1 year with Peppa (Pomeranian): My experiences

Let’s start with the basics first:

1. You’ll get used to each other, get used to each other, become a team…
2. Always remain patient and calm – dogs become like their owners, be a role model

Listen along with Zoe:

First of all, your dog is affectionate as a little puppy and even later. My dwarf puppy looks at me virtually every minute, with a questioning look, what are we doing? But, it’s getting a little less.

You and your dog are always more confident together!

In the beginning she ran into my legs so often, sometimes I kicked her away slightly by mistake, that’s quite “normal” in the beginning. You have to get used to each other first! The important thing is:

Always stay patient with your dog!

Above all, it is important to go out regularly so that your dog becomes house-trained, to feed him regularly and to always have fresh water at the bowl and on the way (for more than 1 hour).

In this article, you’ll learn what to expect after the first few weeks!

Let’s start simple, with the most important, feed 2x a day.

Tip. Part 1: The first weeks with a Miniature Spitz

From a small puppy to a full-grown dwarf Spitz. Already in part 1 I took you into the (for me) new world of dogs. In part 1 it was mainly about the first days and weeks, the basic equipment for puppies and much more. Read here everything about our first weeks together:

• Midget

So small and cute, “Peppa” was as a puppy – Before.

So small and cute, she still is – After.

That’s how fast a Pomeranian grows up, or rather becomes full grown.

Dog food: Delicious, healthy and… how often?

The big, or rather small advantage of the Miniature Spitz, you need relatively little food! I always have a little dry food, wet food and of course a few (few) snacks. If you know the classic Caesar can, then it lasts about three days, with some additional dry food.

My little dog is fed twice a day, in the beginning I fed her three times a day, that was too much!

So she doesn’t do much in the evenings (topic: housetraining) I feed her 1) in the morning and 2) at noon/afternoon.

Zum! This here even more on the subject

• Dry and wet food
• 1) morning and 2) noon/afternoon
• Few snacks (if, 90% to chew)
• Important: Always provide water

Tip. Buy snacks to chew

Dogs love to chew, it’s fun for them and a distraction at the same time. That’s why I like to buy chew sticks or snacks that keep her a little busy.

• Snacks to chew
• Occupation and fun

How much does an adult dwarf spitz weigh?

Depending on whether your Pomeranian is purebred or not, the weight will differ. My little one is purebred and only weighs 2.2 kilos when full grown. So she is actually more fur than dog!

• Approximately 2.2 kilogram
• Purebred

Dry food, water, the basics.

Always good: something to chew on!

This also brings us directly to an important question, for new dog owners:

Travelling with a dog: train and plane

What about when you travel? Can your dog come with you and if so, with whom?

Can I take a Miniature Pomeranian with me on the plane?

Yes and no, sometimes you can take very small dogs on planes. But you should check beforehand if the airline allows it or not. For example, some airlines only allow assistance dogs (e.g. guide dogs).

Airline examples:

• Ryanair – no dogs allowed (only companion dogs)
• Euro Wings – Dogs allowed

Can I take a Miniature Pomeranian with me on the ICE / train?

Yes, dogs are allowed on trains, but also on long-distance trains (ICE). Theoretically, it means that you need a dog box. But so far no one has approached me. Whereas I have bought a box. However, the pullover on the seat or on the floor is often the easier alternative.

The dog is so small that really no escort has said anything yet.

• Yes, dogs are allowed on the train

Not Peppa, but cute too! With dog on the beach:

Housebroken: How long does it take?

You are a dog is really housebroken, you need to bring a lot of patience. About 6, 7 to 9 months until he or she really understands that you do not do in the apartment. Especially not on the carpet! If your carpet does get a fair amount, you’re going to need a carpet cleaning. Because it smells! Tips on that in a moment.

#reallife

That’s why it’s so important not to just buy dogs or give them away. You really have to think about it, they need a lot of time, love and attention. What that means, you learn again here Dog as a pet: Requirements.

Going outside regularly: teaching “doing outside

Often your dog needs to feed especially after meals. Therefore, it is important to feed at noon / afternoon. Then in the evening, only minimal (eg 1 snack). This way your dog does not have to go to the toilet at night and you have less dirt in the apartment.

My tips:

• Duration: 6 to 9 months
• Important: Get out 3x a day, regularly
• Times: Morning, noon/afternoon and night.

Puppy Pads: Tip for your home and carpets

Tips for flats! Buy Puppy Pads So to speak flat diapers for the floor. Kind of like paper, about 50 by 50 inches, you just lay it on the floor. The paper is absorbent.

• Diaper for the floor
• Ca 50 x 50 cm
• Absorbent

How much does carpet cleaning cost?

My whole apartment has carpets – inconvenient! Accordingly, the first few months have left their mark on the floor. Maybe you’ll find yourself in the same situation! So here are my tips to help you find a good carpet cleaning company. Because, a bit like locksmiths, what does a good, reputable carpet cleaning cost and how do you find a good company?

First: Avoid clicking on the first places in the search results. On the first places you will find 99% ads. These results are minimally marked by “ad”. Because, someone has to pay for these ads, you!

Get at least four comparative offers, so you can get the best price. Of course, the price is not everything, the quality is also important, after all, it’s your own home. For that, be sure to check out Google reviews. Compare the amount of reviews and the amount of the average rating.

If you live in the big city, question not only the few shops in the city center, question also in the suburbs or slightly outside. Here the rents are cheaper, the wages, accordingly, the costs for you are somewhat lower.

Here again all savings tips summarized:

• Do not click on ads on Google (first results)
• Price comparison: Obtain at least 4 comparative offers
• Experiences: Compare Google reviews (amount and average)
• Suburban companies, smaller towns
• Make a fixed price in advance

Walk him: How often do you have to go out?

Let’s get to walking and (importantly for me) off-leash walking.

How far does a little pygmy run?

In fact, you can’t do long, extended jogging runs with a Miniature Spitz. Usually 2, maximum 3 km are enough, then your little doggie is already pretty knocked out! I myself usually just run a little in the neighbourhood, maybe 400, 500 metres to the nearest café and back.

The easiest way to tell that your dog is exhausted is that he really doesn’t want to run anymore and lies down on the floor. From my experience you should not sneak your dog after you, if necessary carry her a few meters, until home or give him enough time, perhaps a snack and some water to recover.

Important: Don’t tug your little puppy just because he or she doesn’t want to. When they have energy, they run all by themselves.

To recap, walk:

• I run an average of 400, 500 meters
• 2-3 km distance is enough
• If your dog consistently lies down, wear him or her

So often overlooked: Small dogs

Here is a little tip, if you have your first dog! Especially in the first weeks and months, it can happen that your dog runs into your feet, you accidentally step on your dog, of course only slightly, e.g. when getting up from a chair, while you are careless.

Don’t worry, you’re getting more careful and sensitive.

At some point, you’ll automatically look at the floor before you get up from the chair. Just a little example! It’s the same with your dog, you both get to know each other better and better. Little by little you notice that you can walk further and further distances and that your dog follows you better and better.

Especially in the big city a real issue! For example, I always have a cappuccino with me, mobile phone in hand…. in the first weeks you are sometimes a little annoyed, that’s quite normal! Suddenly your dog jumps into the street, a leaf is chased after (cappuccino spilled), or even the hunt, for the next pigeon.

After 4, 5 months, you already know automatically what your dog reacts to. After 9 or 10 months at the latest, you’ll be really well attuned to each other!

Running without a leash: How to learn?

Running off leash is such an issue, especially in the big city! If you want to walk off-leash with your Miniature Spitz, be aware, even if your dog is super cute, it is and always will be a dog! Accordingly, you can trust him and her, with a little training and practice.

How does my dog learn to walk without a leash?

We started our training in the park, here we have a lot of space, green meadow and if necessary I can run behind!

Learning to walk without a leash: This is how it works

Just always make sure you keep your dog in sight and teach him or her to come towards you when you interact with her. E.g. by a whistle or a certain command, I always say “Peppa (her name), come”.

Also, always make sure you are the alpha dog:

Your dog follows you, not you the dog – stay consistent

Sometimes you just have to run 20, 30 meters ahead, your dog will follow you almost automatically. If not, immediately give “command” and make sure that “something happens”. Either your dog comes or you go, take her with you (on a collar, leash or by talking to her). The important thing is: your dog follows.

The more often he or she does this, the greater the learning success and automaticity.

Repetition and attention for learning success

Running without a leash is like us: when we learn the guitar, a new language or a new sport. The more training, the more proficient we are! So if you run off-leash regularly, even for a few stretches, your dog will get used to it. Accordingly, your teamwork will become more and more harmonious.

Maybe as a tip, I never work with treats. Dogs are pack animals and accordingly you should be a strong and good “role model”. Then everything works, even without treats.

But treats can help with training, e.g. for sit, down and so on. But I’ll show you in a moment how your dog learns commands like “fetch” and “search” quickly, even without a single treat.

This is the fastest way for your dog to learn to walk off leash:

• Search for open space, ideally in park or similar (few dangers)
• Walk slowly in front, looking mostly in the direction of the target
• Moving forward consistently
• Stay alert when dog calls 2, 3 meters away
• Unify calls: I whistle (softly) and have the command “Peppa come”

Toys: What does a Miniature Spitz need?

Just like with snacks, I keep it the same with toys, less is more! In fact, my dog has only 2, 3 (of 6) toys that she likes to play with. My little tip, it’s best to go directly to the pet store and see what your dog reacts to. So you can directly find a good toy that your dwarf dog will enjoy.

It is much more important that you spend time with your dog! Go out into the countryside, onto the meadow, if possible into the park and into the forest. That’s what your dog enjoys the most!

• Maximum 5 toys
• Rather: spend time with the dog, go to the countryside

Playing with leaves, with sticks, with other dogs, all better than another “plastic piece” in the apartment.

Learn commands: Fetch, Bring, Search, Sit!

A good start, are always simple things. PS: Super handy is “Search”, that saves you time too!

One of the first commands Peppa learned was “fetch” and “bring.”

“Learn “Get” and “Bring

1 command would be enough, I just always call both. Typical example: fetching sticks. Works great in the city apartment too though. Just work with the favorite toy. Communication is the key. Always think simple and with enough repetition. If you want to teach your dog these commands.

“Learn to “fetch” and “bring”, checklist in 5 steps:

1. 1. Take a toy that your dog knows (term) and likes
   2. Just throw the toy away, e.g. in the apartment, 4, 5 meters in the hallway
   3. Say “fetch” or “bring” with several repetitions.
   4. Look at the toy again and again at the same time

…

• After 5-10 seconds you run to the toy

Repeat this a few times. Your dog will eventually understand what to do.

So, if you repeat this exercise a few times, eventually a dog will run, get his toy and bring it back to you. After that, as a reward, just clap your hands (for example) and praise your dog by name.

Learn “Search”

It’s the same with “search”, it worked for me right after the third time. Her favorite toy is a bone. Accordingly, I simply said “Find the bone”, “Find the bone”!

Tip. “Search” is mega handy + also saves you time

Super handy because now I can also just say “find the bone” if I don’t know where it is, she’ll take me there!

“Learn to search” checklist in 4 steps:

1. 1. Take a toy that your dog knows (term) and likes
   2. Tell your dog, “Find the bone” (or what he, she knows).
   3. Repeat the command several times

…

• Again after 5-10 seconds, you run and go to the toy

For me it worked directly the third time! I even thought she wanted to feed, because she ran into the kitchen, but the bone was on the table! Therefore, super practical.

This is followed, as always, by a nice gesture, e.g. just clap your hands and praise your dog. As almost always, I work without snacks.

Much better than eating a lot, just to the all-natural play instinct!

Learn “Place”

A small, dear bribe, in the form of a treat, but there was when learning “place”. As always, it is important to stand quietly in front of your dog or kneel down and repeat the command several times. You can also gently help and push the butt down a bit so your dog understands what you want him to do. Through the snack he or she learns very quickly that it is worthwhile to perform this action.

“Learn to “sit” (with treats), checklist in 3 steps:

• Prepare snack, take in hand
• Saying place several times (repetition is always important)
• The first time slightly help, Po Samst press down
• Stay consistent, only with place there are treats

Tip. Also make sure that your dog remains seated while he or she gets the treat. This way your dog learns to be calm and not to jump frantically back and forth as soon as food is available.

Dog groomer: fur, fur, fur!

For fur care & Co., I have for you once again extra guide, with tips from the pros, my dog groomer. Tip! I never cut the fur of my Pomeranian super short. It looks cute, but fur is there for a reason and we shouldn’t think of it as a “hairstyle”. That’s why we pretty much only have “tip trims”. Read more here:

• Dog groomer
• Dog fur and breeds

Part 1: The first weeks with Zwergspitz

From a small puppy to a full-grown dwarf Spitz. Already in part 1 I took you into the (for me) new world of dogs. In part 1 it was mainly about the first days and weeks, the basic equipment for puppies and much more. Read here everything about our first weeks together:

• Dwarf spitz puppies

My order list: Dry Food, Chew Stick, Mini Snack

Yarrah’s slogan: “Everything for the positive difference. For you, your pet and our planet” – the look of the Yarrah organic food shop reminds you a little of Ben & Jerry’s, the famous ice cream, where you also improve the world a little, for example through fair trade. You can find the products in pet stores but you can also order online. They have been producing organic organic since 1992.

What is the advantage of organic products?

Yarrah produces purely organic certified food. That means without chemical scents, colors, flavors, pesticides and GMOs (genetic engineering).

Order for puppies: 5 months

My order was specifically for my Pomeranian (5 months old). Among them a new package of dry food, directly 2 kg for stock and 2 snacks, a soft roll and a snack with a little more bite, for in between.

In summary:

• Dry food; especially for puppies
• Snack 1: Mini snack
• Snack 2: Chew stick

Tester: Peppa (editorial dog)

This is Peppa, Neppa’s sister, and together they make our newsroom love her! Mainly they love to eat and play the most of all. That’s why she’s the perfect Dog Food Checker!

Organic dry food for puppies

First of all, I wanted to treat my dog to a new dry food, this one is with organic chicken, MSC fish and peas. In my order I opted for a 2 kilogram pack. The packaging feels very high quality, not just cheap plastic but lightly coated for a soft touch.

Ingredients: Organic chicken, MSC fish & Co.

There are also a lot of differences in dry food, e.g. the consistency, as well as the ingredients. The dry food contains grain-free dry food and as described organic chicken, MSC fish, peas and algae. Especially for small dogs. But, pictures say more than a thousand words!

Photos and feeding test

This is what the packaging looks like and the dry food in the bowl.

Yarrah makes small, round pellets from the ingredients. Very pleasant for my puppy:

What does my little dog say about that?

The dry food was hardly in the bowl, it was already gone. Accordingly, no skepticism, no waiting, straight in! It has to be the same with dry food.

Tip! You should give your dog a variety of food every day, for example, I give wet food twice, in the morning and in the evening, and dry food at lunchtime. You want to buy your first dog? Read more about eating, times, walking and much more here: Buying your first dog.

Snack 1: Organic chewing stick

Now it comes to the little treats and highlights for in between! In my order I have chosen the organic chew sticks.

The rolls are a small, but still relatively productive snack for in between. Accordingly, you should not give a small dog, like my Pomeranian, too many large snacks. After all, he or she is still supposed to take care of the main meals. For a small, big snack, for example after a long walk, excellent to get power again.

• Organic Mini Snack
• Price: 2,09 Euro
• Weight: 33g (11g / rod)

Only a small disadvantage, the chew sticks are individually packaged, so have relatively much packaging. Especially when it comes to organic products, the packaging can be saved even more. But now we come to the ingredients.

Ingredients: Total meat content at 95%

The snack itself consists of 3 chew sticks with beef. In total, the total meat content is 95%. The three rolls together weigh 33 grams, each individual roll 11 grams.

Photos and feeding test

Snack test!

What does my dog say?

Snack 2: Organic Mini Snack

After we have looked at Snake number 1, now directly a look at number 2, the small snack for in between!

The mini snacks are for in between and really small, maybe half a centimeter in size. Perfect as a reward when your dog has done a good sit. The bag is relatively full! I think that’s good, because unlike snack number 1, you have little packaging here in relation to the content!

• Organic Mini Snack
• Price: 5,49 Euro
• Weight: 100g

Ingredients: 97% meat (beef, pork and chicken)

The snack itself consists of 97% meat (beef, pork and chicken). The whole snack bag weighs a total of 100g. So you can easily get by for a few weeks with a small dog like her! What does our dog food checker say about the organic mini snacks from Yarrah?

Photos and feeding test

Here again our tester, 0.1 second before snacking!

What does my little dog say about that?

Matching the size of the snacks, I of course put a “sit” into play, with the previous sniff, it worked great. The small snacks I have given her even in the evening, while I myself have eaten dinner. That is, for in between, very well suited.

Conclusion: Bio-Organic from Yarrah

Great snacks, a fair price and organic production since 1992. The delivery was fast. All in all: 4.7 / 5.0 from our tester! Plus, the good feeling and purely organic certified, so without chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides and GMOs (genetic engineering). Read more about Yarrah here and find these and new snacks for your dog online:

• Yarrah organic food

Your first puppy: guidebook

Buying puppies – What accessories do you need for your puppy around leash, bowl, sleeping place and food? Every year millions of little puppies are born and find a new home! Also with us there is now one or two little puppies: Neppa & Peppa. You are thinking about getting a dog? If you have time to spare and love, then a little puppy is something wonderful. But, what do you have to consider?! Learn here about the daily life with a little puppy: My first day with Peppa (Dwarf Spitz, or Pomeranian puppy), my first week and my experiences. If you’re thinking of getting a dog, here are the ultimate tips for the first week with your puppy and a few insider tips, like puppy pads, tips for walking and staying alone – all in the first week!

• Your first puppy: guidebook

Dog food: wet food, dry food, treats

Snack Ideas for Your Dog & Puppy – Dog Food – What is the best dog food on the market? What is the best dry / wet dog food? Which snack is the tastiest? I’m on the hunt pretty much every weekend for yummy snacks for my puppy. Since I’ve basically bought out my favorite dog specialty store a few blocks away, I’ve been on the hunt online. Here I am collecting new, interesting brands and snack ideas for you. My puppy is currently 5 months old, so you’ll be discovering more here as time goes on!

Pomeranian! Pomeranians as a pet

You want to buy your first puppy? Maybe even a small Pomeranian for you or your family? Then you surely have many questions! Here you will find the answers, among others to questions like “how much does a Pomeranian cost?”, “what do you have to look out for in a Dwarf Pomeranian?”, “how much does a Pomeranian shed?” and “how do you groom a Pomeranian?”. – First of all: Pomeranians are really cute as a button. Grown up they are only 25-30 inches tall and as a puppy, barely a handful of dog. Walking, peeing, Pomeranian care, our little guide to your first puppies!

• Pomeranian! Pomeranians as a pet

Dog food: The big test

I currently feed my puppy three times a day, morning, noon and night. Between the meals there are then of course still small snacks! Especially small dogs are very active in the first months and years! They like to play, they like to bark. We have two puppies at the same time, brother and sister, accordingly they are the whole day at the romp and also hungry, at noon, in the evening and in the morning.

Variety is a must! Nobody wants to eat the same thing every day, not even your dog.

Dog food: regular feeding besides snacks

Before we get to the snacks, here’s a little look at what my little pup likes best!

Dogs love anything from the animal – If you’re going to buy your first puppy, be sure, dogs love pretty much anything with and from animals; no matter what you think. Even if you’re a vegetarian yourself, dogs love dried ears (yes), feet, little wound up skewers, pretty much any scraps left over from the animal.

Wet food or dry food?

I try to feed wet food in the morning and evening and at lunchtime they have a bowl of dry food. But when it comes to wet food they also like small carrots, peas, sbe4 but noodles and of course rice in the meals.

Besides your regular feedings, there are of course little treats.

Snacks and treats: recommendations

I like treats best that my puppy can chew on for a long time, for example chew sticks. Because, now it’s not just about food, it’s also about activity. Trust me:

Dogs love to chew. It calms them down!

On a single chicken foot, my little dog can nibble for up to five, six hours. Sometimes she nibbles for two hours at a stretch without a break.

In general, I make sure that my dog doesn’t get too many snacks, in addition to her regular meals. I don’t want her to get used to having food all the time. Sometimes I give her treats because she did something great or to cheer her up in between meals. But usually I give a maximum of five small snacks (mini-snacks) and maybe two bigger ones (chew sticks) in between. That is easily enough for my little Pomeranian!

How many snacks and treats your dog can tolerate should depend on your dog and his personality. Are you out and about a lot? Is your dog big or small? Have more questions? Read all about it here:

• Buy puppy
• Puppy basic equipment

Now let’s get to my big snack test!

Snack test: These treats give my dog

As you’ve read, I’ve bought the pet supply store down my street before. That’s why I sometimes go on the search for new little snack ideas for my dog during my lunch break. I want to share a few treats that she particularly enjoyed with you here.

Organic dog food?! Yarrah ordered & tested

Summer is starting and by now my dog has had his fill of the supplies from the supermarket and pet supply store. So I need some new treats and snacks in my cupboard. This week I took a look at Yarrah. They’ve been producing Organic-Organic since 1992, what’s the advantage of organic products? The manufacturer produces pure organic certified food. That means no chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides, or GMOs (genetic engineering).

Everyone loves organic, but does my dog? Food for your dog has effects on the coat, but also on digestion, well-being and energy, whether puppy or older dog. Organic is an important topic for many, it’s about farming methods and animal welfare. But it is also about taste and a better feeling when buying. That’s why, for example, I also like to go for organic products at a fair price.

Now the question: Are there also good organic alternatives for dog food and snacks? With this question, I came to Yarrah. Yarrah is the largest supplier of organic dog food. Summer is starting and by now my dog has had enough of the supplies from the supermarket and pet supply store. So I need some new treats and snacks for my dog, in my pantry. This week I ordered from Yarrah for the first time, and everything arrived today. What can organic from Yarrah do? Our little taste test!

• Organic dog food from Yarrah

Buying your first dog: XXL Guide

Great snacks, a fair price and organic production since 1992. The delivery was fast. All in all: 4.7 / 5.0 from our tester! Plus, the good feeling and purely organic certified, so without chemical fragrances, colors, flavors, pesticides and GMOs (genetic engineering). Read more about Yarrah here and find these and new snacks for your dog online:

• Yarrah organic food

Your first puppy: guidebook

Buying puppies – What accessories do you need for your puppy around leash, bowl, sleeping place and food? Every year millions of little puppies are born and find a new home! Also with us there is now one or two little puppies: Neppa & Peppa. You are thinking about getting a dog? If you have time to spare and love, then a little puppy is something wonderful. But, what do you have to consider?! Learn here about the daily life with a little puppy: My first day with Peppa (Dwarf Spitz, or Pomeranian puppy), my first week and my experiences. If you’re thinking of getting a dog, here are the ultimate tips for the first week with your puppy and a few insider tips, like puppy pads, tips for walking and staying alone – all in the first week!

• Your first puppy: guidebook

Basic equipment for your puppy

Buying Puppies: Basic Supplies for Your Dog – No matter what breed of dog or type of mixed breed, there are exactly 6 things you need when buying your first dog or puppy! So to speak, the basic equipment for your puppy and the first days together in the house or apartment. With this checklist, you have everything important! The right food for puppies, two bowls for food and water, a leash with collar and / or harness (safer), toys and very important, especially if you have no garden or live on the first floor: Puppy Pads! Learn all the essentials here, with tips for times to eat and other interesting checklists for beginners and novices. Simply explained and free! Here’s the nuts and bolts for the first trip, from breeder to home, and the first few days with your puppy, from my experience.

• Puppies basic equipment

Pomeranian! Pomeranians as a pet

You want to buy your first puppy? Maybe even a small Pomeranian for you or your family? Then you surely have many questions! Here you will find the answers, among others to questions like “how much does a Pomeranian cost?”, “what do you have to look out for in a Dwarf Pomeranian?”, “how much does a Pomeranian shed?” and “how do you groom a Pomeranian?”. – First of all: Pomeranians are really cute as a button. Grown up they are only 25-30 inches tall and as a puppy, barely a handful of dog. Walking, peeing, Pomeranian care, our little guide to your first puppies!

• Pomeranian! Pomeranian