When we welcome a puppy into the home, its name is one of the questions we think about the most. Which one will best fit the look and character of my new four-legged best friend? However, this issue differs when we adopt an adult dog from a shelter or animal shelter, since they already come with a given name, which they recognize and by which they have been called throughout their lives.
In this regard, it may happen that you do not like the name of the adult dog that you have adopted or you think that it does not suit your new pet well. If this is your case, you should know that it is possible to change the name of an adult dog, although it is not recommended, as it can cause confusion and hinder communication between the dog and the humans who address it. In addition, it is complex –although not impossible– to get him to internalize it. So you have to be completely convinced that you want to change the name and have a lot of patience to achieve it.
If you want to change the name of an adult dog, the first thing you should do is choose its new name thinking of facilitating the change. It must be a short word, no more than three syllables. In addition, it should sound similar to its previous name, so that it is easier for you to recognize it.
Once you have decided on his new name, you must be patient to get him to recognize it and always do it with positive reinforcement. When you are caressing him, playing or talking to him, always repeat it to him with an animated and affectionate voice, also offering him a trinket. So he will associate that word with something positive. Say his name accompanied by orders that he has learned, such as sit down or come to your call. Whenever he complies, reward him with words of encouragement, pampering, and a trinket or prize. By listening to it over and over again, you will become familiar with your new name.
In this regard, you must avoid using his new name to scold or punish him if he does something wrong, because then he will associate it with something negative and will not want to come to you when you call him. Remember that the best way to educate a dog is positive reinforcement, rewarding his good behavior so that he repeats it instead of scolding him for doing something wrong. This is essential for successful training, for the well-being of the animal and for the bond between pet and humans.
Finally, keep in mind that you must carry out the pertinent administrative procedures so that your dog's new name appears on its documentation and its microchip. You can do it at your usual veterinary clinic or even at the shelter or protector at the time of adoption.
