Why Teaching Your Puppy’s Name is Important
You keep yelling your puppy’s name, and they just continue doing what they were doing, not even looking up at you. How annoying!. Don’t assume your puppy intentionally ignores you. If you have a new puppy, they may not know their name yet. Your puppy doesn’t learn their name after one or two repetitions, it takes time.
The First Few Days of Teaching Your Puppy their Name
If you want your puppy to turn and look at you when you call their name, here is how you will begin. Note: We are not teaching a recall.
- Grab a handful of your puppy’s favorite treats. Dried liver, chicken or beef work great.
- Start in a quiet space.
- Say your puppy’s name.
- Give your puppy a treat.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Practice several times per day in various locations in the house.
- Change the location and direction you are facing when you practice.
Pro Tips:
Always say your puppy’s name when you are about to give them something they like. You are not limited to treats, you can use toys as well. In the beginning, only say your puppy’s name when you are ready to give them a treat or their favorite toys. Your puppy is not required to do anything, you are pairing their name with yummy things, not teaching a behavior.
The Next Steps to Teaching Your Puppy Their Name
After you have practiced the first steps for three days, you will want to move on to the next steps for three or four days. Now, you will want your puppy to look at you.
- Grab a handful of treats
- Stand in front of your puppy. Wait for your dog to look at you, and then say their name.
- Click or say “Yes!” and give your puppy a treat.
- Repeat 10 times.
- Practice several times per day in all rooms of the house.
- Change the location and direction you are facing when practicing.
- Do not say the puppy’ s name unless they look at you and you have yummy treats.
- Do not try this if your puppy is far away from you. Distance is an advanced behavior. Practice when your puppy is close to you.
Pro Tips:
Your puppy’s name is a way to get their attention. It is not a cue. Saying your puppy’s name is a way to then deliver the cue, such as “come”. For example, you might say “Luna, come!”
Our dog trainers want to help you and your puppy. We have more tips on our blog “6 Tips for Training Your New Puppy”. While the above example is a great start, we offer much more in depth Name Game training. Give us a call at 786-299-1552 for your free consultation.