The first thing we all teach our dogs before we even realize we’re doing any training, is that when we make a certain specific sound, we want their attention.
Many dog owners seem to use their dog’s name as kind of a catch-all. You holler Spot and mean Quit that. Next you holler Spot and mean Come here. On and on it goes. Get the drift?
You’re dog may be the smartest dog in the world, but he is not a mind reader.
The point being, make a plan to use your dog’s name in the same way—to get his attention. Period. Then use other sounds (commands) and actions to tell or show him what you want him to do.
Important: Even after your dog learns his name, he may continue doing whatever he was doing when he hears you use it (just like Bobby). Don’t get upset or impatient. And don’t repeat his name: “Max… Max!… MAX!!!” Doing this will only teach your dog to ignore you until he hears his name over and
Step 1 in Teaching Your Dog His Name
First, load up your pocket (or a bag or pouch) with 10 or more treats.
Take your dog to an area where there hopefully will not be a lot of distractions.
Now wait for your dog to look away from you and then say his name (one time!).
When he looks at you, immediately give him a treat and say “Good dog!”
Now move a few steps to another location and again wait for your dog to again look away from you.
Say your dog’s name one time again and immediately reward him again with the treat and praise when he looks at you.
Repeat this process five or six times. If your dog was particularly distracted before responding to his name, give him extra praise and treats.
What if your dog doesn’t do what you want?
If you say his name and he doesn’t look at you, he may be too distracted. Move a few steps to a different location and try again.
Say his name using an enthusiastic tone of voice. Give immediate rewards if he looks at you.
If he still doesn’t respond to his name, clap your hands, whistle or make some noise that gets his attention. When he looks at you, say his name again and immediately give the rewards. Do this as a last resort. You want him to learn to respond to his name and not to the other sounds.
[Note: If your dog still does not show any response, consider having his hearing checked. Seriously. Some breeds, such as Dalmatians, are prone to hearing problems. A dog owner who thinks the dog is too dumb to learn is sometimes surprised to learn the dog is actually deaf!]
Another tactic is to put the treat in your hand and let your dog sniff your closed fist so he’ll know it’s there. Pull your hand away and wait until your dog looks away from you. Say his name and immediately reward his response.
If your dog continues to ignore his name after several attempts, try moving again to a less distracting location.
Keep trying, be patient, and remember not to repeat his name. Give immediate rewards when he responds.
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