The Name Game

OK.  So we have to change his name.  But, CAN you change dog's name once he has it?   I'm talking about REALLY changing a name - besides the "aliases" that you humans come up with for us dogs - like Trino for Viktorino for Viktor.  I think Elroy needs to start off with a WHOLE new name.  Because right now his name is Elroyelroyelroyelroyelroyelroyelroy.   Not JUST Elroy. Elroy alone does not work.

When my human goes to Elroy's performance puppy class (where I THINK he is learning to play the piano - because he is clearly not excelling at obedience), they do this exercise called "The Name Game."  You basically call your puppy when he is on a leash, and not paying attention, and if he turns to you when you call, he gets a treat.  I'm here to tell you that on a leash, in a stimulus free environment, with halfway decent treats -  the task works like a charm.  Elroy consistently responds to his name.  BUT - take him outside on a long line, when he is "free" and you could be wearing a T-bone steak around your neck, and say his name - and well, let's just say his response accuracy is reduced.  GREATLY reduced.  So it becomes Elroy...
EL-ROY...Elroyelroyelroyelroy...ELLLLLLLLLLL_ROYYYYYYYYYYY.  You combine a non-responsive dog with a new 50 foot long line and you have one very interesting "name game."  Watching my human rope him in is like watching some kind of rodeo calf-roping event complete with a variety of new "names."

So I'm thinking we need to go back to basics and start with a whole new name.  And here are MY choices:   

• Ludwig.  Just because I think he LOOKS like a Ludwig.
• Bozo.   Because he can be QUITE a clown.
• Antoine.  Because I don't personally know any dogs named Antoine.
• Einstein.  Only because his hair looks like Einstein.  I'm not so sure about the genius part.  He's an awful lot like Pax - he STILL can't figure out which way a door opens...
• Mario.   Because Mario Andretti was a famous race car driver - and when Elroy gets moving, he goes REALLY fast.
• Wile E.  Because there was a cartoon character named Wile E Coyote - and SOMETIMES, Elroy reminds me of a coyote.  Crossed with an Irish Wolfhound.
• Digger.  For obvious reasons. 

Personally I think the guy is just mixed up.  He's not sure WHAT his name is......Elroyelroyelroyeloryelroy....or STOP...or Trrrrrrrrade.....I think we just need to come up with ONE good name - and stick to it.  You know, maybe we  should just stick to Elroy, as it DOES suit him.  The challenge is in training my HUMAN to stick to it. Honestly, between the two of them, I'm not sure WHO is more challenging to train.  I REALLY have my work cut out for me...

Have a good one!