Does your puppy really know their name?

The Name Game

It is important for your dog to know their name. Most people don’t take the time to really teach their dog their names. They simply say it often assuming their dog will catch on. What is a name anyway? When someone says your name there is no other reason than to let you know it is time for you to listen. If someone says “Jena,” I am now alert and waiting for the next sentence. It doesn’t mean come to me, just that I now know you are directly talking to me.

A lot of people don’t do this with their dogs. They say their dog’s name and expect the dog to know what is expected of them. I find a lot of people will say their dogs name alone but what they really mean is “Fido come” or “Fido don’t chew on that.” But they are only using their name which makes it hard for your dog to read your mind on what command you are wanting from them. 

A name is only supposed to be asking for their attention and nothing else. You can say their name and follow up with a command. But know that their name only means give me your attention. 

Grab a handful of treats and a mildly distracted environment to start teaching this. If you start in a highly distracted area it may be harder for your puppy to succeed. While they are sniffing the grass say their name one time and wait for them to look at you. Once they look at you, mark it with a clicker or the word “yes” and give them a yummy treat. Then ignore them and let them get distracted again and repeat! We aren’t needing them to come to us but simply look up when we say their name. 

If you say their name and they are not responding, do your best to not repeat yourself. Simply make a noise with your mouth or clap your hands to entice them to look your way. Then mark it and treat when they do.  

Practice this often. You can do this in the house when they are chewing on a toy. Say their name and when they look at you toss them a treat. It is a win, win. They can keep chewing and you don’t have to get up to give them the treat. 

Please contact us if you have any questions on these tips, [email protected] or by visiting www.newmansdogtraining.com.

Also, follow us on Instagram @newmansdogtraining. You can also follow us and our dog Barry on our training and outdoor adventures on Instagram @adventuredogbarry.

Happy Training!