How To Stop a Pomeranian From Biting and How to Prevent Pomeranian Chewing
Whether your Pomeranian spends most of the day by your side or needs to be left alone while you’re at work, chewing, biting, and nipping can quickly become challenging behaviours—especially in young puppies. Like all dogs, Pomeranians explore the world with their mouths, and without guidance, they may chew shoes, books, furniture, or anything within reach. What begins as normal puppy curiosity can easily turn into destructive habits if not addressed early.
The good news is that chewing and mouthing are completely normal developmental stages. Many puppies also chew out of boredom, frustration, or separation anxiety when their favourite person isn’t home. Rather than scolding your Pom for natural behaviours, the key is to understand why the chewing is happening and to teach your puppy appropriate alternatives.
With the right training, structure, and consistency, you can prevent destructive behaviour and help your Pomeranian grow into a well-mannered, confident companion.
Why Pomeranians Bite or Chew
Apart from separation anxiety, there are other reasons why your Pomeranian may have chewing problems, and they include:
- Natural curiosity.
- Teething.
- Nervousness.
- Boredom.
- Feeling lonely.
- Teething.
Pomeranians—and all dogs—use their mouths to explore the world. Their nose and mouth work together as their main tools for understanding new objects, textures, and scents. Chewing, nibbling, and gently biting are natural behaviours that help them learn about their environment.
A Pomeranian may pick something up, carry it around, bite it, sniff it, or even shake it to figure out what it is. This is how dogs decide which toys they enjoy and which objects in the home are interesting—sometimes including things you’d prefer they leave alone! Understanding this natural curiosity is the first step toward managing chewing and teaching appropriate behaviour.
Teething Tips for Pomeranian Puppies
- Expect teething to start around 4 months and continue up to 7–8 months (some Poms are later bloomers).
- Offer plenty of safe, textured chew toys sized for toy breeds to relieve gum pressure.
- Use frozen washcloths, rubber toys, or ice cubes (plain or lightly flavoured) to soothe sore gums.
- Rotate toys often so your puppy always has something “new” to explore.
- Praise your puppy every time they choose an appropriate chew toy.
- Supervise chewing sessions and remove any toy that starts to break or fray.
- Avoid human teething gels or products not specifically made for dogs.
- If your puppy seems in severe pain or adult teeth and baby teeth overlap for too long, speak with your vet.
Chewing & Biting: Do’s and Don’ts
✔ Do
- Offer safe chew toys and rotate them regularly.
- Use a calm, firm “no” to interrupt chewing.
- Redirect your Pom to an appropriate toy immediately.
- Praise your dog every time they chew the correct item.
- Make your home dog-friendly by removing hazards.
- Give extra chew support during teething.
- Provide mental stimulation to reduce boredom chewing.
- Use a gated area when unsupervised to prevent damage.
✘ Don’t
- Don’t shout — fear disrupts learning.
- Don’t chase your Pom if they steal an object.
- Don’t play tug-of-war with forbidden items.
- Don’t leave shoes or small objects within reach.
- Don’t give too many toys at once (rotate instead).
- Don’t punish after the fact — dogs live in the moment.
- Don’t ignore sudden behaviour changes.
- Don’t assume chewing is “just naughty” — it may be anxiety.
How to Prevent Biting & Chewing
Create a Dog-Friendly Home
Making your home “dog-friendly” is one of the most effective ways to prevent chewing problems. This means removing or lifting any items your Pomeranian could easily pick up, damage, or — more importantly — swallow. Shoes, clothing, children’s toys, items on low shelves, dangling cords, and long curtains are all tempting targets for a curious Pom.
A helpful exercise is to sit on the floor in each room and look around from your dog’s point of view. Power cords, small objects, and loose fabrics that you normally never notice suddenly become very obvious. Your Pomeranian doesn’t understand what is safe and what is dangerous, so he may chew anything within reach simply because it is interesting.
Protect your dog by removing hazards before they become a problem. Buttons, coins, earrings, and small sharp objects can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed. Creating a safe environment is the first step in preventing chewing behaviour and keeping your Pom healthy.
Provide Safe and Appealing Chew Options
Chewing is a natural behaviour, and your Pomeranian must be offered safe alternatives. Without appropriate toys, your dog will become frustrated, anxious, and far more likely to chew on household items. High-quality chew toys, textured teething toys, and soft rubber options will satisfy his natural urge to bite and mouth objects.
Rotate toys regularly so he always has something interesting to explore. Only offer a few toys at a time and swap them out weekly to keep his interest high. If he is teething (usually between four and eight months), ensure he has plenty of durable, textured toys to relieve discomfort. Ice cubes — plain or lightly flavoured — can also help soothe sore gums.
Praise your dog whenever he chooses a correct chew item. Positive reinforcement makes learning faster and much more enjoyable for both of you.
Teach a Clear, Consistent “No”
One of the most important tools in stopping chewing is a firm, confident “no.” This simple word only works when spoken with authority and consistency. Your tone should be clear, firm, and immediate — not angry, not shouted, and never frightening. A strong “no” should interrupt the behaviour instantly.
If a verbal correction does not work, a quick spray of lukewarm water can redirect his focus back to you. Never chase your dog or tug on objects he has taken; this turns the situation into a game and encourages him to hold on tighter. Instead, block access to the item, remove it calmly, and offer a safe chew toy as an alternative.
Redirect and Reward the Right Behaviour
Effective training is not just about stopping unwanted behaviour — it is about teaching what to do instead. Always have a chew toy ready to offer the moment you say “no.” When your Pom switches to the correct item, praise generously. These small, consistent rewards teach him to make better choices on his own.
If you come home to chewed items, your dog may be experiencing mild separation anxiety. Providing a pen or a gated safe area prevents access to tempting objects and reduces stress. When you return home, avoid making a big fuss. Instead, encourage your Pom to bring you a chew toy using the “find” command. When he does, praise warmly — this routine helps him settle and feel secure.
Quick Summary: How to Stop Chewing & Biting
- Make your home dog-friendly by removing small or dangerous objects.
- Always provide safe chew toys and rotate them weekly to keep interest high.
- Use a firm, confident “no” to interrupt unwanted chewing — never shout.
- Redirect your Pom to an appropriate toy and reward immediately.
- During teething, offer textured toys and soothing cold items.
- Avoid chasing or tug-of-war over stolen objects — it becomes a game.
- Use a pen or gated area if your dog chews when left alone.
- Stay consistent — small corrections + big praise = long-term success.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Your Pomeranian growls, snaps, or bites when approached.
- Chewing escalates into destructive behaviour despite training.
- Your dog guards objects (toys, food, stolen items) aggressively.
- There is sudden behaviour change — chewing started unexpectedly.
- Your Pom injures himself by chewing walls, metal, cords, or hard objects.
- You notice anxiety signs: pacing, trembling, barking, panting, drooling.
- Chewing only happens when your dog is left alone (possible separation anxiety).
- Your dog swallowed something unsafe, sharp, or toxic — seek a vet immediately.
Final Thoughts on Pomeranian Biting and Pomeranian Chewing Problems
Managing chewing and biting in Pomeranians takes patience, consistency, and an understanding of why these behaviours occur in the first place. By creating a safe home environment, offering plenty of appropriate chew options, setting clear boundaries, and guiding your Pom with calm, consistent training, you can prevent destructive habits and encourage positive ones.
Remember—your Pomeranian isn’t being naughty on purpose. Chewing, exploring, and mouthing are natural canine behaviours, especially during teething or when experiencing stress or boredom. With the right approach, these challenges can be transformed into learning opportunities that strengthen your bond.
If chewing becomes excessive, harmful, or linked to anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help from your veterinarian or a qualified behaviour professional. With proper support, your Pomeranian can grow into a well-mannered, happy companion who feels secure and confident in your home.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo, “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
[2] Denise Leo, “Training Your Pomeranian ”.
