Usually, your dog already has a name when it comes to you. However, you may not like the name and want to rename your dog.
Then the question arises: Can you rename a dog? And does that even make sense?
In this article we clarify these questions and tell you how renaming is guaranteed to work.
Can you rename a dog?
Renaming a dog is basically possible.
If your dog isn’t used to its previous name, you can easily rename it.
It’s a bit more difficult if your dog already listens to his name, because then he is initially confused by the new name.
You should think twice about renaming your dog. It makes sense if his previous name is complicated or has a negative meaning.
Renaming a dog – 4 tips
If you want to rename your dog, you need to do it in multiple steps and with positive reinforcement.
Step 1
First of all, you alone are asked. Think carefully about the name of your dog.
On the one hand, it is of course important that you like the name in the long term. On the other hand, you have to make sure that the name of your dog is easy to understand and remember.
A good new dog name meets the following criteria:
- He is rare
- He only has one or two syllables
- It starts with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) or a hard consonant (e.g. k, t or d)
Good to know
It is best if the new name rhymes with the old one or starts with the same letter.
Once you have decided on a name, inform everyone around you so that they only use the new name.
Then gradually get your dog used to the new name. Choose a quiet, undisturbed place to practice so your dog isn’t distracted.
The training sessions should each last five to ten minutes and be repeated several times a day.
step 2
Say the new name while your dog is very close to you and listening to you carefully. Speak in a very loving, positive-sounding voice.
At the same moment you give your dog a treat so that he a reward associated with the new name.
It’s also good if you pet your dog while you say the new name.
Repeat this step for several days.
step 3
Now say the new name while your dog is distracted or a little away from you.
The goal is for him to come to you when you say the new name. If that doesn’t work right away, repeat the name in a loving voice a second or third time.
as soon as he comes to you reward him with a treat and praise him joyfully.
If it doesn’t work with the new name alone, you can also say the old one. It is important that you say the new name again immediately afterwards.
step 4
If your dog reliably listens to his new name for several days, you can slowly reduce the treats.
At first, only give your dog one treat every other time, and then gradually less and less.
But you have to praise your dog every time he comes to you when he calls out his new name.
It is important that your dog always takes his name positively. So always call him in a friendly voice and show him your joy when he comes.
Good to know
You should also register your dog’s new name with official bodies such as dog liability insurance, dog tax and dog health insurance as well as in the EU pet passport.
How long does it take for the dog to get used to the new name?
Every dog learns at its own pace, so it will take dogs different amounts of time to get used to new names.
Some dogs only need a few days, others take several weeks to respond to their new name.
Renaming a dog definitely takes a lot of patience and consistency.
Above all, you have to make sure that you only use the new name yourself or, if necessary, both names combined.
Can I rename the dog multiple times?
You can also rename a dog multiple times using the steps shown.
However, it is better if your dog keeps his name for life.
Every renaming confuses the dog so that it becomes unsure.
In addition, renaming also carries the risk that your dog will no longer listen to you. This can lead to problems, especially when freewheeling.
Can I rename my dog if it is older?
In principle, you can rename your dog at any age, even as a senior.
However, renaming an older dog usually takes longer than renaming a puppy or young dog.
The older your dog is, the longer he’s used to his old name and the more difficult it is for him to understand that he should suddenly answer to a different name.
If possible, you should refrain from renaming your dog as you get older, because memory skills are declining. Dogs can get dementia too.
Conclusion
If you think it makes sense, you can easily rename your dog.
As with any workout, it’s crucial that you use positive reinforcement, be patient, and remain consistent.
Your dog will learn at their own pace and will need time to listen to the new name.
You can rename your dog at any age and multiple times, but only do so if necessary.
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