SIL keeps refering to my dog as his old name

[BeefLasagneForMyTea]

Hi I brought home a 2 year old dog yesterday. I stupidly told my SIL what his previous name was, which is a stupid name (Ratty McFatty!). We have chosen a new name. SIL thinks we should have kept his old name as, in her words, "he's old to learn a new name" which is complete bollocks.

She keeps calling him his old name. I've asked her not to but she's still doing it!

AIBU to expect her to call the dog the name we have chosen and not his old name?

[acasualobserver]

Go NC.

[AgentZigzag]

at Ratty McFatty!

I can see why she's drawn to that unusual and endearing name but it's really not for her to choose what he's called is it?

Depending on how often she's round, now you've told her to stop just try and ignore her doing it.

What's his new name? Any pics?

[PotteringAlong]

Ratty McFatty is a great name! I'm with your SiL

[AgentZigzag]

Yeah, or just go NC she would deserve it for sure.

[Lottie2611]

It would be so hard to not call him ratty Mcfatty

[AgentZigzag]

Does she call him the full Ratty McFatty every time she says it or does she shorten it to Ratty/Rats?

[FeelingSmurfy]

Since it's such a good name, tell her she can have it! "do you want a cup of tea ratty mcfatty?"

[ClashCityRocker]

ratty mcfatty is an awesome name for a dog. Or a child.

But yanbu. She should call it by its new name.

[CreepingDogFart]

I think it's poor on her part that she is not respecting your wishes. Also if the dog has been abused a new start is better.

[BorderTerrierControl]

Sorry to hear you're having problems with your SIL. You can train her out of it, but you need to be firm and consistent. Each time she uses the wrong name, tell her NO quite loudly and firmly, and make her sit. When she does get it right, give her a biscuit and plenty of praise.

This can take time, but it's the kindest way to teach a SIL what you expect in terms of good behaviour.

[AgentZigzag]

Border.

Please try this out with your SIL OP.

[cranberryx]

I agree with borderterrier. Although I would never train my dogs this way, do you have a water squirt bottle? Every time she says the name, squirt.

Behavioural conditioning is known to be quite effective.

[OverAndAbove]

Well, it's only one day since you hit him; I dare say the novelty will wear off for your SIL. I wouldn't worry too much

[SoupDragon]

still doing it

It's been a day FFS.

[BorderTerrierControl]

You can also try distracting the SIL from the bad behviour by encouraging a more desirable behaviour in its place. For example, when she says "Ratty McFatty" you can respond with "NO. Put the kettle on. kettle. Good SIL, good."

[CactusKate]

LTB

[Wolpertinger]

It's only been a day. How often do you see/speak to your SIL?

[OhShutUpThomas]

I would call him Ratty McFatty too. I just wouldn't be able to stop myself.

Sorry OP

[sleeponeday]

Tell her if she calls the dog that, you'll call her it as well. Ratty McFatty's not so endearing when used on a middle-aged woman. Or maybe I'm just over-sensitive.

[AgentZigzag]

Usually though Soup, if you ask someone to do something reasonable they'd normally just do it and it'd never come up again (although I can kind of sympathise with the SIL in that I'd probably want to call him Rats McFats as many times as I could while I had the opportunity).

Same with asking people to call you or your children by a name you've chosen, carrying on just means they're on the wind up IMO.

[sleeponeday]

Er, not that anyone has. Yet. I will have to hide this thread from my family.

[BooAvenue]

I'm sorry I think it's an awesome name and I honestly don't think I'd be able to resist calling him it.

[MantaRayBay]

border I'm shaking with laughter. Thanks for cheering me up!

Nothing useful to add OP! Unless you tell her she can have the name for her future pets

[paxillin]

Call her Millicent. Unless that's her name of course. (Use Marianne if it is)

[MitzyLeFrouf]

Ratty McFatty is a glorious name. Noble and distinguished! I bet you've renamed him Charlie or something dull like that.

Fear not Ratty, you'll always be Mr McFatty to me.