How to Hold a Pomeranian Correctly: Preventing Broken Bones in Poms
The Pomeranian is a small companion breed with a delicate bone structure. Many owners assume that picking up a tiny Pom is simple, but incorrect handling can cause broken bones, dislocated joints, or serious spinal injuries. In over ten years as a breeder, I have seen more than a few cases where a small mistake sent a puppy to the hospital with a fracture.
Why Does the Way You Hold a Pom Matter So Much?
The small size of a Pomeranian leads many people to underestimate the danger of improper handling. A fall from an adult’s arms, from a sofa, or from a grooming table can cause severe injury. When you support only the chest and leave the hindquarters and back legs dangling, the body weight concentrates in the wrong places, putting pressure on the shoulders and spine. Your Pom will feel insecure, struggle, and have a higher chance of falling.
Correct holding helps:
- Distribute weight evenly between the chest and hindquarters
- Keep the spine and joints stable and supported
- Reduce the risk of your Pom struggling or falling
- Avoid pressure on the neck and trachea
- Help your Pomeranian feel safe and confident when being held
How to Hold a Pomeranian Correctly: Step by Step
The golden rule when holding a Pomeranian is to always support both the chest and the hindquarters at the same time, keeping your Pom close to your body to create a sense of security. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Signal Before Picking Up
Use a familiar word like “up” before you touch your Pom. This helps your dog prepare mentally instead of being startled. Approach slowly and confidently, and avoid chasing or cornering your Pom if he seems anxious.
Step 2: Lower Yourself Down
Bend your knees and lower your body close to your Pomeranian. Reach from the side rather than from high above. Keep your back straight to protect your own spine and maintain better control of your movements.
Step 3: Support the Chest
Place one hand or forearm under the chest, just behind the front legs. Do not pull the front legs outward or put pressure on the throat. Keep the elbows of the front legs close to the body naturally.
Step 4: Support the Hindquarters
Slide your other hand under the hindquarters so the pelvis and back legs are fully supported. This is the most important step that many people skip.
Step 5: Lift Gently
Stand up slowly using the strength of your legs. Lift the chest and hindquarters at the same time so your Pom’s body stays balanced and securely supported.
Step 6: Hold Close to Your Body
Keep your Pomeranian gently against your chest or hip. Holding your Pom close reduces the risk of slipping or jumping from your arms. Avoid holding your dog when your hands are full or when you are standing on an unstable surface. If your Pom is wet, frightened, or likely to squirm, take extra precautions and ask another adult to help if needed.
How to Set a Pomeranian Down Safely
Setting your Pom down is just as important as picking him up. Never drop your dog from your hands or let him jump down, even when you are close to the floor.
Continue supporting both the chest and hindquarters as you bend your knees and lower your Pom slowly. Keep your dog close to your body until all four paws touch the floor firmly. Once your Pom is standing steady and balanced, gently remove the hand supporting the hindquarters first, then remove the hand from the chest.
Never set a Pomeranian on the edge of a couch, bed, grooming table, or other high surface where he could slip or jump off. If you are using a grooming table, keep one hand on your Pom and attach a proper grooming restraint before letting go. A familiar word like “down” helps your Pomeranian understand what is happening and stay calm when being set on the floor.
Ways You Should Never Hold a Pomeranian
Never lift a Pom by any body part that cannot safely bear the full weight of the body. Incorrect holding causes pain, makes your dog fearful, and increases the risk of struggling or falling.
Do Not Hold by the Front Legs
Do not place your fingers under the front legs or lift your Pomeranian by the armpits. This motion forces the elbows away from the chest and puts unnecessary pressure on the shoulders and front legs.
Do Not Hold by the Scruff
Do not try to imitate a mother dog by lifting a puppy by the loose skin at the scruff of the neck. Your Pomeranian’s body weight must always be supported by your hands and arms.
Do Not Hold by the Collar
A collar cannot bear the weight of a dog. Lifting a Pomeranian by the collar puts dangerous pressure on the neck and trachea and can obstruct breathing.
Do Not Hold by the Tail
A Pom’s tail is not a handle. Pulling or lifting by the tail can injure the bones, muscles, and nerves.
Do Not Hold by the Coat
Do not grab and lift a Pomeranian by the thick coat. This pulls painfully on the skin while the body receives no support at all.
Do Not Leave the Hindquarters Dangling
Supporting only the chest or the front of the body leaves the spine, pelvis, and back legs unsupported. Your Pomeranian will feel uncomfortable, struggle, or fall. Always support both the chest and hindquarters at the same time, and keep your Pom close to your body.
Special Considerations for Puppies, Seniors, and Pregnant Poms
Pomeranian puppies have developing bones that are more fragile than those of adults. Senior dogs may have arthritis or pain when moving. Pregnant mothers need to be supported more gently to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen. Dogs that are frightened, ill, or recovering from injury also need to be handled with extra care.
If holding seems to cause pain or your Pom suddenly refuses to be picked up, take him to the veterinarian for an examination. Do not force yourself to hold a dog that is showing discomfort or pain.
Real-World Experience at Bánh Bò Pomeranian
At Bánh Bò Pomeranian in Ho Chi Minh City, we always give detailed instructions on correct holding before a puppy goes home. This is especially important for the small Poms under 2 kg (4.4 lb) that we specialize in — careful handling in every movement is essential.
Many new owners think that small dogs are easy to hold, but the reality is the opposite: the smaller the dog, the easier it is to injure. A stumble, a sudden turn, or letting your Pom jump from your arms is enough to cause a broken leg or rib. We recommend sitting on the floor when playing with a Pomeranian puppy instead of holding him up high, especially with children.
If you are raising or planning to bring a Pom home and need more detailed advice on care, safe handling, or any other questions, chat with us on WhatsApp for dedicated support. We are always here to accompany you throughout the journey of raising your beloved puppy.
