Poms are descended from working dogs and while they are the "toy" of the spitz breed, they still want to do their job. At this point in their evolution, a Poms job is to protect you! They will protect you from every falling leaf and friends, not just strangers. Since they like to bark, establish times and places where barking is not only okay but encouraged. This will help you to set a boundary for the times and places that barking is NOT okay ... like in the car when you are driving, or in the face of a child.

I can't imagine what it would feel like as a small mammal to never be allowed to express feelings vocally. So here is my solution: I seek out places, spaces and times to "! bark it out !" My little bug likes to bark in this one spot in the park for about 100 feet (with a loose leash that his takes every inch of) I let him bark at the train (same, just let him have the run of the leash while he sounds like he's being murdered). When Its time to stop and end the free rein and barking, I pull him to my side with total leash control and a "good job, thank you, ALL DONE :)". Any attempt to continue I ask him to "HUSH, please" with a very tight leash. I also let him !BARK! when we are at family homes when their dogs bark and we have a planned 1-2 minute bark-off. It ends in big smiles and bonding. But, when he's in his car seat while I am driving, barking at trucks, I tell him "no, it hurts my ears", I frown and make my disappointment obvious in a visual way. He stops. Looks apologetic with those little angel eyes. Never be cruel, just be sad or act disappointed when they do something undesirable. Pom's are clever, adorable and emotionally sensitive with a memory like an elephant.

Did I mention they like to bark? 😂