I keep calling but my dog doesn’t come!
We put such meaning into our dogs’ names. Names are of course, crucial to communicating with them and teaching them to give us their focus. A familiar name is a great way to get your dog’s attention, especially if there are other dogs or distractions around. Most dogs learn that the sound of their name is a cue to look at you. They may come to you when you repeat their name, because something good will probably happen next like a treat, a pat, or praise! Dogs are very literal in the way they think. Over time, when they hear their name they may check in with you - but just saying their name doesn’t tell them what you want, and other things can be far more interesting.
The issue is that many of us use our dog’s name far too often. We don’t explain what we want always, so our poor companions are left to guess whether ‘Fred!’, means ‘Come here’, ‘Look at me’, ‘Stop doing that’ or even ‘I love you’. Not only that, we often keep saying it over and over again in the hope that the light will dawn eventually, and they will understand us perfectly!
A name is really useful to gain your dog’s attention, particularly if you have more than one dog and want to communicate with just one of them. Be careful of repetition though. The more often you say your dog’s name the more likely he is to ignore it. It will become background noise, especially when not followed by a meaningful cue. Worse still, he may learn to expect you to repeat his name several times every time you use it. Once you have your dog’s attention, using his name is no longer necessary.
Just ask him to do what it is you want him to do and then encourage him to do it, praising him when he has successfully obeyed you.
