When thinking up a call name for your dachshund, consider two things. First, names with one and two syllables are easier to say than those with multiple syllables. Names with multiple syllables can make for some good tongue twisting. If you are interested in competitive obedience or other performance sports, you may be setting yourself up for an unnecessary extra challenge.

Also, the intelligent dachsie may hear the beginnings of his long, multi-syllabic name and decide not to wait for you to tell him what you want him to do. This is called anticipating a command, which is a fault and means significant points off a final score in competition. The rule is the shorter the name, the better.

Also, make sure the name is easy to pronounce and distinct. You don't want your dachsie to confuse any basic commands with his name, such as “Clown” and “Down” or “Neil” and “Heel.” And finally, take care in giving your puppy a call name that sounds different than the names of other pets in your family — unless you want them all to come running when you call only one!

Once you have a call name for your puppy, reward him with a small, tasty treat every time you say his name and he turns and looks at you. You may be surprised how quickly your puppy learns his name!