The Importance of Naming Puppies in a Litter
I believe that the difference in training that is taking place here, begins at birth. When my puppies are born they have a name. We are very repetitive about the name. Whenever that puppy is held it's name is recited many, many, many times. The puppy is taught that when it hears it's name it will get attention, praise and playtime, only if it responds to it's name.
Having a solid understanding of identity, is the first major step of what is known as focus. It is also an important stepping stone, to a solid recall and all obedience work. It is for this reason, you may want to name your puppies, as they are born.
A lot of new puppy owners may complain, that their puppies will already have a name. It is not entirely impossible that a new owner can change the name of the dog. If at all possible, the new owner can give you the new name a week or two prior to pick-up, so that you can make the transition slowly. The new owner may have to continue to use both names for sometime, to properly bond with their puppy this is true. The name adjustment is a small price to pay, for a puppy who has a solid working foundation started.