Training the Dogs Name - Page 1

Everyone knows there are many ways to teach a dog his name. You can use clickers, food, all the way to just saying his name alot if you want to.  But to be honest most dogs do not know and respond (look you in the eyes) to their own name when being called. The heel, come, sit, stay,  etc. are talked about to death, teaching the name is not mentioned very much.  But this is a extremely important thing for a dog to learn.

In your opinion what is the best way to teach a dog its name (in detail) ???  I got in a discussion the other day about this topic and heard 20 different opinions!  Some were good, others not so good.  What do you think is the BEST way to teach a dog his name with NEAR 100% accuracy??

This ought to be interesting -LOL-

1) NEVER use the dog's name attached to a correction

2) NEVER use the dog's name in conjunction with anything the dog perceives as negative

Those are the two most important rules of thumb I follow.

I do not believe in using the dog's name before a command, example: Rover Sit, Rover Down, Rover Come,

When I use any of my dogs' names, they know something good is going to happen. With many dogs, I found the game of ball and waiting for your turn, to chase the ball made it very easy for them to learn their names, and all the little nicknames I have for them as well. The dogs line up in a sit, I point to a dog, use the dog's name, throw the ball. Point to another dog use the dog's name throw that ball in a different direction, and so on.

I have never had an issue teaching a dog its own name, and I do not know many other people who have had the problem either. At the shelter, I often have to issue a dog a name when it comes in. WIthin a couple of days, the dog knows it's name. Often new owners bring the dog they adopted back to the shelter, and the dog has a different name than what we gave it. The dog shows it knows the new name.

I play the "name game" with a clicker and some great treats..  maybe chicken or steak..    I start off in the house..  I say the pups name.. and I feed..   when it gets to the point that I say his name..and he looks at me.. I start using the clicker..  so .. I say his name.. he looks.. I click.. then feed..    then I  wait till the dog is not facing me..   I say the name..  if he looks..  I click.. and when he gets to me.. I feed..

Once this is going well in the house..  I move it outdoors..  once it is going well..  I will alternate the click with a "YES!"  and feed..  has worked very well for me..     Then of course you have to add some distractions..  small than bigger..  making sure the treat is a good one..    if the dog is ball crazy..  I can start adding in the ball for the reward, and then i mix it up with food, toys and just me  petting and lavishing praise..

There are many ways people do this..   nothing is 100%  in my opinion..   and you have to be willing to keep it up.. not do it for a week and figure it is done.

Jody

 

A long time ago, I met a trainer that made his dog's name into a command.

He didn't use it in everyday loving, and the instant that dog heard it's name, it snapped to attention.

I saw it quit peeing once, when he called it.  It didn't come, or cower as if worried, but stood awaiting for what ever came next.  I found it interesting, and thought about trying his method.  I decided though that my dogs hear their names so much, they are just another sound, and it would be more trouble than anything else.

It's the first thing I ever teach a pup when I get him. I don't even go for more than half an hour without teaching his name. I use food. I say his name and toss him food. After some time of this, I wait till his attention wanders off, say his name, and give him food. That simple. The application is what matters. I then start using the name to refer to the dog anywhere, any time, but ONLY if something is happening that pertains to him. I'll whisper his name and when he looks immediately play with him, or I'll whisper his name and when he looks give him another command. I will say his name to warn him, before immediately going up to him. Anything I "start" doing something with him I say his name. I will say his name all the time, perhaps one thing I don't tolerate is if I say his name and he doesn't respond, I go up to him and tap him. I don't want it to be "some sound I just happen to make". My dogs seem to know their name means "Hey, you,". They don't respond if I call another dog's name and they *always* look up in interest if their names are mentioned even in conversation. Most interesting I learned is when one of my dogs responded to the name of a dog that wasn't there, acting very excited and going to the door and waiting for him. When that female went into heat and I sent her away for a while to keep things sane here, and I said her name, another dog started getting very excited and whining...when I let him out his crate he started looking for her, sniffing the cracks and going around the yard. My cats seem to respond to this kind of "training" too...