Why do we name our pets, and how do they understand that we’re calling them by a specific name?
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We name our pets to bond with them, and to differentiate them.
Also, animals can recognize different sounds and attribute them to different events. For example, if you tell your dog “let’s go for a walk” and then go for a walk with your dog, he will associate that string of sounds with going for a walk. Same when you call their name and immediately approach them.
And it’s not just the name it’s the tone. Our dog Charlie would respond if you said Marlie or Barlie. Even our cat Midnight will lift his head (when he is inclined to) if you say Sidnight.
Our dog is a private rescue. when we got him his name was Ruffles. now, 6 years later, he still knows the name ruffles, but will not follow any commands to that name, his name now is Pico and sometimes tha tis all we need to say for him to come running.
His old owner was a little girl, I suspect she would cradle him on his back as that is still his favorite position
For the same reason we name anything, to communicate. Giving our pets a name makes it easier to talk to and about them (especially if you have multiple pets).
They know to respond to their name because they’re capable of learning and the fact that every time they hear a certain sound (their name), their owner is paying attention to them teaches them to react to that sound.
I wanted my dog to learn his name as soon as possible, so I actually clicker trained him to look at me when I said his name. Attention + treat = a very good reason for him to always look to me as soon as I say his name. Even without specific training though, a lot of animals can put 2 and 2 together like this.
I watch the occasional YouTube video where the owner is speaking to their dog but in a foreign language. I have no idea what the person is saying and I suspect it’s similar to how dogs comprehend us.
I don’t know the words they’re uttering but I can read a lot into the tone. And if there are oft-repeated sounds that are made that I can associate with an action or situation, that’s probably enough to respond appropriately.
If I spoke gibberish to you, but always started ornfinished with “peblunken”, you would logically associate the word “peblunken” with your own identity.
Animals can understand varying amounts of words depending on many factors. They may not understand their name but they know you call them that.
Cats not only know their own names research shows they can know the names of their friends too.
If a human gives a thing an individual name, they will form a closer bond with it.
This goes for everything. If you name your car, your pencil, your plants you’ll care for them more.
So we love pets so they get a name!
Pets then learn quickly that when you make a specific noise you are interacting with them. They get so much enjoyment from your attention they quickly notice any sign that means you’ll give them it.
So they’ll know their name. Because you use it when you pet them. If you call their name they come running because they know that noise means something nice for them.
The same can’t happen with words or names. Some dogs get excited when they head someone elses name, because they know if you say bill, your brother is gonna show up and they love him.
Why do we name babies, and how do they end up understanding that we’re calling them by a specific name? Because it’s what we do, it helps US differentiate between this thing and that thing, and because repetition will lead to recognition.
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