Teach a dog its name by rewarding attention. Looking toward you differs from returning when called or holding a gaze.
Start with attention
Start somewhere quiet, with rewards already appropriate for your dog.
Dogs Trust first rewards spontaneous glances, then adds the name. Say it; when your dog looks, send the reward to one side. After eating, the next turn can begin another invitation.
Choose a name game
Alternatively, Battersea rewards an offered turn after a food reset. Once that turn is familiar, say the name just before it and reward.
Reward the look before requesting a sit or another action.
Respond to a miss
After a missed response, avoid repeating the name.
If needed, the American Kennel Club uses another noise or a leg pat to prompt attention, then marks and rewards the turn.
Distinguish that prompted turn from a response to the name alone.
Use names consistently
Keep using the name for rewarding interactions, rather than only when something is wrong.
If changing a positively associated name, AKC offers an optional bridge: old name, pause, new name; later drop the old name.
Make the next attempt easier
Increase distractions gradually; if attention becomes difficult, return to an easier setting or stage.
Let your dog disengage. Stop if the exercise seems uncomfortable; seek individual reward-based help if needed.
Note the name used, whether the turn followed it or another prompt, when you rewarded, and what became distracting. Use that observation to choose the next easier attempt.
