Lesson One: Teach your dog their name

[dolmod]

First chapter in the DOL Training Guide: Teaching your dog their "NAME" aka getting your dogs attention.

No debating which technique is better or worse, just simple step by step guides from members for members.

Videos welcome.

[WeLoveOur7Dogs]

We taught this by saying the dog's name and giving a treat immediately. They usually catch on fairly quickly that their name brings good things and it is in their best interest to pay attention (quickly) when they hear this word.

[Meatos]

We taught this by saying the dog's name and giving a treat immediately. They usually catch on fairly quickly that their name brings good things and it is in their best interest to pay attention (quickly) when they hear this word.

This is how I did it too.

Also helped to invite a few friends over and have them say her name and have her come to them for treats.

[michellers]

We taught this by saying the dog's name and giving a treat immediately. They usually catch on fairly quickly that their name brings good things and it is in their best interest to pay attention (quickly) when they hear this word.

With your larger group of dogs, when you call a certain dog, does more then just that dog come? When I call Howie, Lola comes too. When I call Lola, Howie comes as well.

I guess it isn't that big of a deal, but I can think of a few situations where only one dog coming would be convenient.

[WeLoveOur7Dogs]

With your larger group of dogs, when you call a certain dog, does more then just that dog come? When I call Howie, Lola comes too. When I call Lola, Howie comes as well.

I guess it isn't that big of a deal, but I can think of a few situations where only one dog coming would be convenient.

You can teach them to respond individually, saying their particular name before giving a command. It's also helpful to use a word that lets them know they are ALL expected to respond (all dogs) -
My dogs are really good at watching body language and they also know the routine very well.
Like all training, it takes time and commitment.

[ouesi]

We taught this by saying the dog's name and giving a treat immediately. They usually catch on fairly quickly that their name brings good things and it is in their best interest to pay attention (quickly) when they hear this word.

Exactly how we do it too

Once the name -> treat connection is made, try waiting until the dog is distracted by something else, then say his name. If he turns his head and looks at you, mark and treat.

Now you have a natural stepping stone to teaching to eye contact and recall.

[Charlene]

ashley was 7 when i got her and new her name quite well. swee' pea was called "serena" when she came to rescue, nobody liked that so they changed it. when i got her, she wasn't quite responding to her new name so the name/treat method is what i used.

when i want them both to come to me i call out "special cookie!!!" to let them know i'm getting into the bin where the peanut butter flavored cookies live. i never have to say it more than once.

[Britedane]

I can't say I used the treat but I did use the same method name/praise instead of treats and only praised if she looked at me and I kept those sessions short and sweet since she had the attention span of a puppy