It's totally normal to wonder if you can change a dog's name, especially after adoption from a shelter or foster home of pets. Will you feel disoriented? Will he respond to our directions? We must know that it is possible, although it is important to take into account certain previous details to facilitate learning and a positive association.
Are you considering the option of changing the name of a dog? Then continue reading this article on our site where we will talk in detail about the name change. In addition, we will offer you a list with ideas and suggestions, as well as other important information to keep in mind, keep reading!
Is it possible to change the name of an adopted dog?
Yes, you can change an adopted dog's name though of course if they've been using one for years, the can may have some difficulty associating his new name with a wake-up call, especially during the first few days. However, this does not mean that it is not possible.
With the use of positive reinforcement, which includes caresses, kind words or tasty treats, the dog will learn faster and better, to while generating a more positive bond with the owner. On the contrary, the use of punishment using the new chosen name may cause him to have more difficulty remembering it and, in addition, this association to be negative, while it will take him longer to see his tutor as a reference figure.
For all these reasons, during the first days of a dog at home, you should be very patient, minimize shouting, punishment and the squabbles For example: instead of punishing the dog for getting on the sofa, we will reinforce him for getting off it or for sleeping in his bed. But does this mean that we should ignore aggressive behavior or that we consider inappropriate during these first days? Of course not! However, we should not apply techniques without having the knowledge to do so, much less if they include shouting or physical punishment, as we can make the situation worse.
In the event of the appearance of any behavior problem in the dog we will immediately consult with those responsible for the shelter, with an ethologist or canine educator. Only a professional will guarantee adequate handling guidelines that do not put the well-being of the members of the family unit and the dog itself at risk.
Tips for renaming a dog
When you find an original name for your dog you should follow some basic tips to make the process quick and easy to understand. To do this, we will use a short name, of between 2 and 3 syllables, avoiding those nicknames that can confusewith other common words in your vocabulary, such as "come", "sit", "take" etc.
But also, to improve the dog's understanding and adaptation to its new name, we recommend that you use one that reminds you of the old name in some way, such as:
- Lucky - Lunnie
- Mirva - Diva
- Gus - Rus
- Star - Nela
- Max-Zillax
- Pongo - Cholo
In this way, by having a similar sonority, our dog will associate beforehand that this is his new nickname. Remember that it is completely normal that at first he does not always respond to his new name or that he acts indifferently, so you must be very patient and reinforce himregularly.
Likewise, we advise you to practice the basic obedience commands for dogs with him two to three times a week, in this way, in addition to guaranteeing a good response when you interact with him or when you are outside, you will use the name on a regular basis and also use positive reinforcement.
Dog names - 50 ideas for males and females
To help you in this process, we have prepared a list with 50 names for dogs, both for males and females, so you can inspire yourself and find the right one:
- Rufo
- B alto
- I put
- Tarzan
- Wolf
- Tom
- Luky
- Ray
- Rambo
- Ringo
- Carl
- Argus
- Ulises
- Noel
- Monty
- Dexter
- Apollo
- Aslan
- Tody
- York
- Ash
- Kobi
- Vito
- Zeus
- Neo
- Bela
- Ruby
- Vitta
- Paris
- Sally
- Girl
- Gina
- Gaya
- Nala
- Nella
- Zoe
- Zizi
- Kila
- Eve
- Ruby
- Ares
- Mirva
- Pilla
- Venus
- Leya
- Ava
- Heidi
- Dana
- Soul
- Friend
But if you've been wanting more, don't miss our list with more than 900 names for male dogs or the list of more than 500 names for female dogsLikewise, if you are looking for something more original, different or unusual, you have also come to the right place, on our site we have lists of mythological names for dogs, names for dogs that mean loy alty or names for dogs in Italian, among many others.