Do Pomeranians Bark a Lot?

Let me just be upfront with you: yes, Pomeranians bark a lot. They're vocal, alert, opinionated little dogs with a lot of feelings about the world around them. If you were hoping I'd tell you they're naturally quiet, I'd be lying.

But here's the part that matters — excessive barking is manageable. I've worked with plenty of Pom parents who got their pup's barking under control with consistent training. It takes patience and the right approach, but it absolutely works.

Let's break down why Poms bark, when it's normal vs. a problem, and exactly what to do about it.

Why Do Pomeranians Bark So Much?

Understanding the why behind your Pom's barking is the first step to addressing it. There isn't just one reason — Poms bark for several distinct reasons, and each one needs a slightly different response.

1. Alert Barking

This is the most common type. Pomeranians were originally bred as watchdogs, and they take that job very seriously. A knock at the door, a dog walking past the window, someone in the hallway, a bird on the fence — all potential threats that require an immediate, loud announcement.

Alert barking is normal Pom behavior. The goal isn't to eliminate it entirely (you'd be fighting their DNA), but to teach them when enough is enough.

2. Boredom Barking

Smart dogs bark when they're understimulated. And Poms are very smart. If your dog has been alone for hours with nothing to do, barking can become a self-soothing behavior — something to fill the time and burn off pent-up energy.

3. Anxiety Barking

Poms can be prone to separation anxiety. If your dog barks primarily when you leave — or seems distressed when you're gone — anxiety is likely the root cause. This type of barking needs a more targeted approach than regular training.

4. Demand Barking

This one's partly our fault as owners. If your Pom has learned that barking gets them what they want — your attention, a treat, a walk, their dinner — they'll keep doing it. Demand barking is essentially your dog saying, "I want this, and I want it NOW."

When Is Barking Normal vs. a Problem?

Some barking is completely normal and healthy. A few barks at the doorbell? Totally fine. Alerting you to a stranger approaching? That's your Pom doing their job.

Barking becomes a problem when:

• It's constant or goes on for extended periods
• It happens at every small sound, even familiar ones
• It's paired with signs of distress (pacing, trembling, destructive behavior)
• It's disrupting your household or your neighbors
• It happens any time they don't get what they want immediately

If your Pom falls into any of those categories, consistent training is the answer.

6 Proven Techniques to Reduce Excessive Barking

1. Teach the "Quiet" Command

This is the foundation of barking management. Let your Pom bark 2–3 times, then calmly say "quiet" in a low, firm voice. Hold a treat near their nose — the sniffing motion naturally stops the barking. The moment they're quiet, praise and reward. Repeat consistently. Over time, "quiet" becomes a reliable off switch.

The key word is consistently. If you enforce it sometimes but let it slide when you're tired, your Pom will learn they only have to listen when you really mean it.

2. Desensitization to Triggers

If your Pom goes wild every time someone walks past the door, start exposing them to that trigger at a low level repeatedly. Have a friend walk past, reward calm behavior, repeat. Gradually increase the intensity. The goal is to rewire their association — "person at door = treat time" instead of "person at door = EMERGENCY."

3. Enrich Their Environment

A bored Pom is a barky Pom. Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, training sessions — all of these give your dog's brain something productive to do. If they're mentally tired, they're much less likely to find reasons to bark.

Aim for at least one enrichment activity per day. Even 10–15 minutes of a snuffle mat before you leave for work can make a noticeable difference.

4. Ignore Demand Barking

This one requires nerves of steel, but it works. When your Pom barks at you to get something — attention, a treat, playtime — turn your back, leave the room, or simply freeze and don't make eye contact. The moment they're quiet, even for three seconds, turn around and give them what they want.

The lesson: quiet gets results, barking doesn't. It often gets worse before it gets better (this is called an extinction burst), but stay the course.

5. Address Separation Anxiety Directly

If anxiety is the driver, general barking training won't fully solve it. Practice short departures — leave for 30 seconds, come back, don't make a big deal of it. Gradually increase the time. A calming routine (white noise machine, a stuffed Kong, a worn t-shirt in their bed) can also help.

6. Exercise and Mental Stimulation Daily

A Pom that gets two or three short walks and some play time every day is calmer overall. Physical exercise burns off nervous energy that might otherwise come out as barking. It's not a cure-all, but it's foundational.

What NOT to Do

Don't yell or raise your voice. To your Pom, you're just barking along with them. It escalates the situation and reinforces that something exciting is happening.

Don't use punishment-based methods. Shock collars, citronella sprays, and scolding create fear and anxiety — which often makes barking worse, not better.

Don't give in to demand barking. Every time you reward the barking (even just with eye contact), you're teaching them it works. It's hard to stay firm, but it's necessary.

Don't consider debarking surgery. This surgical procedure removes or destroys the vocal cords and is considered cruel by most veterinary organizations. It doesn't address the underlying behavior and can cause serious physical and psychological harm.

The Bottom Line

Pomeranians bark. That's just part of sharing your life with one of these spirited little dogs. But "vocal by nature" doesn't mean "impossible to train." With the right techniques, patience, and consistency, you can absolutely have a Pom who barks appropriately — not constantly.

Start with the "quiet" command. Add enrichment. Address the root cause. You've got this.