You should not put your dog's name on their collar tag primarily because it makes them easier for potential thieves to lure away by calling their name, gaining trust, and teaching commands; instead, include your surname, address (or suburb), and phone number, plus "Microchipped" to direct finders to a vet or shelter for chip scanning for a more secure return.
Put YOUR name on your dog, not your DOG'S name on his collar
Having your dog's name on the tag does more harm than good. Many folks are not really aware of the number of dogs that get stolen every year. It's pretty high. Having your dog's name on the tag makes stealing your dog that much easier.
You should not put your dog's name, your full address, or the microchip number on their tag; instead, avoid the dog's name to prevent strangers from luring them, skip the full address for privacy/safety, and skip the microchip number as it's unnecessary and takes up space. Focus on your primary phone number and perhaps your surname or "Microchipped" for essential info to help a finder return them safely.
Dogs typically respond great to name changes! You can start by reinforcing her attention to her new name with a treat, and she will adjust quickly.
Adding a name tag to the harness provides an added layer of security. If your dog ever wanders off, anyone who finds them can immediately identify their name and reach out. It's a simple yet effective way to improve safety during outdoor adventures or travel. Harnesses are also more secure than collars.
Many dog owners use both and many veterinarians recommend a collar for ID and a harness for the leash. Collar for Identification: Keep a collar on your dog with their tags at all times for safety. Harness for Walks: Use a harness when walking or training your dog to ensure comfort and control.
If your dog pulls ahead, simply stop. Lure them back to your side with a piece of food and when they do this, feed and praise them again. This technique is very simple and uncomplicated – if your dog walks on a loose lead they get well rewarded and get to continue on his journey.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
It's never too late to change a dog's name, but the time it takes for your dog's new name to “stick” varies from a couple of training sessions to a few weeks, depending on the dog; the process will go faster if you avoid using the name aimlessly or associating it with anything negative.
One of the things we discussed is a question I am frequently asked by clients who have rescued a dog that came with a name. “Is it is okay to change the dog's name to something else?” You will be happy to hear that the answer is YES, absolutely, your pet can adjust to a new name, and it's easier than most people think.
Dog tag legal requirements mandate a collar with a visible tag in public, displaying the owner's name (surname often required) and at least one current phone number, plus the mandatory council registration tag/disc, though specifics vary by local council/state in places like Australia, generally requiring microchipping too. The core purpose is quick identification and contact if lost, so always check your local municipality's rules for exact details.
What should I engrave on my pet tag?
The two-finger rule is the quickest way to check collar comfort. Slide two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. Your fingers should fit easily, without forcing. If you can only squeeze one finger in, it is likely too tight.
The Hardest Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Avoid Skin Irritation and Tangled Fur
Wearing a collar 24/7 can cause matting, especially for dogs with soft or curly coats. Maltipoos, for example, are adorable but their fine hair can get tangled easily under a collar. That can lead to irritation, red spots, or even hot spots.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
50 Inappropriate Dog Names You Just Shouldn't Use
This phenomenon is generally most common in dogs whose previous names were used during significant periods of their lives, such as during early training or while forming initial bonds. Despite their adaptability, dogs do have strong memories.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
Use the “Stop and Wait” Method
If your dog pulls, stop walking immediately. Wait until the leash slackens either because your dog turns back or stops pulling, then continue. Over time, your dog will learn that pulling gets them nowhere, but walking politely keeps the walk going.
The "5-second rule" for walking dogs is a safety test: Place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws, risking burns, so walk early/late or on grass. This applies to asphalt, sand, concrete, and dirt, as these surfaces absorb and radiate intense heat, potentially leading to paw pad burns and heatstroke in dogs.
Teach your dog to walk without pulling
Remain still and quiet when your dog is ignoring you, but the split second he pays attention to you, praise him and give him a treat. Once you have your dog's attention, you can move off - use your voice and treats to encourage your dog to stay close to you when walking.