05/20/2026
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Changing a rescued dogs name can be a good thing.
“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.” — W.C. Fields
I often think about this quote when rescue dogs are given new names.
A name is more than just a word or a label for a dog — a name is attached to experiences, emotions, tone and memories.
For some rescue dogs, their old name may have been coupled with punishment, spoken with anger, associated with fear, anxiety, neglect, or confusion.
Giving a dog a new name is not about erasing their past. It’s about creating new, safe, positive associations. When introduced with kindness, patience, play, treats, affection and trust, a new name can become the sound that predicts good things instead of bad.
A new name can be a fresh, new beginning and can provide an opportunity to rebuild broken trust, build new bonds and create feelings of safety.
There may be concern that changing a dog’s name will confuse them or may cause some form of emotional distress, but dogs really don’t see their names in the same way that we do.
Dogs really don’t care what we call them, as long as that name is associated with positive experiences it will always be a good name.
The way a new name is introduced and taught is important. Care should be taken not to attach any negative associations with the new name.
The new name should always be paired with something positive whenever your dog hears the sound. Call the new name and every time your dog reacts, responds or looks at you, reward this with a treat, lots of praise, a game or a toy.
Keep repeating this and dogs will quickly begin to associate their new name with good things and will start responding to the new sound in a positive way.
A previous name may be linked to a traumatic past, but a new name can be the beginning of a happy ever after, a forever home and a first step in creating a new future.
