So what can you do if the shelter dog you bring home from the shelter comes with a name that, to you, just doesn’t fit? Maybe it sounds bad, is associated with something unpleasant, is just plain inappropriate, or happens to be the same name as your second child. Maybe it’s your name! Can you change your dog’s name? Yes, you can change it to whatever you want. You’ll just need a little training to help the new dog make the connection.