I confess I don’t always call my dogs, or my client’s dogs, by their given names.
Buster, Bud, Buddy, Kins, Toddalicious, Mister, Mister Kins, Captain, El Capitan, Cube, Mister Licious, Pup Face, Fuzz Bucket, and on a
I’m sure you have many names for your dog, too. Feel free to share them with us! The more quirky/odd/sentimental the better.
I bring up this topic because people often ask me if its okay to rename a rescue dog.
Yes. Go right ahead.
Since we tend to call our dogs any number of silly names out of giddy love, and our dogs gallantly put up with it, there’s no reason not to give your newly adopted dog a name that you feel more comfortable saying, or that fits your dog’s personality or looks.
If you do want to change the dog’s name, especially an older dog that has had the same name for a long time, use the new name and the old name together when you call the dog, at least for a few days. Like MillieSnowball. Or SadieBlackie. Eventually just use the new name.
The tone of voice and body language you use when you call your dog is important to helping her learn her new name (and to come when called!) – a high pitched, happy and enthusiastic tone while you crouch down to welcome her – will go a long way to her recognizing her name.
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