How to teach your dog their name

It’s important to start training in a quiet and calm place such as your living room – without any distractions, interruptions or temptations – and when both you and your dog are happy and relaxed. You’ll both be able to concentrate and be successful. You’ll also need rewards ready for your dog and these should be something they really enjoy, such as a high-value treat cut into small pieces.

Simply watch your dog as they go about their business, whether pottering about, snoozing or playing. Whenever they glance over at you, give them a treat straight away – every single time during your training session. Teaching your dog to focus on you is essential to make sure they succeed at training other commands. 

Start in your garden, if you have one, or other familiar outdoor space with your dog on their lead. Stay still, quiet and calm while your dog naturally looks around and sniffs about. It might be harder for your dog to give you attention because there are more distractions. Be patient and make looking at you worth their while by giving them a tasty treat as soon as they do.

Now your dog understands that looking at you is always a good choice, you can start to ask for their attention, using their name. Say your dog’s name and when they look at you, roll or throw a treat out to the side for them to chase and eat. As soon as they finish the treat, repeat by saying their name again and rolling a treat out to the other side of you.

Throw the treats in different directions around you, some far, some near, to the left, to the right, behind you or in front of you. This keeps your dog guessing about where you’re going to throw the treats so they’ll need to look closely at you. It makes the game more fun, too.

Your dog might find it harder to practise in busier, more distracting places. In those areas you may need an extra tasty treat to reward their efforts. You might need to go right back to basics when practising in a completely new place, as your dog is likely to be distracted by the new sights, sounds and smells. They should soon work through the stages again as long as you are calm, clear and consistent.

If your dog doesn’t respond to their name, don’t keep saying it repeatedly. This might make them confused or teach them to ignore their name altogether. Try being a little more animated and excited, but not so much that they become confused or worried. Try moving a little further away from them to encourage them to see where you’re going. Always reward them when they look at you.