Reasons Not to Yell Dogs' Names Indiscriminately
When Punishing Your Dog
It's important to maintain a firm yet not overly gentle tone when disciplining your dog. Be assertive, but never use its name during the punishment. Calling its name repeatedly during a lengthy scolding can instill fear in your pet. This could lead to a situation where, in the future, when you call your dog by name, it may ignore you, as it associates your voice with punishment. Naturally, the fear of punishment makes it reluctant to heed your calls.
Responsible Calling
Those who have raised dogs are well aware of their intelligence. Dogs are not just smart; they also have their own personalities. When calling your dog by name, it should be accompanied by interaction, never in a casual or aimless manner. A dog's intelligence and patience can be worn thin. If you repeatedly call it to come to you and it ignores you, it will eventually stop responding. Regret may follow when your dog no longer responds to your calls.
When Leaving the House
When you're packing your bags to leave, calling your dog by name might be your way of saying goodbye. However, if you do this frequently, your dog will come to associate your voice with departure. It may resist leaving, pulling at your clothes or even developing separation anxiety. It's advisable to leave without drawing attention to it when you're about to go out, and avoid calling your dog's name.
When Locking It Up
Many dog owners, especially those who work fulltime, often need to lock their dogs up when they go to work. Each time you lock your dog away, calling its name can reinforce the idea that this is what you're doing. Over time, this can erode your dog's trust, making it feel that your name is a prelude to being confined. It's important to avoid this pattern.
When Forcing Actions
If calling your dog's name is usually a precursor to something it dislikes, such as a vet visit or a shot, this association can become ingrained. After repeated experiences, the sound of your voice calling its name may trigger a fear response, causing your dog to try to hide or avoid you. It's crucial to be mindful of how you use your dog's name to prevent such negative reactions.
