First Year With a Pomeranian (Spitz) — Practical Checklist
A calm and practical guide for the first twelve months
The first year with a Pomeranian shapes far more than daily routine. It influences health, confidence, and the quiet balance of life at home. Small breeds develop quickly, and thoughtful structure during the first twelve months makes a lasting difference.
This guide walks through the first year month by month, focusing on gentle routines, preventative care, and creating a stable environment for a small dog living in an apartment or home.
Before Your Puppy Comes Home
Preparing your home in advance allows the transition to feel safe and predictable.
Choose a comfortable sleeping space placed away from heavy traffic areas. Many owners prefer enclosed wooden dog houses that create a calm, den-like environment for small breeds. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are preferable for hygiene. A lightweight harness is recommended over collars, as small breeds can be sensitive around the neck.
A soft brush and metal comb will be useful from the beginning, even before full coat development. Introducing grooming early makes it part of normal life rather than a stressful event later on.
If your puppy will have access to a sofa or bed, consider small steps or a ramp. Protecting developing joints early reduces strain as your Pomeranian grows.
8–12 Weeks: The Adjustment Period
During the first weeks at home, the focus should be calm adaptation.
A veterinary visit within the first few days helps establish a vaccination schedule and discuss parasite prevention. Many breeders begin vaccinations, but continuity is important.
House training begins here. Consistency matters more than strictness. Short positive experiences with new sounds, surfaces, and visitors support healthy socialization.
At this age, less stimulation is often better. Small dogs can become overwhelmed easily, especially in busy environments.
3–4 Months: Building Routine
By three to four months, structure becomes essential.
Vaccination series are typically completed during this stage. Dental care can begin gently, several times per week, as small breeds are more prone to tartar buildup later in life.
Short leash walks may begin once vaccinations are complete. Avoid overexertion. A Pomeranian’s bones and joints are still developing.
Coat brushing two to three times per week helps prevent matting and supports healthy skin. Shaving is not recommended for double-coated breeds.
4–6 Months: Growing Confidence
Energy increases noticeably around this time.
Two moderate daily walks are usually sufficient. Jumping from high surfaces should be avoided to reduce pressure on developing knees.
Training should remain calm and consistent. Excessive barking in apartments can be managed through routine and mental enrichment rather than punishment.
Mental stimulation — short training sessions or scent games — helps maintain emotional balance.
6–9 Months: Adolescence
Adolescence in small breeds is subtle but real.
Your dog may briefly test boundaries or become selectively attentive. Stay steady. Structure builds security.
This is also a good period to gradually introduce short alone time, helping prevent separation-related stress. Gradually introducing alone time becomes easier when your dog has a safe personal space.
Maintaining healthy weight during this phase supports long-term joint health. Most adult Pomeranians weigh between 2–3.5 kg (4–7 lbs).
9–12 Months: Stabilizing Into Adulthood
As the first year comes to a close, routines should feel natural.
Booster vaccinations may be scheduled according to veterinary advice. Many owners transition to adult small-breed food around this time.
Regular brushing, dental care, and daily walks become part of everyday life rather than structured training.
The goal during the first year is not perfection. It is stability. It is trust. It is helping a very small dog feel secure in a very large world.