[Myles]

My roommate and I recently got a Puggle puppy, Myles, who is about 9 weeks old. My concern is that when I call the dog or talk to him/reward him, I use his given name, Myles. My roommate (his owner who has never had/trained a puppy/dog), however, he calls him an affectionate name, "Puppa" most of the time instead of his given name, Myles. There is not reinforcement for responding to "Puppa" only Myles. I am afraid that this is confusing to the puppy and he will not learn to respond to his name. Can anyone confirm or negate my concern? My email is: Theearts@gmail.com
THANKS!!

[opokki]

Have you tried discussing your concerns with your roommate?

[OwnedBySix]

Well, quite honestly, if it bothers you, you need to address it with your roomate. Having more than one name may delay your dog knowing his name, but over time he would learn to respond to both.

[Myles]

Originally Posted by opokki

Have you tried discussing your concerns with your roommate?

Yes, I have addressed this with him, however, he still insists on referring to the dog as puppa.

[drfong]

Most people I know who have pets use multiple names. You really should do some training just for helping him lern to respond to his given name. I use a clicker and treats. In a low distraction area just spend some time with the pup. When he looks at you, click and treat. He will soon learn that looking at you is 'good'. Let a few min. pass and then say his name while he is not looking at you. As soon as he looks, click and treat. Give him time to start looking around again and repeat. It won't take long for him to learn to look at you whenever you say his name.