This is a magazine article by Steve Brooks, CPDT/KA Fido Friendly Magazine Fall 2014 Page 60, He yaps / She yaps " A Rose By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet" / HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG THEIR NAME By Steve Brooks, CPDT/KA Steve Brooks: Is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and a Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Steve is a licensed Family Paws Parent Education (FPPE) presenter, and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. Steve is featured as a dog training expert on the Blu-ray DVD for the film, Marley & Me. His new book, DOG BITES with STEVE BROOKS, filled with expert training tips, and a plethora of amazing human meals that can be modified to train your K9, is now available! Visit: www.SteveBrooksK9U.com. We just rescued a dog named Spike from a shelter and want to know if we can change his name? First, I’d like to commend you on rescuing your dog from a shelter! Knowing your new dog’s old name helps because my first suggestion is to find a similar name to Spike… like Mike or Ike. If you prefer another name, the good news is it’s never too late to completely change a dog’s name. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever met have single syllable names, but I find that most dogs respond best to two- or three syllable names ending in “y” or “ie’ (like Spikey). Names that sound like ‘no’ like Bo and Bruno are usually not ideal. The name itself isn’t nearly as important as how you say it; what matters is the tone and rhythm. You’re aiming for a happy, calm, and sweet tone. When you say your dog’s name, it means to look at you…one of the most important things a dog needs to learn. To teach your dog their name: hold a treat behind your back or hidden somewhere on your body in close proximity. If you feel lucky, say their new name, and if they look at you, great! Mark it with a click sound or “Good girl/boy” and say their name again to reinforce it. Get eye contact and connect for a second, then immediately give them a treat. Repeat several times. If you don’t feel lucky, don’t ask their name over and over again… wait until they look at you on their own. When they do look at you, bring your hand with the treat to your face for eye contact and label it by saying their name. Pause for a second… take a deep breath, connect, and immediately deliver the treat. Your dog will learn their name in no time!

Sponsor:Steve Brooks K9U
Speaker(s):Steve Broos, CPDT/KA

Contact: Steve Brooks,CPDT/KA
 Email: steve@stevebrooksk9u.com
 Phone: 323-422-8711
 Web: http://www.stevebrooksk9u.com/