What's the consensus on changing a 2-year-old dog's name when you adopt/rescue her? Bad idea or OK? Thanks in advance!
If that's what you want to do, then go for it ! Can do treat training on getting pet to learn new name quicker. With some of the names rescues give the dogs, I'd change them in a heartbeat (some of them). Good luck .. and what's the current name by the way?
I recently adopted a very old dog from an animal shelter -- my vet estimates that she is 13-14 years old. She was picked up as a stray so we didn't have any way of knowing her name. The kids picked a name for her and within a couple of weeks she was responding to it. The same goes for the stray dog Kaci found and we took. Hope this helps.
Our dog was a little younger than that when we adopted her, but she learned her new name within a week. We also did treat training to speed it up.
I think the main reason for the length of time it took her to learn her new name is the fact that she doesn't hear very well.
Sorry, I should have quoted. I meant younger than 2. For not hearing well, 2 weeks sounds pretty good!
She shouldn't have any trouble with that at all. It's almost the same anyway, even the same voice inflection can be used. Piece of cake for the pup!
For as long as I can remember, I've changed pets names - I figure it gives them a fresh start - especially if they are coming from a neglectful/abusive situation, or even from being caged in a shelter. As far as them figuring it out and learning rate - they learn FAST! Those of you who have pets already, ever notice how your pet knows their nick-name(s) and if you have multiple pets, they also have figured out in a short while of living with you exactly who is who? Personally, I find it fascinating! Gotta get to work - HAGD
Umm - I haven't thought of what I will rename Charlotte yet. She's the "new" dog; Charlie is the other dog.
