The Pomerama

Are Poms sensitive?

Ingrid
I am now owned by 2 Poms. The female is quite shy. I am quite experienced at training and handling springers (known for stubbornness). Poms seem to be so sensitive? What do you think is the best technique for correcting such sensitive dogs?
From Ingrid Buxton/email: BUXTONI@vmsa.csd.mu.edu

Larry
In response to your question of whether timid Poms can be trained and how, my view is that they can indeed be trained but it takes lots of patience and praise. My Pom Stryker, finally qualified for his CD title, but I found that the usual methods used with other dogs sometimes were not appropriate for him. I found that constant praise for doing something right and treats worked best with him. Also boosting his confidence by taking him to shows (as an exhibition only dog) and dog obedience classes to acclimatize him to other dogs, noises and people worked wonders. Originally, he would just shake and I would comfort him at these shows, now he has no problem with shows and in fact he enjoys them. So my advice is lots of love, patience, exposure and very gentle corrections if needed (usually a stern voice is enough).
From Larry Silliker/email: larry@igs.net

Dick and Rena
In my reading about Poms & experience with my two female Poms, they ARE sensitive. I know that all it takes is a stern voice & they react to this - they will listen & obey, or their ears go back, or they come & want loving (give me plenty of kisses). One of my female Pom's is more sensitive than the other. Success is more attainable in praising the Pom's. There are times though that you will have to show that you are the Alpha, they will test this, but come to know this. But usually, all it takes in a change in tone of voice.
From Dick & Rena Lindgren/email: 103255,1362@compuserve.com

James
Tazzy is *real* sensitive even to facial expression. It really made him fairly easy to train once he knew my "BAD" voice and face. When he sneaks in the kitchen, I can just give him the "Out of the Kitchen" look and he run out of the kitchen (around the corner and peeks in). It made it easy to train him. I suggest using that approach. You will find once your dog understands "BAD" doggy and "No" that he becomes very malleable!
From James Bettone/email: a-jamesb@microsoft.com

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