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What’s In A Name?

Henlo. Did you call me?

When I first started training with dogs and their humans, I thought the hardest part would be teaching dogs to “sit” or “stay.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Turns out, the trickiest bit can be something as simple as teaching pawrents how to say their Fido’s name. So, what’s in a name?

Imagine calling out your dog’s name, and instead of bounding joyfully back to you, they take off in the opposite direction like you’ve just insulted their favourite chew toy. It’s not their fault—they’ve just learned that their name means trouble or, worse, punishment. This is what we call “poisoning the dog’s name,” and it’s more common than you think. Today I’ll dive into how to make your dog’s name a supercharged beacon of positivity and recall power.

Poisoning the Name: The Mistake That Many Pawrents Make

Most of us are guilty of it. The dog’s chewed the corner off the sofa, or they’ve just ignored your call and darted off to chase a critter or another dog. You’re frustrated, and what do you do? You call their name—loudly, sharply, maybe with a bit of an edge—and when they don’t come, you call it again, but with a voice that could make milk curdle. In these moments, their name becomes a harbinger of doom rather than a cue for joy.

What’s happening here is simple psychology: your dog is smart. If every time they hear their name, something negative follows (like a scolding or being put on a lead after they were just having the time of their life), they’ll start to associate their name with unpleasantness. And guess what? Next time you call them, they’re more likely to hide behind the sofa than come prancing back to you. Or, worse still, bog off into the distance. Not quite what you had in mind, right?

So, What’s In A Name?

Your dog’s name should always be a positive experience for them. It’s like their very own superpower—something that should light up their world every time they hear it. They should associate their name with all things good: treats, toys, praise, belly rubs, you name it (pun intended).

The golden rule is simple: Never use their name to tell them off! If you get frustrated and are tempted to take Fido’s name in vane (and let’s face it, sometimes we all do), just address the behaviour without dragging their name through the mud. I promise, it’ll make your life—and your training—so much easier.

Power Up Your Recall with Their Name

Now let’s talk about that all-important recall. The ability to call your dog’s name and have them zoom back to you like a fluffy boomerang is what every dog guardian dreams of. But it doesn’t happen by magic.

Here’s where their name can really help. If you want a bulletproof recall, start by making their name the most exciting word in their vocabulary. Think of it like a party in their ears every time they hear it. Use their name to get their attention first, then follow it up with the recall cue. For example: “Buddy, COME!” Always make sure they get something fantastic when they do come back, like their favourite treat or a big fuss.

Over time, your dog will start to realise that every time you say their name, something awesome is about to happen. And who doesn’t want to run towards awesome? Make sure you reward each and every time you say their name.

A Game to Power Up Your Dog’s Name

You know how I love a good game, so let’s dive into one you can try at home to really supercharge your dog’s name. We’ll call it “Name That Prize.” This game turns your dog’s name into the cue for a jackpot of rewards and fun.

How to Play:

1. Grab Some Treats and Toys: Find a mix of your dog’s favourite things. The idea here is variety—make it unpredictable and exciting. One minute it’s a piece of sausage, the next it’s their squeaky ball.

2. Start Simple: Sit in a room with your pooch and say their name in a happy, upbeat tone. The second they look at you, give them a treat. Repeat this a few times until they start responding to their name immediately. Change the tone and pitch of your voice while you say Fido’s name so that they realise that their name, in all forms, means that snackies will rain from the sky.

3. Add Movement: Now, say their name and once they look at you, throw a treat or toy away from you so they have to chase it. This teaches them that their name not only gets them a reward but sometimes gets them a bit of fun action, too.

4. Mix Up Rewards: Start mixing up the rewards after they respond to their name. Sometimes it’s a treat, sometimes it’s a game of tug. The more varied and unpredictable the rewards, the more they’ll be interested in what happens next.

5. Take It Outside: Once your dog is a pro indoors, move outside. Start in the garden or a quiet park, and gradually increase distractions. The more they learn that responding to their name brings good things no matter where they are, the stronger their recall will become. If you take your game out and about then please remember that safety comes first.

By playing “Name That Prize,” you’re teaching your dog that every time they hear their name, they’re about to win something fantastic. It’s like the doggy version of hearing the ice cream truck jingle—they can’t help but come running! Anyone else hearing Greensleeves?

Keep It Fun, Keep It Positive

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this blog (other than the fact that dogs can indeed run faster than your patience at times), it’s that your dog’s name should always be fun, positive, and rewarding for them. Don’t let frustration creep into their name—save that for the swear words you mutter under your breath when they’ve just dug up your flowerbed again.

Remember, it’s all about association. If you can make your dog’s name a word that fills them with excitement and joy, they’ll be that much more likely to listen and respond to it. Whether you’re building up recall or simply getting them to focus in the middle of a busy park, their name is the key to opening up a line of communication built on trust and positivity.

And hey, if you’re curious about more ways to level up your dog training game, why not check out some of my other blogs over at Little Angels Dog Training Blog. There’s always more to learn when it comes to building that perfect relationship with your dog.

So, the next time you call your dog’s name, make sure it’s with a smile and a promise of good things to come. After all, what’s in a name? More than you might think!

Are you looking for a force-free trainer in your area? Check out the Pet Professional Guild Australia member’s listings.

Game On! Let’s Play!

Hxx

This blog has been written with the assistance of AI.

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