Like humans, a dog's name has meaning and understanding what you mean when you say your dog's name is something that not all dog owners comprehend. Knowing how and what to say will help develop a long and happy friendship for your dog and whole family.

This is not an exercise for your dog, it is for the humans in the family. What do you mean when you say your dog's name? Many people have never given this any thought, yet it is something they repeat many times each day. What should his name mean? I would suggest it means 'look at me, something wonderful is about to happen'. It is the way of switching him on and saying 'I am talking to you, we are going to do something nice together'.

His name should not-mean 'no' or 'stop'. It must signal good things. If you associate your dog's name with something unpleasant, do not be surprised when he ignores you when you call his name. He will have learned that he does not want to listen to you.

He should know that his name means 'listen to me, as something good will happen'. You can then use it before you ask him to do an exercise, so that your dog is paying attention and wanting to learn.

Use the Right Name
Be consistent with his name, just as with all the words you expect him to respond to. Therefore, have as many pet names for your dog as you like, but when you are talking to him and want a response, use the same name each time.