Pomsky Training Part 3: The Most Important Aspect of Pomsky Training

Consistent Technique

A consistent training technique means you are using the same method and commands throughout the course of training your Pomsky. Being consistent means you choose a training method, you choose a command and you do not waiver on what you consider right and wrong. Here’s how to be consistent:

• Consistent method – As we touched on in part 1 of the Pomsky training series, the two primary training methods are Positive and Balanced. Choose a technique that is best for you and your Pomsky and stick to it.
• Consistent situations – One of the hardest parts of being consistent is being consistent across all situations. Your Pomsky’s actions might be acceptable to your family but not out in public. For example, you cannot allow your Pomsky to jump up and greet you and then reprimand your Pomsky for jumping up to greet a stranger. Your Pomsky does not know the difference.
• Consistent commands – It’s important to choose your commands and gestures carefully. As Jo of Moonlit Pomskys says “You must remember, a dog speaks body language, not English. Use one command and one word for one action. The word ‘down’ could mean ‘stop jumping’ or it could mean ‘get down off the furniture’. It could even mean ‘lay down’. That is three different actions for one word. There is no consistency, so your dog will get confused.”
• Consistent family – It is important that the training technique is consistent with your entire family, the whole family must be on the same page to avoid confusing your Pomsky. For example, you cannot reprimand your Pomsky for begging at the dinner table but allow little Jimmy to sneak your Pomsky chicken nuggets underneath the table. This will confuse your Pomsky.

Consistent Schedule

A consistent schedule is a fixed training plan detailing exactly which day, what time and for how long you will train your Pomsky. Stick to the schedule and do not waiver. You cannot train your Pomsky sporadically and expect to see results. Your Pomsky needs consistent routine and frequent short spurts of training. Without routine, your Pomsky will lose focus and train itself.

For best results, you should plan to train your Pomsky in short incremental periods several times per day. Pomsky breeders recommend a couple 10-15 minute training sessions per day. Puppies have short attention spans so any longer than 15 minutes can be counterproductive and run the risk of frustrating your Pomsky, meaning your Pomsky then associates training with a negative attitude. As Zaidy of SZ Pomskies says “With a puppy under 16 weeks, I would keep it to 15 minutes twice a day. Breaking it up into smaller sessions, more frequently throughout the day, helps with repetition and will help your puppy catch onto things more quickly.”

Below we have detailed the preferred training schedule of Cheyenne from Lollipop Pomskies. Remember, this is the training schedule that works best for Cheyenne. Your schedule will vary depending on your working life, family and the age of your Pomsky:

• 7:00 AM – take Pomsky outside to potty
• 7:15 AM – Pomsky breakfast
• 7:30 AM – direct playtime, training or walk
• 8:00 AM – take Pomsky outside to potty again
• 8:15 AM – leave for work. Safe free time for Pomsky
• 12:00 PM – home for lunch, let Pomsky out to potty
• 12:15 PM – Pomsky lunch
• 12:30 PM – direct playtime, training or walk
• 12:45 PM – take Pomsky outside to potty again
• 1:00 PM – leave for work. Safe free time for Pomsky
• 5:00 PM – home from work, let Pomsky out to potty
• 5:15 PM – Pomsky Dinner
• 5:30 PM – direct playtime, training or walk
• 5:45 PM – take Pomsky outside to potty again
• 6:00 PM – family time
• 8:00 PM – outside to potty
• 8:15 PM – direct playtime
• 9:00 PM – bedtime

Notice in the schedule above Cheyenne has highlighted three 15 minute periods throughout the day for Pomsky training. Plan your schedule to include at least two, 15-minute training sessions per day.

When creating your schedule you should consider:

1. When and how many times per day you will feed your Pomsky?
2. When and how many times per day your Pomsky will be taken out to potty?
3. What time will you set aside for training each day?
4. Which family members will be responsible for each task?

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Summary

Consistency is the backbone of successful Pomsky training. Be consistent with the training method you use, be consistent with the commands you use, be consistent across all situations, be consistent across your family and stick to a consistent training schedule.

Consistency should be a focus from the beginning of Pomsky training. If you are not being consistent right now, that is OK. Take a step back, make a Pomsky consistency plan, and get back to training on the right path.

Here are the biggest takeaways from part 3 of the Pomsky training series:

• Consistency is the #1 priority when beginning training.
• Use the same method throughout the course of training your Pomsky.
• Choose your commands and gestures carefully and be consistent.
• Determine what is allowed and what is not allowed. Be consistent once you make a decision.
• Make sure your entire family is on the same page, each member is responsible for being consistent.
• Make a schedule and stick to it.
• Keep it fun and do not give up, your Pomsky is relying on you.

Next Steps

Now that you know the most important aspect of Pomsky training, it’s time to keep consistent. Create your consistency plan right now. Write down your ideal training schedule, jot down the gesture and phrase you will use of each command, and sit down with your family to hash out the acceptable behaviors of your Pomsky and make sure everyone is on the same page. If you need more insight, alternative schedules, instructions, and a fill in the blank consistency guide, check out our Pomsky Training Book.

Once you create your consistency plan, move onto the next part of our Pomsky training mini-series:

• Part 1: How to train a Pomsky (the method that works)
• Part 2: 5 tips before you begin Pomsky training
• Part 3: The most important aspect of Pomsky training
• Part 4: The top two commands to teach your Pomsky today
• Part 5: The 3 Pomsky behaviors to correct and train