Re: Knowing and responding to their names

[Michael D'Abruzzo]

Hi Kaleb,

Congrats on the new pup! You will be surprised at how naturally these little guys learn their names, but if you want to be technical here are some suggestions.

– Be sure to follow the leadership exercises in “pack structure” section
– This will make the pup more responsive to affection
– When the pup is wondering about, calmly repeat his name every few seconds
– As soon as he turns to give attention really ham it up for him and have something you know he likes such as a treat, toy, or love

You can also do this outside. If you are in a safe area outside, most pups at this age don’t like to be abandoned so you can wait until he is isn’t looking and duck just out of his site. Calmly say his name and praise him when he naturally focuses in on you.

If you start with some simple phase 1 treat training you can also say his name to get his attention just before the command. It is important not to say too much besides the technical commands during these formal sessions to make it easier on him to learn the words.

If all else fails, the basic phase 1 leash manners attention getting exercises teach the name, but most likely he will know his name before any formal leash exercises with a little work. I hope this helps, sounds like you are off to a great start!