Ciao amici!
I have recently expanded my little family and wanted to share with you a bit about my new roommate, Leonardo (Leo)! I’ve only had him for a couple weeks now, and he’s such a sweet and calm baby. I wanted to introduce him here and give you all the low down about my experiences so far training him, the gear we’re rocking, and hopefully get some of your doggie advice too!
A little back story, growing up my sister and I always had cats. Our mom was never on board with a dog because (rightfully so) she knew that she’d be doing all the work. Fast forward to now and my sister has a French Bulldog, my dad adopted a rescue who is part Chihuahua and part Jack Russell Terrier, and I just got a new little baby myself. I guess we’re a real dog family now.
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my many adventures in dog sitting with my sister’s Frenchie, Knox, and then recently with a friend’s Pomeranian, Phoebe. I’ve always wanted a dog, but thought it would be too much to manage. Phoebe was so calm and adorable, and being with her was so easy (due in part to her small size) that I decided to get a Pom of my own.
Fast and Random Facts about Poms
Obviously I was attracted to their cuteness and size. I loved taking Phoebe anywhere with me in her bag and saw that I could really bring my baby along on any adventure easily, which was important to me. I also live in an apartment and their size makes them a true apartment dog. Leo will run around and play fetch in my apartment and to him, it’s a little mansion. I’ve been doing some reading about Pomeranians and here are some fun and interesting facts I’ve found:
- Though they’re small, Pomeranians are very active and have a lot of energy so you can’t skip that daily walk.
- They actually used to be bigger, around 20-30 pounds (and looked totally different). They were bred down to this size by Queen Victoria of England who wanted them to be a lap dog. She is also responsible for popularizing them.
- They are one of the most colorful breeds, with 23 different color combinations. (Leo is “red sable”)
- Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with a Pom by his side.
- They are named for a region on the south shore of the Baltic Sea called Pomerania.
- Mozart had a Pomeranian and even dedicated an aria to him.
Picking up the baby
I actually got Leo from the same breeder as Phoebe, who happened to be in Dayton, Ohio — a lengthy five hours away from Chicago. But my very kind and loving boyfriend was down for the ride so we drove down there, picked up Leo and came back the same day. There were a few puppies to choose from, but I knew it was Leo once I picked him up and he was so calm and relaxed in my arms. (He was the most handsome one there too!) He’s six months old, which I preferred because I didn’t want to deal with the big job of taking care of a baby from eight weeks, and he’s fully grown at four pounds (that’s on the small side). He is also the cutest peanut ever.
Leo was smiling the whole car ride home and I knew we’d made the right decision. He’s settled in very well, and I think he’s really loving all this individual attention, also known as complete spoiling. I have to remind myself to put him down because I could hold him all day he’s such a snuggle bug. He bonded with me rather quickly and has already shown signs of really trusting me, which is so sweet. He was originally really nervous about bath time and now trusts me completely, even though it’s not his favorite activity.
the training
Since coming home, we’ve been in baby boot camp! By that I mean, house breaking. This product
One of the tougher things has been socializing him. I work from home and don’t often have people over, so Leo is not very comfortable with people yet. I also think this has to do with the fact that he is six months old and was living in a house with a bunch of other dogs and only two people. So he’s actually pretty comfortable with other dogs, but gets locked up when we pass other people on our walks. Recently, I had a friend over and he got very protective of me and our house. He started barking like nuts (which he never does) and wouldn’t stop. As soon as we went outside all together, he was fine. If anyone has any suggestions on how I can improve this, I’m all ears. I like him to keep a little lookout, but not bark at friends coming over.
The gear
With some trial and error, I’ve found some great accessories that work for both me and Leo and we are stylin’ now. It was very difficult finding a good harness for him. He’s so small that even the xs sizes in the pet stores didn’t fit well enough. My sister has a great harness for her dog, so I tried out the same one in his size
One thing I read about Pomeranians (and small dogs in general) is that they’re so small that they can really hurt themselves jumping on and off furniture. I never thought I’d have these in my life, but here I stand with little pet stairs
I also got some adorable little toys and his favorites are the Kong brand toys: KONG Classic Toy
Like many dogs, we’re also positively *obsessed* with bully sticks
In doing my research on food, I landed on Blue Buffalo and their Basics line (for puppies of course)
I am on the market for a good little brush, if anyone has any suggestions!
All in all, it’s been an adjustment, but a very positive one and it’s fun taking care of a little life. He’s already brought me so much joy and makes me laugh everyday. I really believe and have seen the therapeutic effects that a dog can have in your life, as they are just pure love. It is a lifestyle change, but the pros outweigh the cons and you have a friend for life.
If anyone out there has a pom or another small dog, I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice!
A presto,
Amanda ❤️
Omg the cutest thing. Your puppy is a blessing. Cherish every moment. I recently lost mine last month. The training might be a little hard but it’s all worth it with the love that you will receive from Leo. You will be an awesome dog mommy!
Author
Thank you, he is a blessing! I’m so sorry to hear about your puppy. I do feel like the work is worth it and it’s already paying off in the joy I have 😊
What a beautiful puppy. Your life was great, now it will be amazing. A dog teaches and shows you a different kind of live. I lost my baby last month, don’t know if I’ll ever get over it but there were alot of good memories. As you embark on this new adventure, cherish every moment. Leo will bring you nothing but joy and happiness. Training might be hard at first but just have patience. It will all be worth it in the end. Good luck. Remember ” one has not truly loved until they have loved a dog”
Author
Aww this is so sweet, thank you so much! Such a sweet quote too, couldn’t agree more. ❤️
Great name!
Author
Thank you!
MY HEART COULD BURST! Leo is so cute!!! 💖
Author
Haha that is me everyday 😍 thank you so much!!
Congratulations! Adorable.
Author
Thank you!! xo
What a little sweetheart! I love his name too. I always wanted to name my son Leonardo since I’m Italian too! 💖
Author
Thank you! Yes I love the name for people too haha 💕
I am fostering a three pound Chorkie and I have the same problem with finding gear that fits her. The xxs size is way too big and cumbersome for her. Congratulations on your new puppy!
Author
Yeah I’ve found that it depends on the company. For whatever reason the xs sizes in pet stores that I’ve seen are not small enough. The brand I linked in my post, Voyager had an xs that fits Leo, who’s 4 pounds. And it’s super secure! Thank you love ❤️
Oh my god, Leo is so cute!!!! 💖💛 He looks like a little fox, that’s adorable!! My aunt has a Pomeranian named Teddy and he has so much energy! hehe!! Congrats!! x
Author
Thank you! He does look like a little fox haha we call him that all the time! Omg Teddy is a cute name! Thank you love! xo
Oh my gosh, he is so adorable.
Author
Thank you!! xo
SO CUTE
Author
haha thank youuu! xo
Oh dear! He is so friggin’ cute! It’s a good job you don’t live near me.. I’d be stealing him 😉
Author
haha thank you girl! I keep a close eye on him, ha!
I just want to hug Leo and never let go! Have fun!
Author
That’s pretty much what I do every single day hahaha he’s such a sweetie! xo
Awww Leonardo is just so cute! Congrats hun, I would love to see more of him! #cutenessoverload 💗
Author
Thank you so much! He’s my little buddy and I’m so happy to have him. I think I’ll be sharing more of him on here, for sure on my Insta! xo
Aww I really look forward to it! He’s mega cute! Bless him 💗
He’s such an adorable little furry friend! My aunt used to have a pom and he was a cutie pie too! Her pom would frequently start barking like crazy and be very territorial of their family and home (I believe this is a general trait of the dog).
Author
Ugh yes trying to address the territorial issue a little bit while he’s still a baby. He’s getting better, so I’m sticking with it! They are such cutie pies, all of them!!
Definitely! Keeping with it will help, he’ll become calmer over time.😊
Author
I think so too, working on so much now while he’s young and flexible 😊
That’s definitely the best time! 🙂
Oh he is adorable! Congratulations on the new family member! 🐶❤️
Author
Thank you so much! xo
Omg! Your pup is adorable. Ive always wanted one but cant find a tike to commit to a pet. Great read
Author
Thank you! I know, I wanted a dog for so long, and I felt like I’d never feel that the time is “perfect” so I just went with my heart. xo
May I ask where you got him from? My mom and I would like one too.
Author
I got him from a breeder in Dayton, Ohio. If you’d like her contact info, dm me on insta at @imamandaflorian and we can talk about it! 😊
Will do 🙂
So cute!
So sweet!! We’ve found that if you have your friends already in your house and then bring your dog in after them (as if they were there before you got home for example) Leo might not feel as if they were an intruder. This works for our dog (she’s a mutt) even now at her older age (8). Hope it works!
Author
Oh that’s so interesting, I hadn’t thought of that! I will definitely add that to my list of strategies to try. Thank you xo
So cute ! Congrats !!!🎉🎈🍾
Author
Thank you girl!