Are Crates Necessary for Pomeranians?

Start your dog off with a crate large enough for her to stand up and turn around comfortably, but not large enough to be a playpen. A small crate measuring 18 to 24 inches long is proportioned for your Pomeranian. She is in it a few minutes or few hours, but not as a lifestyle. Leave the door open and let her go in and out. Toss in a toy, put her food dish inside or add her favorite blanket. She should feel comfortable coming and going. If she avoids the crate, pick her up and put her inside, giving her good-dog words and a treat. When you are house-training her, you can keep her in the crate for short periods and then take her outside for dog-duty.

Your Pomeranian needs a sanctuary, a place for a private nap or to get away from noise. If she sleeps in your room, put the crate in your bedroom. Her crate will fit under a table so she feels protected and it is out of your path. Leave the door open and put a dog bed to cushion her body. She may sleep all night in the crate, or use it as a den during the day. Some Pomeranians come and go all day in the crate. Others use it only when they are tired or feeling stressed. You and your Pom will soon find your comfort zone.

When visitors arrive, especially workers who come and go, crate your Pomeranian and close the door for her safety. If she is spooked by repairs or noises, she can run out an open door unless she is crated. If you have made her comfortable in the crate, she will be calmer with the unfamiliar people and activity. Crate her and close the door when you are using household chemicals. She can easily hurt herself in the few minutes that you are interrupted by a phone call or visitor. If she is afraid of vacuums and other tools, crate her with a favorite toy or treat during the chores. Always crate her during deliveries. Due to her curious nature, she may dart out and be stepped on or otherwise injured.

A travel crate is a much-needed Pomeranian accessory. When she is crated in a soft-sided crate, she is buffered against sudden braking or other impact. Due to her small size, she is otherwise easily thrown about in a jolted vehicle. A travel crate keeps her safe at the veterinarian office or other clinic where unpredictable dogs come and go. And the crate is also her safety zone at a dog park or family gathering. Her crate gives her comfort and control, a place that is hers at home or away.