How To Teach a Dog Their Name, According To the Experts
One of the most exciting parts of adopting a canine companion is choosing a name for them. And once you decide on a name, you’ll need to teach it to them. A dog’s name gives each pup part of their identity and is often used as an essential first step for training and recall.
So how do you go about teaching a new dog their name? We spoke with professional pet experts Shoshi Parks, Ph.D., certified professional dog trainer, and Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM and Staff Veterinary Writer at WeLoveDoodles, to find out. With their insight, we’ve compiled expert tips and tricks so you can teach your dog their name, regardless of age.
Table of Contents
Playing the name game
Building reliability with distractions
Recall training
Loose leash skills
Positive interrupter
Measuring engagement
How To Teach Your Dog Their Name
While it may seem simple, teaching a dog their name takes time and practice. But according to Dr. Kong, it’s worth it in the end. “Teaching a dog their name is a foundational aspect of training that sets the stage for future learning and communication,” she says. “The process is straightforward but requires consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement.”
Luckily, teaching a dog their new name isn’t complicated. It will take time, though, regardless if it’s their first time learning as a puppy or you’ve decided to change a newly adopted dog’s name. “The easiest way to teach your dog how to respond to their new name is by using the obviously titled “name game,” says Parks. “This simple training exercise is a great way to start communicating with your pup and building a foundation for more advanced training skills.”
Playing the name game
Here’s how to play the name game.
Step 1: Say your dog’s name in a clear, upbeat tone
Step 2: When your dog turns and looks at you, mark the moment with the word “yes!” or a clicker.
Step 3: Reward your dog with a treat, a quick tug session, or with praise and affection.
Step 4: Repeat these steps in various settings, gradually increasing distractions to reinforce their response.
It’s important to mark the exact moment your dog turns to look at you after you say their name. “It’s all about making that name-to-eye contact connection rewarding,” says Dr. Kong. Above all, the goal is to correlate your dog’s name with attention and positive outcomes, Parks adds. “Keep sessions short, positive, and end on a high note to ensure effective and enjoyable learning for your pup,” she says.
As you practice the name game, your dog will turn toward you more often, Parks notes, both during training sessions and any other time they hear their name. “They’re learning that the funny word you keep saying pays,” she says. “And if that funny word pays well enough, it’s worth responding to.”
You’ll want to pay your pup during training. High-value treats, especially soft stinky ones, will add value to your dog’s name.
Building reliability with distractions
Once you get the hang of practicing the name game in different and more distracting environments, you may reach a point where your pup is too distracted and won’t turn to look at you once you say their name—then what? Parks provides some solutions.
“In a distracting environment or if your puppy simply failed to turn towards you quickly after saying their name, you need to make yourself a little more exciting by adding in an extra step,” she says. To do this, she recommends making kissy sounds, whistles, or robot noises to catch your pup’s attention. Once they’re engaged, you’ll immediately reward them with a treat or praise.
“Before you know it, your dog will be confidently turning their attention towards you when they hear their name,” says Parks.
What You Can Do Once Your Dog Knows Their Name
Teaching a dog to respond to their name, which is the best name ever (of course), is the first step to a long and happy life together. Here are a few ways you can build on your dog’s name for further training.
Recall training
“Once your dog reliably responds to their name, it opens up a world of training possibilities,” says Dr. Kong. “Using their name as a foundation, you can build a solid recall, which is essential for their safety and your peace of mind.”
When practicing recall with your pup, Dr. Kong recommends starting in a controlled environment and gradually increasing the distance and distractions, similar to the technique used to teach them their name. When your dog comes to you when called, use positive reinforcement to mark the moment and reward them.
Loose leash skills
Another advantage of teaching a dog their name is using it as a cue when training them to walk on a leash. Dr. Kong points out that you can teach your dog to do a U-turn or change directions when you say their name on a walk, which can be especially helpful if you have a reactive pup.
“Initiate this by saying their name followed by a cue like let’s go or this way, and reward them as they follow, making leash walks more manageable and enjoyable for both of you,” she says.
A hands-free lead like the Ruffwear Hitch Hiker comes in handy when working on loose-leash skills (and quick treat delivery).
Positive interrupter
Using your dog’s name can also be used as a positive interrupter to deter them from unwanted behaviors. “For instance, if they’re about to jump on a guest, saying their name can break their focus and allow you to cue an alternative behavior, like sitting,” says Dr. Kong.
Measuring engagement
Lastly, another benefit of teaching your dog their name is using it to gauge your dog’s training progress and focus. “A dog that responds immediately shows high engagement and readiness to learn, while hesitation may indicate a need for more practice or less distraction,” says Dr. Kong.