Deciding whether to rename your beloved furry companion is a significant choice that many pet owners face at some point. Our dogs’ names are an essential part of their identity, and changing it can have both emotional and practical implications. According to experts, there are times when a dog should be renamed, and other times they should not.
Animal shelters, rescues and breeders generally do an exceptional job naming their animals. They need to make sure the dog has a great name to make them marketable and therefore more likely to be adopted or purchased. In some cases, the dog’s original name may have been kept. Each of the animals we have adopted have come with great names that we loved. We did not change any of their names. While that worked out for some of our animals, it’s also made it more challenging for others.
Our Personal Experiences
Our first rescue was named Kimo. He was seized by the humane society due to lack of care and abuse and was only in the humane society for a week. Looking back, I suspect it was the humane society that named him, and given that it was fresh and new, I feel like we were ok to keep his name.
Starsky was a cat, and he was dropped off with his brother (who they named Hutch, of course) in the middle of the night at the same humane society we had adopted Kimo from. The humane society definitely named him, and while he was there for many months, I still think we were ok not to rename him, but mostly because he was a cat and we weren’t doing a lot of training or using his name a lot.
Looking back on Willow, she was surrendered by her family (kids, parents, other animals) as they claimed there was a relationship breakdown. The humane society strongly suspected there was some abuse. She was a troubled dog right from the get-go, and Willow was definitely her original family name. We know this because she was surrendered with all her original paperwork, with only the family’s name redacted. She also spent about 4 months with the humane society where she did not handle the environment well. They insisted we hire a behavioural trainer as part of the conditions of adopting her. In hindsight, we have done her a disservice by not renaming her. The name had almost certainly been used negatively, likely with negative associations, quite likely also during punishment or other abuse. We would have done well to choose a new name for her and make it a truly fresh start.
We actually intended to rename Sienna. She was suspected to have spent time on the streets, then in a hoarding situation with 110 other dogs in Mexico, then in a shelter for a few months before being flown to Canada and spending a brief time with a foster. We spent a ton of time looking for a Mexican-inspired name that was good for a dog, but the name the rescue had given her kept popping up in our searches and was the only one we both liked, so we kept it. Should we have changed her name? Probably. Sienna also had PTSD (read more on that here) so we spent a lot of time on relationship and confidence building, with also meant we were building very positive associations with her name at every interaction. In Sienna’s case, not changing her name worked out.
Why Consider Renaming Your Dog?
There are various reasons why dog owners might contemplate renaming their pets. One common scenario is when adopting a rescue dog with an existing name. Sometimes, the name may not align with the dog’s personality or unique traits, leaving the owner searching for a more fitting alternative. Additionally, personal preferences for different names could also prompt the desire for a change. While these reasons are valid, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the impact of such a decision on your four-legged companion.
As a general rule of thumb, if the dog’s history is unknown or negative, it’s a good idea to rename the dog so that they can have a positive association with their name in their new life with you. However, if you know the dog’s history (let’s say you’ve rehomed from a friend due to unforeseen circumstances) and you know that dog has had a great life and already has a positive association with their name, in these circumstances it’s usually better to keep the dog’s name.
Pros and Cons of Renaming Your Dog
Before diving into a name change, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons associated with this decision. On the positive side, renaming your dog can create a fresh start for both of you, fostering a deeper bond with the new name and potentially reflecting their true essence. However, there are potential downsides to consider, such as the risk of confusing your dog with a new name, disrupting established routines, and the emotional attachment both you and your dog may have to the original name.
By choosing a new name, you will be able to ensure that the dog has a positive association with the name. After all, you want calling your dog’s name to mean wonderful things are happening. You want your dog to immediately look at you or come to you when you call their name. If your dog is used to hearing their name in a negative way, when they’re being punished, or abused, or getting in trouble, that name may be poisoned or have a negative association.
Understanding Your Dog’s Name Recognition
Dogs are remarkably receptive to their names, and they quickly learn to associate their names with attention, commands, and positive reinforcement. The length, syllables, familiarity, and repetition of the name can influence your dog’s recognition. Consistency in using the name is also crucial for reinforcing the association.
That’s not to say your dog can’t, and won’t, have nicknames. Of course, they will! Just like we humans have our full formal names, our first names, our middle names, our nicknames, and our pet names for each other, so do most dogs. They can recognize them just as we can. But like humans, dogs will be more likely to respond to the name they are most used to, which will usually be their first name. It’s important to build strong, positive recognition of this name.
The Psychological Aspect of Renaming Dogs
Renaming your dog involves more than just uttering a new word. Dogs develop strong associations with their names, so a name change can have a psychological impact. However, dogs are adaptable creatures, and with patience and consistent training, they can learn to recognize and embrace their new name.
Introducing a new name to your dog should be approached thoughtfully and gently. Observe how your dog responds to their current name and consider their level of attachment to it. When introducing a potential new name, use positive reinforcement techniques like offering treats or praise to build positive associations with the name change.
Tips for Choosing a Name
Selecting a new name for your canine companion is an exciting and meaningful process. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your dog’s unique personality and traits while finding a name that resonates with both of you.
- Reflect on Your Dog’s Personality and Traits: Before settling on a name, take some time to observe your dog’s personality, behaviour, and unique characteristics. Consider their breed, size, colour, and any endearing quirks that set them apart. A name that aligns with their personality will feel more meaningful and authentic.
- Keep it Simple and Pronounceable: When choosing a new name, opt for something simple and easy to pronounce. Most dogs respond better to short, one or two-syllable names that they can quickly recognize and differentiate from regular commands or cues during training. This is not to say that your dog’s formal name cannot be Sir Dog Doggington the Princely Puppy of Puppington the Third, but that might be a bit of a mouthful and hard for your dog to understand. If choosing a long name, consider shortening the everyday use to something quick and short.
- Avoid Common Names: While popular dog names might be trendy, opting for a unique name can make your pet feel even more special. Avoid names that are commonly used for dogs in your area, as this could lead to confusion when you call your dog at the park or during walks. Likewise, avoid using the names of close family or friends.
- Consider the Meaning: If you prefer a name with a deeper significance, explore names that hold special meanings or connections. For example, you could choose a name inspired by your dog’s heritage, a favourite place, or a cherished memory. Considering the meaning of the name is also important psychologically, as a dog name Bolt, for example, will often turn out to be a high-energy, high-drive dog while a dog named Marshmallow will often turn out to be a couch potato.
- Involve the Entire Family: Choosing a dog name can be a family affair. Involve all family members in the process to ensure everyone feels a connection to the chosen name. Create a shortlist of favourite names and vote on the final selection.
- Try the Name Out: Once you have a few potential names in mind, try them out to see which one feels the most natural. Call your dog by each name and observe their response. A name that elicits a positive reaction or catches your dog’s attention is a good sign.
- Test for Humor and Longevity: Consider the long-term implications of the name you choose. A name that sounds humorous or endearing when your dog is a puppy might still be suitable as they grow older. Ensure that the name will be appropriate and meaningful throughout your dog’s life.
- Seek Inspiration from Literature, History, or Pop Culture: Look to your favourite books, historical figures, or pop culture references for name inspiration. Whether it’s a character from a beloved novel or a famous dog in history, drawing inspiration from these sources can add depth and charm to your dog’s name.
Choosing a new dog name is a momentous occasion that allows you to celebrate your pet’s unique identity. By reflecting on their personality, keeping it simple, and avoiding common names, you can find a name that perfectly complements your furry friend. Remember to involve your family, try out potential names, and consider the long-term implications. Ultimately, the perfect name will resonate with both you and your dog, solidifying a special connection that will last a lifetime.
Tips for Successfully Renaming Your Dog
If you decide to proceed with a name change, consider these essential tips for a smooth transition. Choose the right time to introduce the new name, preferably during a calm and positive moment. Select a name that suits your dog’s personality and is easy to pronounce. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog when they respond to their new name. Be patient and avoid scolding your dog if they don’t immediately respond to the change.
Play the Name Game! In a calm environment with no distractions, say your dog’s name, and when they turn towards you, praise and reward them. Once they are successfully getting it, start increasing the difficulty by moving to more difficult environments (such as outside, or on a walk), OR by asking for a longer look. Don’t ask for longer and more distractions at the same time, work on one or the other.
Keep training sessions short and engaging. Dogs have shorter attention spans, so regular, brief sessions throughout the day work best. Avoid overloading your dog with too much information at once. Even 30 seconds several times a day is great!
Never use your dog’s new name in a negative tone or as punishment. Using the name negatively may cause your pet to associate its name with fear or anxiety, hindering the training process.
Teaching your dog its name requires patience and consistency. Every dog learns at its own pace, so be patient and avoid becoming frustrated. With time and dedication, your dog will start responding to its name reliably.
Special Considerations for Renaming Rescue Dogs
Renaming rescue dogs requires additional sensitivity. Understand that your newly adopted dog may have a history and possible trauma associated with their previous name. Take the time to build trust and a strong bond with your new pet, using their new name as a tool to create positive experiences.
Legal Considerations in Renaming Your Dog
While the decision to rename your dog is largely personal, it’s essential to comply with local pet laws and regulations. Update your dog’s identification tags, microchip information, and inform relevant authorities about the name change to avoid any legal complications.
Seeking Professional Advice
If you’re unsure about renaming your dog or need guidance throughout the process, consider consulting a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist. These professionals can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Conclusion
The decision to rename your dog is a significant one, and it’s essential to consider your furry companion’s well-being throughout the process. By weighing the pros and cons, understanding your dog’s name recognition, and employing positive reinforcement techniques, you can make the right decision for your pet. Whether you choose to keep the original name or opt for a new one, remember that the love and care you provide remain the most critical factors in your dog’s happiness and overall health.
We just got a new dog, who is a rescue from Big Dogs Huge Paws . She is an 8 month Great Pyrenees. Her name was Quinn, but we changed it to Andorra, but we call her Dorrie for short. We name all of our animals based on their country of origin. Great Pyrenees are from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, and we will be in Andorra in September. We’ve had her 3 weeks now, and she knows and responds to her “new” but forever name very well already. Her foster parents started calling her Dorrie before we got her too, so that helped.
That’s awesome! Congrats on the new rescue. So glad she’s doing well; it’s truly amazing how quickly they learn their new names. I love the name you’ve chosen and the short form – sounds absolutely perfect!
Thank you. It’s a good fit for her. She is such a happy girl. 🙂