The Name Game – Puppy Training

Eazy Dog Training in Sydney runs puppy preschools, obedience and manners classes and dog agility classes for beginners in Sydney. Anniina has been training dogs for 10 years and has been working as a dog trainer in Sydney for 4 years now.

The Name Game – Puppy Training

Dogs don’t understand a concept of having a name. That’s why they need to be taught to react to their name. They need to be trained with their own name like you would do with all other commands as well.

Your puppy’s name will be with them for life

Your puppy’s name must mean good things for your puppy to react to it. Therefore we need to start by associating it with all things pleasant and fun. Playing lots of fun games, like fetch or tug, and associating the name with them will provide an invaluable link between their name and enjoyment.

The Name Game

1. Say your puppy’s name in an excited manner and reward your dog for looking at you with a delicious treat. Repeat.
2. Start this practise at home. When it’s going well at home, start practising outside. Remember to use high value treats, like cheese.

NEVER use the puppy’s name in a negative scenario

Often people tend to use their puppy’s name when they have done something naughty. ‘Max, stop doing that!’, ‘Alfie, no!’.

If you use your puppy’s name in a negative sense, they will start ignoring it. And it’s understandable, would you react to your name if you knew nothing good would come out of it? I don’t think so.

Your dog’s name is the first step in teaching a reliable recall.

Recall is one of the most important skills in your dog’s life. And you’ll be using their name when you want them to come back to you. This is why the name game is so important!

Your Eazy Dog Trainer in Sydney

Eazy Dog Training runs fun and educational dog training classes in Sydney. Join today and start your journey towards an obedient dog!