November 15, 2024, 7:35 am | Read time: 8 minutes
There are many different reasons for changing a dog’s name. For example, if a four-legged friend is adopted from animal welfare and the new owners don’t like the previous name, find it inappropriate, or can’t pronounce it. But how do you condition a dog to a new name?
I am currently in the process of adopting a dog from a Romanian animal welfare organization. However, this four-year-old mixed-breed male has a name that seriously makes me question why anyone would choose such a name for a dog. Therefore, I’ve resolved that his name will change upon moving in with me. But how does one acclimate a dog to a new name? I wanted to find out from Eva Birkenholz. She is a dog trainer and the founder of the Academy for Dogs in Wülfrath.
What to consider when choosing a dog’s name
PETBOOK: Are there names or sequences of syllables that are particularly suitable for naming dogs and some that are less so?
Eva Birkenholz: “Names are often a matter of taste, and basically, you can name your dog whatever you like. You should ensure that the name is easy to call out and doesn’t resemble important commands, such as ‘sit.’ For instance, the name ‘Fitz’ could pose a challenge for the dog to distinguish from ‘sit.'”
The number of syllables in dog names is inconsequential
What tip would you give people to find the best name for their dog – especially if they don’t necessarily want to use a typical trendy name like “Milo”?
“Above all, the name should be appealing and easy to pronounce for everyone who regularly interacts with the dog. For example, I gave one of my dogs a Spanish name, which I can pronounce well, but others don’t pronounce it so easily. Frequent mispronunciation can lead to confusion. Otherwise, it’s a question of taste, similar to choosing names for children.”
Is there any scientific evidence about which types of names dogs learn particularly well, for example, two-syllable names or names that end in a vowel, such as “o”?
“There certainly is. However, in my experience, dogs respond well to different names regardless of the number of syllables, as long as the training behind them is right. I’ve had dogs with short, one-syllable names as well as two-syllable names like ‘Kalle,’ and I haven’t noticed any significant difference. What’s crucial is that the name is positively reinforced and used consistently.”
“Dogs recognize when they are addressed”
There is also a discussion on the internet about names that sound like frequently used words in everyday communication that could distract the dog. Is that true?
“I don’t see that so critically. Dogs understand very well when they are being addressed directly. Merely saying ‘come’ within a sentence does not guarantee the dog will immediately respond. Dogs recognize when they are meant.”
You mentioned that dogs often ignore their names when they are used excessively. Could you explain this in more detail?
“Yes, that’s a common mistake. If a dog constantly hears its name without any associated clear reaction or action, the name becomes meaningless to it. He then doesn’t know whether he should react or not because the name no longer has a clear function. Dogs learn through repetition, but only if the repetition is accompanied by a consequence or reward. If I say ‘Bello’ 500 times and only mean that he should really come to me in one out of 500 cases, the dog will tend to ignore his name. It’s important to use the name purposefully and with meaning.”
“A dog’s name works like a command”
As a trainer, what mistakes do you often see when it comes to dog names?
“I think it’s important to emphasize that a dog’s name works like a command. When I address someone, I expect a reaction – it’s the same with a dog. A dog first has to learn that its name has a meaning and that it should respond to it. Many people think that the dog automatically knows that this is the name as soon as they say it for the first time. Structured training is important to establish the name and encourage the desired response.”
One tip that is often given is to say the name in a higher pitch. Does this get a better reaction?
“A high-pitched voice or squeaky tone often proves effective, particularly with puppies. But it’s more about making the voice sound friendly. Dogs can discern between a friendly and stern tone without resorting to baby talk like “Gutschi, Gutschi,” which might make some individuals uncomfortable. The tone of voice should simply be friendly – dogs can sense whether we are friendly or angry with them, and that is more important than the pitch.”
Dogs can differentiate between formal names and casual nicknames
Sometimes, dogs are given nicknames or pet names. Can dogs distinguish between the real name and these nicknames?
“Yes, they can. I have three dogs myself, who each have a call name and several nicknames. They can tell whether I’m addressing them in an authoritative way or just talking to them nicely. The important thing is that they are addressed clearly. When I call my Labrador ‘Casper,’ he understands it as a definitive call to action. Conversely, when I use nicknames like ‘Cassie’, ‘Fatty’, or ‘Brownie’, he perceives it as a friendly greeting without any obligation to act. Dogs interpret the overall situation, i.e., gestures, eye contact, and the way you address them. These factors are more important than the actual word we use.”
What does it look like when dogs come from animal welfare, and you want to change the name? How do you get the dog used to a new name?
“The process is quite straightforward. You should consciously train and condition the name by saying the dog’s name and then giving it a treat. You can repeat this several times a day, even outside, until the dog perceives the name as something positive. In this way, he learns that the name has a meaning – usually a positive one – and reacts to it.
“At first, the name is just a noise for the dog”
Initially, the name is merely a sound to the dog, yet if consistently associated with positive experiences, the dog will respond to it. Subsequently, you can incrementally increase the distance and incorporate distractions to ensure the dog acknowledges the name and responds, even amidst more exciting stimuli.”
With dogs from animal shelters, you often know little about their past. Have you ever seen a dog react to an old name even though its history was unclear?
“No, I’ve never experienced that. But one interesting case was when I once had customers who wanted to rename their dog after a year and a half or two years, even though they had had it since puppyhood. I often found myself calling the dog by its old name out of habit, and it continued to respond, having learned to associate it with my friendly approach.
The probability of a dog responding to its old name by chance is quite low. However, I once found a dog whose name I didn’t know, and I tried different names and syllables to see if he reacted to a certain combination. I paid attention to whether he pricked up his ears or became more attentive. This can work, but it’s unlikely that you’ll accidentally hit a dog’s previous name just by trial and error.”
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“Dogs do not grieve over a former name”
If I get a dog from animal welfare now and want to give it a new name – should I decide on this name before it arrives, or should I get to know the dog’s personality first?
“Both are fine. It depends on what suits you best. Some people have an idea of what they want their dog to be called before they arrive. You can begin conditioning him to the new name from the first day, irrespective of any previous names he may have had. If you get to know the dog for a few days and then realize that a different name is more suitable, that’s not a problem either. Dogs live in the moment and are very adaptable. Even if they already have a name, they can learn a new one at any time, regardless of their age. They will not mourn their old name.
Of course, it’s debatable whether it makes sense or not. I don’t know whether I would necessarily rename my dog after a year because I suddenly don’t like the name anymore. Ultimately, however, this is not an issue for the dog. The dog does not feel sadness about its name. The dog simply learns to recognize this as a new phase.”