06/01/2025
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Changing a rescued dogs name can be a good thing.
If a dog has come from an unpleasant or abusive background, or even an unknown background, they may associate their name with negative experiences.
A previous owner may have shouted their name when doing something unpleasant to them.
Changing a dog’s name can be a fresh, new beginning and can provide an opportunity to rebuild broken trust and build new bonds.
There may be concern that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or may cause some form of emotional distress, but dogs really don’t see their names in the same way that we do.
Dogs really don’t care what we call them, as long as that name is associated with positive experiences it will be a good name.
A dog’s name is more important to us than it is to a dog. A name is really just a cue to get your dog’s attention so they respond.
The way a new name is introduced and taught is important. Care should be taken not to attach any negative associations with the new name.
The new name should always be paired with something positive whenever your dog hears the sound.
Call the new name and every time your dog reacts, responds or looks at you, reward this with a treat, lots of praise, a game or a toy.
Keep repeating this and dogs will quickly begin to associate their new name with something good about to happen and will start responding to the new sound in a positive way.
“It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.” - W.C. Fields. This quote sums up the importance of pairing a name with something positive so that it will always be what a dog wants to answer to.
A previous name may always be linked to a traumatic past, but a new name can be the beginning of a happy ever after and forever home.