Is it wrong to rename my dog?

Question

Well I've had my dog for 2 year already and he's 4 years old. When I first adopted him I was rushing so much so I just renamed him Toto. His previous name was Jeb and I couldn't think of a name so I just said Toto. I know, I know I should have changed his name like awhile ago. Like right away once I got home from the shelter. But I was too distracted and blah blah. I'm stupid aha, I know. But I really want to rename him because I never really liked the name Toto. I wanted to name him a fruit :3 Ahh... I know ridiculous. Like Mango! So I just want to know if that's completely wrong because you know, I had him for 2 years already and always called him Toto. He's so used to it now.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Oh I like mango! It's a nice name!

Yes you can change his name without a problem. To make him get his new name, call his name, then give him a reward. Do that several time. Then when he hears his name, he will look at you to see if he's gonna get a reward! When he's used to it, call him, and them ask him something like sit. Then, his name will mean: Hey, I will ask you to do something so give me your attention!



My teacher at animal behavior school said she would never tell the real name of her dog so people won't use it all the time like: oooh princess hello princess how are you princess you're beautiful! People use the name too much without any consequence after. So the name becomes a neutral word, and then the owner says his dog doesn't listen to him :p

So she would invent a new name to tell people, a neutral word like Princess, and keep the real name when she really needed the attention of her dog. :)

Answer 2

I see absolutely no reason not to. Older dogs get adopted from shelters and have their names changed by their new families all the time. My own dog has like... five different names that I call her and she responds equally well to each one. As was said just be patient while he learns the new one.



BTW giving a Puggle the name Mango is to adorable! :D

Answer 3

It would be very difficult for him to get used to the new name, so be ready to get ignored! lol, I would start out with using it as sort of a "nickname" when you're playing/cuddling. next, begin calling him occasionally by that name, but have some sort of treat or toy to help get his attention, and make sure to praise him by using his new name every time he does something right(like answer to it! lol)



Lastly, be prepared for the fact that he may reject the new moniker (after all, he's had almost as many names as years on Earth....and he may like Toto, secretly calling you Dorothy in Pugglese)



My animals have always had nicknames that they answer too, aswell as their "real"name (rotty named Odin answers to Bud, Tubby, Stinker, Oldman, etc; and my Ferrets Ruby & Maximus are used to being called Ruby Tuesday, Princess, Schtinkeepoops, and Baby Boi)

Answer 4

It's not wrong. The dog doesn't care what you call him or even what language you call him in, as long as you call (love) him. Just be sure that you have the patience while he adjusts to him new name.

Answer 5

use both names until he gets the Idea mango is also his name. around here names evolve until they finally stick or new nick names get used. for example mellow yellow given at birth, mellow, mel, shmellow, stinky which is her name and now we also use chubby and skinny mini from her fat days to her skinny days.

Answer 6

you can use both if you really wanted to but yeah it well take some time getting use to the other name, i don't recommend calling him by his new name if you take him out to a big forest/desert type place until he is 100% use to it

Answer 7

no it is not wrong and your dog will pick up quick ... so go ahead and call him mango or whatever fruit you choose :O) my friend started calling my dog "rat dog" when she was 7 years old and she will respond to that name now ...

Answer 8

I dont think its wrong,but it will take longer for him to get used to the name.

Answer 9

it would be best to keep his name, he's already used to it anyway!

But if you REALLY want to change it it wont hurt him, it might just take some getting used to.

Answer 10

$64 question can YOU get used to using the new name?

Answer 11

I dont think its wrong but it would be hard for him to re-adjust to the name! But it depends what kind of dog it is!

Answer 12

I don't think it's "wrong," just maybe kinda silly to do. Personally, I would have kept Jeb. :)

If you do this....I'd pick "Kiwi".

Answer 13

no it wouldnt be wrong but he might not be used to it for a while butt then your dog will be use to it.

Answer 14

name him "tuna bigg nuts"