Can you change a dogs name?

[happygardening]

My dog has recently died leaving my 6 year old grieving very badly. I have just been offered a lovely dog same age, breed, outlook on life etc but I cant stand her name. Is it too late to change it?

I think it's fine to change, we took on an adult rescue dog from the Dogs Trust and they for some reason rename all their dogs, so he came to us with a recently-acquired name (which we kept because it was nicer). It wasn't a problem and if I say his old name now he doesn't even respond.

Don't think dogs have the same concept of name=identify as we do, so it's just a case of them getting used to a different word being used to get their attention!

We have a rescue dog and changed his name. He knew it within about half an hour. As Ephiny says above, they just accept what word/sound we make to get their attention.

I am so sorry for your loss, I hope your dog loves his new friend.

I'm sure its fine - after all, a lot of rescue dogs no-one knows their original name. I call my dog all sorts of diminutives of his actual name - its the tone of voice which matters most.

So glad you've found a new dog. When our last one died, my then 7 year old didn't outwardly get too upset but really wasn't very happy (neither was I come to that) until we'd definitely decided to get another, and she was so happy when we found our current dog.

I'm sorry for your loss.

I think you can change a dogs name, but they might not respond to the one you want to use. It's a question of finding a name she responds to that you also like. After that should be fine :)

I agree that a lot of it is down to the tone of voice you use although our dog pricks his ears if he hears his name in conversation - so obviously a speaking voice rather than a calling voice

Just think how quickly dogs learn each new euphemism for 'walkies' you come up with!

Ha ha - that is true Grimma

Both of mine were renamed, a new name for a new start as both were rescues (and had crappy names!). Didn't take them any time at all to learn it. In fact they respond to 'oi, stupid' 'stinky' 'horrible bloody dog' if said in the right tone of voice.

Sorry about your dog.

Yes you can change a dog's name and in fact under certain circumstances, it's highly recommended. E.g. if the dog was abused by a previous owner then that name will have bad connotations.

If your dog was called 'Bob' and you want to change his name to 'Fred', then start calling him 'Bob Fred'. After 1-2 weeks simply drop the 'Bob'. You can also treat him the first few times you just call him 'Fred' to reinforce that 'Fred' is a good word!

So sorry about your dog

I have changed 2 of my dogs names, they came from different rescues, both had the same name and the name was very similar to one of my Dd's.

No problems adapting, tone of voice and food treats and they answer to anything really.

Anything is possible with positive encouragement and plenty of sausage and cheese.

My dog is officially called Bertie, but got the nickname Wiggy as he looks like a little toupee scuttling along the floor. He answers to Wig now, and is only Bertie for best .

I changed my rescue GSDs name when we got her (very sadly no longer with us) as she had been abused and when I said her name she seemed to flinch.

She 'liked' her new name and it suited her well.

You can change a dogs name, just use positive reward to make it a happy association.

We kept our rescue dogs' names, but they have so many others and answer to all of them!!