Name Recognition
Dogs don’t come knowing their names. Just as with every skill, name recognition must be taught. Here are the steps to teach your dog to understand his name:
TOOLS:
- Treat Pouch
- Treats
- Clicker
TRAINING ENVIRONMENT: Start in the least distracting (most boring) place in your home.
RECOMMENDED TREAT POSITION: Start by handing your dog a treat, and then change to on mat or toss.
- STEPS:
Part 1
- Say your dog’s name
- Hand your dog a treat
- Repeat five to ten times and end session
Part 2 (after your dog is looking at you when you say his name)
- Say your dog’s name
- When he/she looks at you, click
- Place a treat on your dog’s mat or toss the treat
- When your dog is looking away from you, say his/her name again.
- When your dog turns and looks at you, click and treat.
HOMEWORK:
- PUPPIES: 5-10 repetitions per session, two to three sessions a day
- DOGS: Do at least ten repetitions, three times each day.
- A repetition is saying his/her name once.
AT THE END OF THIS EXERCISE your dog should be turning and looking at you when you say his/her name..