How to Teach Your Dog to Respond to Their Name Using The ‘Name Command’.

As a human, if you want to get someone’s attention, you will call their name. When you do, they will respond by turning their head to look at you, waiting to hear what you have to say next, the reason why you’ve called their name.
This is exactly what we want from our furry friends. In the case of the human example, the person turns because they know what their name is, they were taught it from a very young age. So, back to our pooch, to start with, we have to teach the puppy, or dog what their name is so they can respond to it, and ignore other names being called in a group environment.

This obedience training article for dogs will teach you how to train your dog to respond to their name with the ‘Name Command‘ using positive reinforcement training techniques.

The following list is what we recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very palatable
• Clicker
• Collar
• Training Leash, 1.2 – 1.8 Metres (4-6 Foot)
• Small quiet space with no distractions

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the Name Command

1/ In a quiet room inside attach your lead and grab a handful of treats.

I suggest ‘starting inside’ because there are going to be more distractions outside. Noises and smells are all intriguing to an inquisitive pup, even to an older dog new to that environment.

2/ Wait until your dog isn’t looking at you and then say the name in an overly happy tone. As soon as your dog turns to look at you, ‘mark this’ with a clicker, or say ‘yes’ enthusiastically, then immediately give your dog a treat.

3/ Repeat this process 5 times during a 10-minute training session.

4/ After a break of a few hours, repeat the process in a different setting, but still close to your dog.

5/ After a break of a few hours, call your dog again, but this time further away. If your dog responds by looking, say ‘yes’ in a happy positive manner, and if he/she doesn’t automatically come to collect the treat, move forward to offer it.

The clicker. word ‘yes’ and treat are all ways of anchoring the correct behaviour with a positive outcome, in this case, the treat. In other words, your dog is associating and responding to his name being called with a positive experience.

6/ Next day, start the process where you left off. If after calling your dog’s name, you promptly get their attention, move to a more distracting setting such as outside in the back yard.

If your dog doesn’t respond quickly by looking back at you after calling his/her name, move back to the small quiet room and repeat the process again.
Note too: You should only be calling the name once.

7/ At different times of the day, inside and outside, leash on and off, even on walks, practice calling your dog’s name, responding with ‘yes’ when he/she does and rewarding with a well-earned tasty treat.

Once learnt, your dog should be immediately turning around to meet your gaze as soon as you call his/her name.
Remember, all you are after is the connection with you after calling the name, the treat reward will not become necessary because after using the name to get your dog’s attention, another verbal command will be given, which will be rewarded.

Summary of Teaching Your Dog the Name Command

Consistency is the key with all dog training. It’s also important not to use your dog’s name with negative communication because then your dog will associate his/her name with something not pleasant and not respond in the way you’d like, depending on the level of unpleasantness, calling your dog’s name could result in them running away!

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge. There are many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

Note: The reason the ‘Name Command’ is first on our list of dog training commands is because you’ll be using it every time you use another one of the dog commands.

For older dogs and often with rescue dogs you might purchase, the poor pooch’s name maybe unknown, so patience will be required to get him/her to respond to the new name. With love and positive reinforcement training, using some delicious treats, most dogs will be responding to their name with glee.
If there are some behaviour issues, you can always get in touch with a pet behaviourist near you to help with an underlying problem that needs addressing before training can be effectively undertaken.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to respond to his/her name?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training class.
Pet Directory has many local dog training businesses listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Training Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.