When you bring home a new dog, you probably put a lot of thought into their name. However, sometimes it might feel like your dog doesn’t know their whole name, while other times it seems like they know it. So, do dogs know their name?

How Well Do Dogs Understand Our Words?

Dogs can understand a fairly impressive number of words. Some studies have shown that dogs may understand up to about 200 words, with some dogs understanding even more. Dogs tend to process language much like humans. They do this by paying attention to body language, the tone of the voice, and context clues. All of these things help dogs learn a varied vocabulary.

Dogs also tend to learn through association. Have you ever noticed that when you say “walk”, they get very excited and dance around, anxious to get outside? Sometimes, dogs can even “learn” the spelling of a word! Because that word is almost always followed up by that behavior, dogs associate that word with that specific action or behavior. They especially pay attention when it’s something they like, like food.

Do Dogs Know Their Name?

When it comes to a dog learning their name, dogs tend to learn their name as well as other words within a week. This is probably because they associate their name with positive interactions, like attention or a treat.

If your dog ignores you when you call their name, this might not mean your dog is stubborn. They might not actually know their name or recognize a nickname. You may need to work on some training to help them learn.

It might feel overwhelming to pick the right name for your dog, and a complicated name may confuse them. To help your dog quickly learn and recognize their name, try to pick something short and simple.

Do Dogs Know Their Nicknames?

Almost every dog has a variety of nicknames that they’re given throughout their lifetime. This is especially true if they have a longer name. Shortening their name a little bit or calling them something cute or silly is something many pet owners do. But do they recognize these nicknames just like their name?

Dogs do have difficulty recognizing differences in words that sound alike. So if your nickname for your dog is a shortened version of their actual name, they probably just think it’s the same word. However, if you have a nickname that doesn’t relate to their actual name, they may have learned that responding to that nickname gets them the same amount of attention as responding to their name.

How To Tell If a Dog Knows Their Name

If you’re wondering if your dog really does know their name and isn’t just responding to cues like body language or tone of your voice, there are a few ways to tell if your dog knows their name.

They Come to You When They Hear Their Name

If you call your dog’s name and they come to you, even if they are far away, this can be a big indicator that they recognize their name. If they can’t physically see you, they aren’t able to read your body language and look for cues that tell them you are paying attention to them. This means they heard their name, the word they associate with attention, and came looking for you.

Your Dog Pays Attention When You Say Their Name

Another way to tell if your dog understands their name is if they perk up, tilt their head, or immediately look at you when you say their name. You may also see some other dog body language, such as perking up their ears, wagging their tail, or even a short bark of excitement.

4 Tips to Teach Your Dog Their Name

If you’ve recently brought home a new puppy and wish to teach them their name, here are a few tips to teach your dog their name.

1. Keep It Separate From Obedience Training

To avoid any confusion, avoid simultaneously teaching your dog their name with obedience and basic training. If your dog hasn’t learned their name before beginning obedience training, try to keep it separate. Not doing so could be a way you’re confusing your dog, especially a young puppy.

2. Use Positive Tones!

Remember, dogs associate tone of voice with certain words. When you begin using your dog’s name, try to always use a happy or excited tone of voice. Try to do this when your dog is not looking at you. Once they look your way, say “yes” excitedly and follow up with a treat. This will help your dog learn that responding to that specific word is your cue for getting their attention.

3. Be Consistent

Consistency is one of the most valuable dog training tips. Try to keep the same tone of voice when you use their name. In the first few weeks, or even months, try to keep that positivity in your voice and offer treats or praise whenever they respond to you.

If you happen to talk about your dog while they are in the room with you, try not to use their name if possible. If they hear their name, they may expect a treat or praise, and if they don’t receive that, they may get confused, or it may take longer for them to respond consistently to their name.

4. Try Their Name In New Environments

Once it’s apparent that your dog has learned their name, it’s time to try it in different situations and outside the home. Keeping your dog on a leash, start using their name when they are distracted by something insignificant, like simply walking past you. Then, you can gradually start using their name when bigger distractions are present, such as other people.

Over time, your dog will learn to recognize and respond to their name. Once they master their name, you can try a nickname that’s pretty similar to their name. Just remember to use the name they are the most familiar with in situations where getting their attention is important.

So, do dogs know their names? Dogs are quite smart and can learn and recognize their name, but only after they’ve heard it plenty of times. Putting in the time and effort can go a long way in helping your dog learn it more quickly!