However, dogs are much less picky about their names. We at SCLRR do not always know a dog's name, especially if we got the dog from the shelter who in turn picked it up as a stray. We give names to all the dogs coming in. We retain the old name if known, and give new ones if not. Most rescue organizations do this as well. In fact, the greyhound rescue folks more often than not arbitrarily rename all their incoming dogs, discarding track names even when known. And quite often, the adopting family will select another name they prefer after adopting the dog.
We simply start using the new names. It normally takes about two to three weeks for most dogs to learn their new name. Give the dog a treat each time you use his new name; he'll start paying close attention very quickly! If you're changing a dog's name and you know the old name, it can help to chain the old and new names together and then eventually drop the old name. For example, to change Kody's name to Kona, you might start by calling him Kody-Kona, then Kona-Kody, and eventually just Kona.
Dogs are not traumatized by learning a new name. In fact we suspect in some cases, they are glad to be rid of an old name that has associations of pain, misunderstanding, or fear. So go ahead and think up that perfect name for your new companion!
Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. *
PO Box 4859, Irvine CA 92616-4859
http://www.geocities.com/~sclrr * 1-888-55-4ALAB
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