Has anyone ever changed their dog's name?

Question

About 3 weeks ago I adopted a two year old collie. He's generally a lovely dog, but does have some behaviour issues which I'm taking him to training for in a couple of weeks. Basically he thinks he's the boss.
I was just watching Dog Borstal and a woman was on having problems with her dog and it was recommended that she change the dogs name because he didn't respond well to his original one.
My dog was called Lou and Louie and, whilst he responds to this, he doesn't take too much notice if he's really carried away with something. How do I go about changing it and does anyone have any suggestions for a new one?

Answer 1

I've done it a few times with cats and dogs I've rescued. Sometimes the dog is given a name by the rescue centre if the dog has been found straying for example. Just do it as you would with a puppy, Call him to you in a happy voice and say the name, if he comes give him a treat or make a big fuss of him. Simple 1 or 2 syllable names are usually best! It doesn't need to sound like Lou or Louie either. Dogs can learn to recognise a lot of different words and collies are very intelligent dogs!
A general tip too, If your dog thinks he's the boss then make sure he obeys you when given a command even if it takes a while and always make sure when playing with him that you stop the game before he does.
Good luck with the training though I think you will find it easy!

Answer 2

Dogs names should be changed when they are adopted or rescued. Particularly if they have been mistreated - as they associate their old name with their old owner, which can often be their name is called and then they are hit or worse.
A new name for a rehomed dog reassures them you will not do these things. It may be hard work at first but many people swear by it, try not to keep it too similar either as this doesn't change anything. I knew someone who had a dog called Prince and renamed him Sammy and he is lovely, but he will still cower if he hears the name Prince. It is simply word association - one thing though don't try things at home that you have seen on Dog Borstal as this may make dogs behaviour worse if not used in the correct way.

Answer 3

First of all, I don't believe that changing his name will do anything. The only difference it will make is for YOU, not the dog.

I recently adopted an 8 month old with the same type of behavioural issues. she was raised by a 12 year old who let her be the dominent person of the household. Using Cesar Millan's methods my boyfriend has established dominence and I am working on it. Having had her only a month, she is already a LOT calmer, more responsive to commands, etc.

If you insist on changing her name, there are various methods to change it. My friend changed her dogs name by, at first, calling her dog by the new name followed by the old name. (Example: new name is sparky, old name is fido, called her sparky fido). Eventually just phase out the old name and your collie should learn it well.

Good luck with the training!

Answer 4

I adopted a one year old dog named Jack. How original. Especially for a JRT mix. We decided to call him Junior and started only calling him that. Within a day or two he knew to respond to Junior. (I also bribed him with treats the first day so eh would associate something good with the word "Junior". I have since started calling him Peanut as a nickname and he now responds to both Junior and Peanut. He also responds to my other dog's name and vice versa. But that's normal in a multi-dog household.

How about Piper? I met a Border Collie named Piper the other day. Seemed like a fitting name. But honestly, I like the name Louie.

Answer 5

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tr.im/0a3Mv

By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 6

Yes, you can change your dogs name. It will have to take lots of praise and treats though!

While true, it is easier if the name sounds similar, but it is not necessary.

When you are near your dog, have him sit, and then start to make clicking and squeeky noises. If your dog looks at you, pop him a treat. After a few rounds of this, try to add your dogs name into the sounds (while still giving him treats). Eventually, just say the name and he should look at you!

Practice this for a few days before he gets it, don't rush it! And DON'T call him Lou anymore!

Answer 7

Your dog may associate his name with his past life. By changing his name, you may be giving him a chance to start over. I adopted a dog who was almost 2 years old and didn't know what her previous name was, so there was no choice but to change her name. She became less nervous and fearful. Eventually her previous owners were found, although she is still with me 12 years later...but when she heard her former name she immediately crouched and tucked her tail. Even when the name was coming from me. I immediately went back to calling her Sugar which is what I had always called her and her behavior improved. Her original name was Peanut....no way were they connected....but she is happy and well mannered as could be now.

Change the dog's name...she'll learn the new name and associate it with you rather than past experience.

Answer 8

We only changed the names of new dogs that came into the family. Then we stuck to that name for the life of the animal.

It's best to name an animal something that easily rolls off the tongue. For example:
The dog up the street is named Edinburgh. Can you imagine calling a four syllable name all the time? ! They shortened it and call her Eddie.

Then there's the elderly lady across the alley. Her Peek is always getting out. She wonders the block calling his name -- no joke -- "Fu King"
.

Answer 9

With my beagle (Oz) - yes. He pretty much got named after a couple of hours of getting him residence and throwing names round. Despite the fact that I had seen him at 2 weeks, then four weeks and brought him dwelling at 6 (yes i know bad), names by no means rather gave the look to be notion about except he obtained residence. My border collie (Cobain) on the other hand has had his title on the grounds that I first noticed him. The identify matches, i would not trade it.

Answer 10

We had to get a new dog when our german shepherd died and we got one from dog rescue service. His name was Ranger and we changed it to Major. Major took to his new name very easily. The trick is not to use the old name ever again, that way you don't confuse the dog