How Does a Dog Know What It's Name Is?
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Repetition, Tone and Expression
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Ever eager for praise and rewards, most dogs try hard to please their human companions. One of the ways a dog pleases its owner is by responding to words, which includes responding to its own name. When an owner or family chooses a name for a new dog, they usually repeat the name often, especially for the first week or two. The owner may say the dog's name in a higher than usual tone of voice trying to get the dog's attention, especially if the dog is still very young. Dog owners usually smile and act happy while saying the new dog's name leading the dog to believe the owner is happy about its behavior. The dog reacts by going to its owner. After hearing its own name numerous times in a happy tone, followed by positive reinforcement, the dog begins to associate its name with positive reinforcement from its owner. Once the dog makes this connection, it responds whenever it hears its name by coming to its owner.
Positive Reinforcement
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Dogs respond well to positive forms of reinforcement during training. Positive reinforcement can include verbal praise, petting, doggie snacks, or a combination. When an owner calls to a new dog just learning its name, it is common to give positive reinforcement. The owner calls the dog's name, when the dog comes; the owner praises the dog, pets the dog and feeds it some goodies. The dog soon realizes that responding to the name results in a good experience with the owner. Soon, the dog is able to recognize its name means go to its owner.
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Gestures
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It is quite common for people to use gestures when training pets. Dogs, being pack animals, are receptive to this approach. Therefore, when teaching a new name to a dog, owners may pat their own knees with their hands, clap their hands, or in obedience trials make a tiny circle towards their body. When these gestures accompany the dog's name, it soon realizes that its owner is summoning it. A dog learns to respond to its own name after repeated use in the same way that an infant learns to respond to its own name after repeated use, that includes friendly gestures and happy expressions.
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- Photo Credit Julia Fuller
