Teaching the dog his name is one of the first steps to take when we welcome our four-legged friend into the house for the first time. In fact, learning your name right away will help the dog to be more polite, to come immediately to us if we call him and will also give us the possibility to call his attention more easily in case of danger.

Another important aspect that should not be underestimated is that teaching the dog its name will increase the bond between us and our puppy, strengthening it more.

The first step to take is therefore to choose a name that is simple and easy to understand and remember , which is not too long and which perhaps has a sound that can remain more impressed on our animal. We just be careful not to give our dog names that are too long or complicated, otherwise it will be really difficult for him to learn to recognize him.

Here are some effective ways to name your puppy:

  1. Hidden morsel: Without being seen by the dog, take a morsel of food and hide it in one hand. Then start calling him by his name and when he comes to you reward him with the prize. At least initially it is important to attach a treat to the call to get the dog to associate it with something good and fun.
  2. Command : Associate his name with a reminder such as “come here” or “look at me” , in order to teach him, in addition to the name, also a command to follow. Of course, when the dog follows the command, reward him with a treat or by giving him lots of cuddles.
  3. Eye Contact : Pick up a toy or snack so that the dog can see and want it. When our furry dog approaches us with the intention of taking him, bring the object close to his face and say the puppy’s name followed by “look at me” . When the dog understands and looks us in the eye, reward him with the treat. This exercise can be done by gradually increasing the seconds you and your dog look into each other’s eyes. It serves to increase mutual trust, to create a solid relationship and a unique harmony.

However, it is recommended to follow these exercises taking care to put some precautions into practice:

  • Do not extend the sessions for more than 5 minutes , otherwise the dog will get bored and start not following our commands anymore. This is why it is important not to go too far, otherwise the dog will lose focus and all our work will be lost.
  • Try to do these exercises a few times a day , without putting too much strain on the dog. Just a few exercises a day done well, and you will see that time will give its results.
  • Never scold your dog if he doesn’t follow our commands, otherwise he’ll get scared and start to lose faith in us.
  • Start doing these exercises in a room that is familiar to the dog , with few distractions, and then level up and go to open places like a garden, so as to gradually accustom the dog to respond to our call anytime, anywhere. and situation.

Of course , the results won’t come right away , because it will take some time before the dog recognizes his name. It is important to arm yourself with a lot of patience and be very constant in the exercises, without giving up if the results, at least at the beginning, are poor. You will then see that over time you will be rewarded , because being able to make yourself understood by your dog is a great satisfaction! In addition, it will help your dog to feel part of the family and to have a strong bond with you.