change of names

[Jennifer]

We're getting our 1st family dog (german shorthair pointer) he already has a name (louie) but we always wanted toname him Brooklyn. Is it ok to change the names on a puppy that has been responding to Louie for 7 months. And how to change his life style from being a backyard dog to a house dog. He's use to being in the backyard day and night never indoors, can he be changed?

[Kitten]

Hello Jennifer, A change of names should be no problem for your dog. We adopted a purebred smooth fox terrier when she was just a few months old. Her original name was Daphne shortened to Daffy. We changed her name to Candi Star Ling with no problems whatsoever. She is now 7 years old and my son recently started calling her Princess and she even comes to that. So go for it.

[Jennifer]

thanks! your answer was reassuring. i just need to learn how to train him inside the house and still behave outside and indoors. but thanks for your anser, caue I know when we adopted our cat his name was rufel and we changed it to Vito and he responds to it (when he feels like lol) just wasnt sure if dogs responded the same. =)

[Kitten]

It shouldn't be a problem at all. Good luck!

[Jennifer]

THANKS!!!

[Richard_Tigg]

You can google tips for housebreaking a new "puppy", but don't worry about the name change. Just give it a day or two, and congrats on the new family member!

[Jennifer]

good idea. thanks =)

[Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas]

Hi Jennifer,

I think in time your newest family member will adjust to his new name and his new way of life. Just take it slow and be patient. I have lots of experience with this sort of situation because I have several rescued dogs that had different names and a different lifesyle before they came to my home. They have all adjusted to our lifestyle and are doing great. So, do your research on the breed(very important) and if you need to, consult with an animal behaviorist to help with the adjustment. Best of luck. Congratulations!

[Jennifer]

thanks for your reply Anne Marie, your response along with all the other community members have reassured me and now I am even more anxious to bring "Brooklyn" home.. and about the researching the dog's breed i found out they are completely family dogs other than hunting, so i think he'll be just fine adapting to his new life style, he'll think he's the king of the castle since he wont be outdoors so much. Thanks... and keep doing the GREAT work you guys do to protect these animals.

[Corndog]

Hi, Jennifer. I have done a lot of rescue, and many times we change the name of a dog for whatever reason. Once the family had a son with the same name as the dog!

The best way I have found is to include the dog's previous name with the new name for a while. "Louie Brooklyn! Good dog!" Come, Louie Brooklyn!" Then, "Brooklyn! Louie!" Use both names in varying circumstances until he answers to either. Then gradually drop the previous name.

I have an older brother named Randy. We are a year apart. Our parents would call us: "Randy, Karen! Come in!" When someone asked me my name until about age three, I said it was Randy Karen. LOL. I got used to answering to Karen only. LOL. I am sure it will work for Brooklyn!