How to Teach Your Puppy its Name

Teaching your puppy its name is an important part of training. You can use your puppy's name to get his attention for additional training or in every day circumstances. Many people think that by just using the puppy's name that she'll catch on, but you really must train your puppy to respond to the name. Read on to learn how to teach your puppy its name.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose the right time and place for training. When you're starting out, make sure you and your puppy are in a quiet place that doesn't have many distractions. Keep sessions short as well.

2. Say your
   puppy's name in a happy, high pitched tone. You want to encourage your puppy to look at you so your tone of voice is important.

3. Give your puppy a reward when he looks up at you. If you use a clicker, you'll want to click on the behavior you want and treat. In the beginning, you'll want to treat for every glance up for her name and give plenty of praise.

4. Increase the distractions around you once the puppy is responding regularly to her name by looking up at your face. Start small and gradually increase the amount of distraction.

5. Reward at different intervals for the puppy responding to his name. Continue to praise each time, but only reward with treats or toys at random times, gradually increasing the amount of responses between treats.

6. Use your puppy's name only in positive situations. You want your puppy's name to be associated with only good things in her mind which will make her more likely to respond when you say her name.