Teaching your puppy their name is one of the first and easiest steps in building a strong foundation for training. Name recognition not only strengthens your bond but also sets the stage for more advanced cues and commands. If you’re wondering how to teach your puppy their name, you’re in the right place.

Follow this simple and rewarding step-by-step guide to master puppy name training all you need are some tasty treats, a distraction-free space, and your eager little pup.

Step One: Introduce the Name Cue

Start in a quiet environment. Stand about one foot away from your puppy and clearly say their name. Don’t worry if they don’t look at you right away it’s all about association at this stage.

Immediately reward them with a treat by tossing, dropping, or handing it to them. Repeat for 2–3 minutes as long as your puppy is having fun. Keep the sessions short and sweet!

Pro Tip: Make it more exciting by tossing the treat to keep the pup engaged and curious.

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After a few sessions, test their recognition by casually saying their name outside of training time. If they perk up or look toward you, you’re ready to move on.

Step Two: Add Distance

Once your pup starts responding to their name nearby, increase the distance slightly. Stand 2–3 feet away and say their name. As soon as they make eye contact or turn toward you, reward them with a treat.

This step is essential in reinforcing the cue across varying distances.

Step Three: Play the Name Game

Bring in other family members or friends! Have 2 or more people sit or stand a few feet apart with the puppy in the middle.

Each person takes turns saying the puppy’s name. As soon as the puppy looks at the correct person, they reward them with a treat.

Puppies are smart! Mix up the order so your pup doesn’t anticipate who’s calling next.

Step Four: The Room Challenge

Time to increase the difficulty. Move to another room where your puppy can't see you. Call their name and wait. When they find you, toss a treat and move to another room to repeat the process.

Bonus Tip: If your puppy excels at this stage, “jackpot” them give a handful of treats to celebrate the win.

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Step Five: Take It Outside

Distractions await! Head outside and return to basics by standing one foot away. Say your puppy’s name and reward them for responding. This helps transition the training to real-world environments.

Final Thoughts: 

Every dog learns at their own pace, so patience is key. Whether you’re just starting or refining your pup’s response, consistent and fun puppy name training will help your dog reliably respond to their name for life.

If you're facing challenges or just want expert guidance, don't hesitate to book a session with one of our seasoned trainers.

Author bio:

Written by The Homeschool Dog Expert Team

Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today