I got Nixon (RIP) when he was a little over a month old and right from day one I worked on teaching him his name. Each time I picked him up, handled him, fed him, etc. I would pet him and repeat his name a few times. Soon he would react and after a few months he would come when he was called.
I had beardie proofed my house and would allow him to explore where ever he wanted, when it was time for him to go to bed (or I just wanted to hang out with him) I would call his name and he would come crawling out of his favorite hiding places.
I'm trying to do the same with Vinny, I got VinVin when she was a little older (about 3 months) and so progress has been slower, but she knows her name and reacts to it but hasn't gone as far as coming when called. She will be out cruising around, hear her name, look at me and then carry on with what she was doing.
So, I was just wondering...does anyone else do this? Have you had success with it?
I've tried this a few times with Jasper, but he was in another home for two years where they called him Rex, so I don't think he'll be coming when called for a while. :wink:
That's amazing, though, what you taught Nixon! Rest in peace.
Marlboro will come when I call him, but Gabby just looks up and runs for the bathroom. I guess she thinks it is bath time everytime I call her, lol. The two babies aren't named yet and too small and quick for roaming just yet. The last one on my signature line is my aunt's and he will just look up at you as to say whatta u want, he is 8 years old now tho.
I think if you have a particular lilt, tone or "song" to the name, it makes it easier for them to register that it's their name or "identity." They probably cannot understand words, but the manner in which you say it is the part that they understand or react to.
I think if you have a particular lilt, tone or "song" to the name, it makes it easier for them to register that it's their name or "identity." They probably cannot understand words, but the manner in which you say it is the part that they understand or react to.
I agree....I try to talk softly and sweetly which causes Vinny to turn her head to side and eye me up, she usually then closes her eyes and waits for her head to get a nice rub down. There are times when she's squirmming around, or fussing in her bath but a stern "Vinny!" and she stops fussing and just looks at me as if to say "what?"