Dogs vary when it comes to understanding human language. Some pick up just a few basic words, while others, like a South Carolina border collie named Chaser, understand more than 1,000 names for different objects. Tell Chaser to fetch “Uncle Fuzz” instead of “Wise Owl,” and he’ll come back with “Uncle Fuzz.” But when it comes to their own names, how do dogs know who they are and who you’re talking to?
How Dogs Understand Humans
Dogs learn words through a combination of deductive reasoning and positive reinforcement, but it’s unclear if dogs are able to conceive of themselves as an entity with a name. Current scientific thought is mixed.
In other words, when you say, “Good morning, Rex,” to your dog, he isn’t thinking, “There’s Mom saying hello to me, Rex!”
He might simply be thinking, “There’s Mom. She’s making that sound that usually means something good is about to happen. I predict breakfast!”
Dogs, of course, also read context and body language. When many dog owners grab the leash, it doesn’t matter what they say. The dog expects to go out.
Dogs certainly think of themselves and how they fit into their world in certain ways: “More food for me!” Or, “This pee smells like mine!” Or, “That dog is not me.” But the extent to which dogs understand the concept of self, it’s hard to say.
There are definite ways to help your dog understand when you’re talking to him, and to ensure that he responds to you when you need him to.
Choose a Dog Name With Dog Hearing in Mind
If it’s not too late, you should choose a name for your dog that’s short (one or two syllables) and distinct in terms of its sound. You want a name with hard consonants, like Max or Molly. Softer names with lots of vowels, like Oodles, will stand out less, and long names are more likely to sound muddled and confusing to a dog’s ears.
How to Teach Your Dog His Name
- Begin with short, five-minute training sessions. Bring your puppy close and keep him on a leash so he can’t run off and have plenty of treats handy.
- Begin by saying your dog’s name, make eye contact, then say, “Yes!” and give him a treat.
- Do this several times, then include a few sentences your dog definitely will not understand.
- Then add in his name again – try to say it always in the same friendly tone – and when he makes eye contact, say, “Yes!” and give him a treat.
- Repeat several times over a period of several minutes.
Increase the Distance and Continue Training
Continue with the same sort of training described above, but increase the distance between you and your dog.
Keep your dog on his leash, but let him roam around and become distracted. Say his name in an upbeat way, using the same positive tone. When he looks to you, say, “Yes!” and let him come to you for a treat.
With repeated practice, your dog will learn to stop what he’s doing and look to you for direction or positive reinforcement when you call his name.
More Tips
- Say your dog’s name in the same way (tonally, melodically) each time.
- Offer positive reinforcement when your dog responds to his name. You can say “yes” or “good dog,” or offer affection or a treat.
- Don’t use your dog’s name when you don’t want him to respond. Otherwise, your dog will hear his name but learn that perhaps nothing is about to happen. This will create confusion, should he respond or not?
- Don’t use your dog’s name for punishment or when you’re frustrated with the dog. You want your dog to associate his name with positive things.