How to Get Your New Puppy to Recognize His New Name

When training your new puppy, one of your top priorities should be teaching the dog its name. When a dog knows and responds to its name, you can call it when it runs away from you, and in many cases, it will immediately come back, which may potentially save the dog̵7;s life. Training your dog to recognize its name takes patience and repetition, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Clicker (optional)
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a time when your dog is in a good mood and then gather some small, healthy treats.

    • 2

      Call your dog̵7;s name. When the dog looks at you, give positive reinforcement by saying ̶0;Yes̶1; or using a clicker, and then reward the dog with a treat.

    • 3

      Say the dog̵7;s name again as soon as its attention is diverted to something else. Repeat this exercise for approximately five minutes, three to four times per day, in different areas of the house.

    • 4

      Move the training outside after the dog consistently responds to its name in an indoor environment with few distractions. Keep the dog on a leash and wait until it is distracted, and then say the dog̵7;s name. If the dog does not look at you immediately, gently tug on the leash. When the dog finally does look at you, praise the dog and reward it with a treat or toy.

    • 5

      Continue using this method in different environments with varying degrees of distraction until your dog consistently responds when its name is called.