Changing names - need help

[CarmenG76]

I just got a Boxer from the pound, and the name on his tag was Shadow. I would like to change the name, but not sure if he would have a hard time learning a new name.

I've heard that if you change it to something similar, or something that rhymes with the old name, they learn quicker, or does it matter?

Anyways, I need help choosing some new names. He is a 4 year old Brindle.

Thanks

 

[DannyB]

I remember hearing once that dogs mostly hear the vowels in what we say. If that's true then you might look for something that has a short a in the middle and a long o at the end. Or at the least the long o. More than the sounds though, I suspect if you give him lots of cookies and praise along with the name, no matter what you call him he'll start to respond.

 

[Dunkin]

I know you said you did not care for the name Shadow but a boxer shadows you every where you go they would rather be with you than anywere else. Shadow fits a boxer.

 

[courtney323]

Both of mine are rescues and have changed names. I rescued Maddie at a year of age, and Lennox was between 2-3 years when I rescued him. There are absolutely no problems at all with changing his/her name. Mine caught on very quickly too! It's a great way to start their new life, in their new home

 

[AJsMom]

I wasn't too fond of the name AJ - it was his name already when we adopted him. I didn't really mind it but there was a lot of other names that I liked better. I didn't change his name because I felt like he had been through so many chnges already. I think it's just personal prefference on changing his name or not. Even though is name is AJ - I call him apple jacks/wiggle butt/and all kinds of other names and he responds to them all....

 

[Jill's boxer]

changing names

maybe Tracker? Chase? Hunter?

They all kinda go with the idea that he is following you, like a shadow? or there's always "My Little Stalker", heehee!

I think changing his name could be a good idea--especially if you suspect there was any mistreatment in his past--for instance, he could link hearing his name with being hit or yelled at, etc...I have heard that 2 syllable names seem to be easily received (with vowel sounds, ie: Bobo, Nicky, etc...) although a name ending in an "O" sound might conjure up a connection to the word "no" and if he's been mistreated or poorly trained or yelled at too much in his past life, he might associate a name ending in "O" with the being told "no"....

 

[abbey_eisma]

Barret was named Turner when we got him and he had no issues changing names. And who really calls their baby by their real names?? Mine have so many nicknames they just come to whatever I think sometimes!

 

[MikaMay]

I got my Mika, a 2 yr old girl from her breeder who had named her Cleo. I kept getting tongue tied because I have a Malt named Chloe, so I immediately re-named her Mika. She's my first Boxer so I don't know if she's exceptionally smart or if they all are, but she had her new name down within 24 hours. I can't remember where I read it and it's been a long time ago, but some dog expert stated that when you acquire an adult dog, it is best to give them a new name. I can't recall the reasons why, but I do remember it made sense to me at the time.

 

[carolshafer]

When we rescued Hayden his name was BoBo. Of course his name had been changed four times. He was two years old in November. The lady he was living with prior to coming home with us only had him for three months. I decided on the way home that I would change it to Hayden. Hayden was a name I had picked for the brindle male my husband was going to get me for my birthday. When I decided to change it I put his new name into everything I said to him. Hayden need to potty...Hayden want a treat...Hayden, Hayden, Hayden. By the end of the day he already knew his new name.
Go to your search engine and look for names that might interest you. Boys names or places or whatever! Good luck. Let us know what you decide on!