Once you have your own tiny and adorable teacup dog, you will naturally hope it can remember the name you have given it. For a puppy, however, remembering a name is not a simple matter. Even for a teacup dog with high intelligence, it still takes a process. This is where targeted training can help.
Helping the Teacup Dog Remember Its Name
You want the teacup dog to become used to hearing its own name and to connect that name with good things and affection. Unless the dog dislikes being touched on the back or stroked, you can place it gently between your legs at the end of training, rock it lightly, call its name, and calmly rub its belly while petting its whole body. Play the same kind of game you used during hand-feeding: call the teacup dog's name, and if it responds, say ?Good dog,? touch its collar, and give it a reward. Think of this exercise as a relaxing massage for the dog.
Correcting Wrong Behavior
Please note that when you are trying to correct the teacup dog's behavior, you should never call its name. For example, when telling it to leave the sofa, stop biting your hand, or drop something it should not touch, do not use its name. You certainly do not want to accidentally train the dog to associate its own name with punishment. That would interfere with your bond and slow down learning. Some dogs might even stop responding to their own names.
Remember that the teacup dog's name should be used only during praise and reward.
If you accidentally connect the dog's name with something unpleasant, you can repair the association through simple games and positive interaction.