Can You Change a Dog’s Name? Yep, and Here’s How…

Whether you’ve adopted a dog with a name that doesn’t quite fit, or you’ve had a change of heart about the name you chose, you may wonder: Can you rename a dog? Absolutely. Changing a dog’s name is not only possible but also relatively straightforward. It requires only patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. We’ll walk you through how to change your pup’s name with ease. But first, let’s cover some basics. 

Is it OK to rename a dog? 

Changing your dog’s name is perfectly acceptable in most cases. Dogs who enter shelters as strays generally don’t know or respond to the name the shelter gave them. But even if they do know their name, or have a long history with their name, it’s usually still okay. After all, most pet parents call their dogs all sorts of nicknames that they will respond to.

“Dogs are adaptable creatures and can learn to respond to a new name within days to a couple of weeks, depending on the dog,” says Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy. 

So, why might someone want to change a dog’s name? There are several reasons: 

• It doesn’t match their personality: Sometimes, a dog will come from a shelter or previous home with a name that doesn’t accurately reflect their personality. Or maybe you named them but realized it doesn’t quite fit. 

• Negative associations: A dog’s given name might carry negative associations or be an unpleasant reminder of past experiences. For example, the dog may have been frequently scolded or yelled at using their name in their previous home, and associate it with fear or anxiety. Or maybe the dog’s name reminds you of someone or something you’d prefer to forget. In such cases, changing the dog’s name can create a more positive environment for both you and your pet.

• It sounds like another pet’s name: If your new dog has a similar-sounding name to one of your current pets, it can lead to confusion during training and communication. Changing the new dog’s name to something distinct can make interactions clearer.

• You changed your mind: Your preferences and tastes may change over time. The name you once loved for your dog might no longer resonate with you.

As for when you can change your adopted dog’s name, Bassett says there’s no need to wait. Pet parents can start calling their dog a new name on day one of bringing them home. 

When you might not want to change a dog’s name

While renaming a dog is generally A-OK, there are a couple of situations where it might be best (but not completely necessary) to stick with their original name:

• If a dog was surrendered after years of being in a stable, loving home, it might be best to keep their original name or name the dog something phonetically similar. This can provide the dog with a sense of security and familiarity. 

• If you adopted a retired service or therapy dog, they likely have a strong connection to their name, because they’ve been expertly trained to respond to it. 

Choosing a name for your dog

When it comes to selecting the perfect name for your canine companion, consider these tips to ensure you choose a moniker that suits you and your dog: 

• Personality and traits: Consider your dog’s personality. Are they playful and energetic, or more calm and reserved? You can also consider their traits and breed, such as being gray, brindle, large, or a German Shepherd. Selecting a name that reflects their unique traits can be a fun, creative approach to naming. 

• Personal significance: You might want to change your dog’s name to something that holds more personal significance to you, whether it’s a name inspired by your favorite flower or holiday (Halloween-themed dog names, anyone?). This can add a layer of sentiment to your relationship with your dog.

• Ease of pronunciation: Opt for a name that’s easy to pronounce. Avoid names that are too long or complicated. 

• Avoid confusion: Steer clear of names that sound similar to common commands or cues used in training, such as “Sit,” “Stay,” “No,” or “Come.” 

• Test it out: Before finalizing your dog’s name, try it out for a few days to see how it feels. Call your dog by their chosen name in various situations to ensure it flows well and feels natural. 

• Consider longevity: Choose a name your dog can grow into as they mature. Avoid trendy or overly childish names that may feel out of place as your dog ages.

Step-by-step guide on how to rename a dog

How do you go about making the switch? Follow these instructions to successfully transition your pup to their new name.

Step 1: Don’t rush a new name

Take your time when selecting a new name for your dog. Make sure the chosen name is one you’ll still be happy with over time. Rushing this decision may lead to frequent changes, confusing your pet.

Step 2: Put a new cue in front of an old cue

“In dog training, when introducing a new cue to replace an old cue, you say the new cue right before saying the old cue,” says Bassett. “This helps to create an association between the new and old cue for the dog, and this same approach can be used to introduce a new name to a dog.”

Bassett gives an example: “Let’s say a dog’s name is Fluffy, but their pet parent wants to change their name to Fido. They would start saying ‘Fido/Fluffy’ when calling them by name.” 

Step 3: Use the new name only

As soon as the dog’s eyes light up or ears perk up when they hear their new name, the pet parent can stop saying the old name and just call their dog by their new name. 

Step 4: Use positive-reinforcement training 

Positive reinforcement is key to cementing your pup’s new name into their doggy brain. This entails rewarding your dog whenever they exhibit a desired behavior — in this case, responding to their new name. 

Here’s how to do it: Say your dog’s new name in a happy tone. When they look at you, immediately say “Yes!” or use a clicker, then reward them with a treat. Repeat this five to 10 times in a row. 

A couple of important notes: 

1. If your dog doesn’t immediately look at you after saying their new name, avoid repeating their name multiple times. Overusing the name without engagement can diminish its value. Instead, use attention-grabbing noises like kissy sounds or gentle whistles to regain their focus. Once your dog redirects their attention to you, say “Yes!” and reward them.

2. Your dog doesn’t have to make direct eye contact or come towards you upon hearing their name. These actions are desirable but not essential. The primary goal is for your pup to acknowledge you by turning their head in your direction. 

Tips for a smooth name transition

Transitioning your dog to a new name is pretty straightforward, but it can take time for your pup to really connect with their new name. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth and effective as possible:  

• Consistency is key: Dogs are quick learners, so if the process is not going well, it’s likely due to the pet parent’s inconsistency. Use the new name consistently in all interactions with your dog. Avoid confusion by not using the old name once you’ve made the switch. 

• Keep up with positive reinforcement: Do two rounds of planned positive-reinforcement training daily (as described above) until your dog consistently responds to their name. 

• Reward desired behavior: Outside of planned training, reward your dog whenever they respond to their new name with praise, treats, or affection. 

• Patience and understanding: Understand that it may take time for your dog to adjust to their new name. Be patient and avoid becoming frustrated if progress seems slow. Getting angry at your dog is not only inhumane, it creates a negative association with the new name, which you don’t want.    

Commonly asked questions

Do dogs care if you change their names?

Dogs are highly adaptable and are more likely to respond to the tone of your voice than the specific words you use. While a dog might take some time to adjust to a new name, they don’t typically have an emotional attachment to their name in the same way humans do. 

Is it hard to change a dog’s name?

Changing a dog’s name is generally straightforward, but the time it takes can vary. Younger dogs or those with limited training (and therefore aren’t used to their old name) may adapt more quickly to a new name, while older dogs may take longer to adjust.

Can you change a dog’s name after two years?

Yes, you can change a dog’s name at any age, including after two years. While older dogs may have stronger associations with their current name, they can still learn to respond to a new name with patience and consistent training.

References

Can You Rename Your Dog? What to Consider

How to Rename Your Dog After Adoption

Is it OK to change a dog’s name?