Shelly asks: We adopted a 3yr old dog from the shelter. We don't really like the name he came with and we're not even sure he knows it. Is he to old to have his name changed?
If there is one thing you can be sure of.. it's this.. It's never to late to teach an old dog new tricks!
Including changing their name! Pictured here is my little girl Dora. She was called Nala for several year
s before I adopted her, and I simply didn't think it fit her, so I changed it. Within just a few days she was happily responding to her new name and did so until she passed away of old age. She loved her new name!
I often work with people who have adopted their canine companion, and I find they are reluctant to change the name their companion came with. Most people assume that changing a name is to confusing and hard for the new dog to learn.
This is simply not true! In fact, I highly encourage a name change! New home, new life... new name!
Here's a simple way to train your new dog to their new name:
- In a quieter area of the house, call the new name & then offer your dog a small, tasty treat. Repeat this often!
- Your dog is now learning that this new name has a positive (and yummy) association!
- Now try calling the name out in the yard, or in an area with a few more distractions, when they respond, reward with a treat!
- Pretty soon your dog will be responding quickly & happily to their new name, once you're sure they have it, you can phase the food reward out if you'd like.
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