Male and Female Dog Names – How to Teach Your Dog Its Name

Starting from the premise that dogs generally learn their own name on their own and it doesn't take long for them to associate it with themselves after hearing it repeatedly, it is also true that we don't really know what they associate that word with exactly — whether it's a recall cue (like Come here!), or a request for attention on our part (like hey, are you ready? I'm about to throw the ball!). So let's find out how to teach a dog its name the right way! Plus loads of original names for male and female dogs!

How to teach a dog its name

Generally, a dog interprets the sound of its name as a request for attention; if the intention is instead to get them to perform a specific action, we will need to pair the dog's name with the corresponding command. Just like it works for us — if someone calls you only by your name without saying anything else, you will naturally turn towards that person, waiting to hear what they want.

It's no coincidence that dogs who have taken the upper hand over their owner, when they hear their name, will turn away even though they know perfectly well you are calling them. If, on the other hand, you have a great relationship with your four-legged friend, teaching your dog its name will be much easier! Your friend will learn their name on their own and associate it with a request for attention from you. Not all of our friends have this instinctive gift, however, and may need a few tips.

So if you want to teach your dog its name the right way, you will need to make sure they associate the sound of their name with something positive: namely, the classic treat. Working with positive reinforcement, your goal is to earn their attention no matter what they are doing at that particular moment.

How to teach a dog its name

There are two methods for teaching a dog its name: the first is the "Come here!" approach. Even though this, as just mentioned, will become a separate specific command not necessarily linked to the dog's name. If your dog is a puppy, it will be instinctive for them to come running to you as soon as you say their name! If you also add the come command, you will already be on the right track for teaching the recall.

When your little friend comes to you, reward them and kneel down beside them so as not to frighten them by towering over them with your height. The second method is the "look what I've got here" approach! Take a training treat without letting them see it, and as soon as they get distracted, call them by name — the moment they turn towards you, give them the treat straight away.

In the beginning, it is advisable to teach your dog its name in places with few distractions, trying to avoid moments when you already know your friend won't pay you much attention (mealtimes, when they're busy with a toy, etc.). Repeat the exercises for a maximum of 5 minutes so as not to stress them out, and always remember that it should be a game for them — so never, ever scold them, as it simply won't do any good!

Names for male and female dogs

Now that we've discovered how to teach a dog its name, all that's left is to choose what to call them! Remember to choose short dog names, as your friend will learn them more easily; if you really love longer names, try at least to use a nickname when calling them. Below you will find a list of truly original dog names! Most of them are Italian dog names, divided into male dog names and female dog names — all you have to do is pick the one that best reminds you of your precious friend!