What is the Best Way to Rename a Dog?
It is actually very easy for a dog to learn a new name, which is good news if you need to rename a dog! Rescued dogs, adopted dogs, and dogs that are placed, such as retired greyhounds, often learn new names when starting out in their new lives. In cases of mistreated dogs, it might even be “therapeutic” to rename a dog, as the old name will likely be associated with abuse. Some people suggest that the new name should rhyme with or sound similar to the old name to make it easier for the dog, but this is unnecessary. When you rename a dog, the dog remembers the new name because of positive associations – interactions associated with the name. The name itself is meaningless, making it just as easy for a dog to learn the name “Jack” as “Sir Lancelot.” Feel free to rename a dog whatever you like.
