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Renaming Dogs - Is It A Good Idea?
I've just read a sort of 'canine agony aunt' column I came across online. A reader was asking if it was sensible to try and rename a rescue dog she was proposing to offer a new home to as she didn't like its exisiting name. Over the years I've known a number of people who have done exactly that. Mostly the change has been to something similar - from Jason to Jay for instance. But I have known people change a dog's name to something completely different without undue problem. If you are considering doing the same thing just give the dog plenty of time to adjust to the change. Be sure to do a lot of talking lovingly to the dog using its new name. Every time you come into the room where it is go up to it and say "Hello (new name)" in a loving voice, gently stroking it all the while. And every time the dog comes up to you do the same thing. So long as you don't expect overnight results you should be fine. The reason I mention this is that it's something I'm considering myself. Details aren't yet finalised, but I think the Chastney family are probably going to be adopting a 2 year old ex coursing greyhound bitch. It's been on the cards for a while - ever since Tufter was killed at the end of February I've had half an eye open for a replacement. My wife and I first went to see her about 6 weeks ago and fell in love with her. And now that Bracken's gone I feel it's even more important we have canine company again before too long. I've never taken on an adult dog before so it will be a new challenge. And a greyhound! That really *will* be a challenge - they have a reputation for being quite a long way down the list when it comes to intelligence and trainability. And just to complicate matters I shall probably change her name if we do get her - I'm not very taken with her present name. I'll keep you posted on developments in due course.... Recommended reading - "Dog Training Blueprint To Success".
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