Hey, Claudia!
Wanted to tell you that J and I are thinking about getting another pom in the next year.  I’m reading through your site (or rather Abby’s site — amazing the work she can do w/o opposable thumbs!)  But wanted to know if there is anything you can think of we should be aware of.  For instance, helping Chewie adjust; whether the gender makes a diff (Chew is a male); sharing toys, etc vs respecting Chew’s stuffage.  I’ll continue to look online, but thought I’d run it past you.  J is pretty set on buying from a breeder.  Generally, I’m a big proponent of shelter adoption.  I figure, if our goal is acquiring another fuzzy family member and spreading the love, I could care less how pure bred the animal may be.  Y’know?  Your thoughts?

Thanks!
L

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Hi L!!

I’m so happy to hear that.  They say Poms are like potato chips you can’t have just one.    First off, there is another option for adopting.  Check out a Pom Rescue.  They have all sorts of ages and usually are purebreds or at least a Pom mix.

I have two girls and they are both fixed.  In my experience boys are a bit more “excitable”   so to speak.  I know when I’ve seen groups together the boys are a bit more rambunctious.   My girls, once out of the first year are both calm sweethearts.  So that is something to  keep in mind.  Plus, with the doggy dominance thing, another male may make Chewie feel like he has to act out.  It all depends on the second ones personality.  If he is going to be assertive, Chewie will have to decide if he wants to be the boss  or if the new pup is happy go lucky then things may just fall into place.

If you get a baby then just be aware of the fragility of a new tiny pom.  Physically they shouldn’t jump off things,  be around toddlers  and they need to eat regularly so their sugar level doesn’t drop (But the breeder should explain all this plus not allow a brittle hypoglycemic puppy leave their care.) etc.

Biggest advice is, dogs have a pack instinct and will love having other dogs unless they themselves are old and feeble and feel threatened.  They tend to work out their hierarchy themselves if we just let them.  Pomeranians are very people focused and the biggest issues I have run across are jealousy of my attention.  Then it’s just like kids, you have to play referee and divvy up your time.

Hope that helps get you started!  Thanks for our first  “dear Abby” lol
Good luck!   … and be sure to let us know how it goes!

Claudia

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Abby& Mama!

Thanks for the response.  We will definitely check out Pom Rescue and similar services.  Chewie is very pack-oriented.  We belong to him and he’s a snuggler.  He is very excitable and I will warrant a guess that he has tendencies towards dominance — he and J have a little power struggle going that he doesn’t exhibit with me.  (“He” meaning Chewie….well, and J too for that matter.)  J got Chewie when he was a newborn, palm-sized Pom and so is well experienced with that stage.  I’ll keep you informed.  Thanks again!