To put a name tag on a dog in Minecraft, you must first rename the name tag using an anvil and then use the renamed tag on the tamed wolf. This process gives your dog a unique name and prevents it from despawning, ensuring your loyal companion stays by your side forever.
What you will need
Before you start, gather these three essential items:
- A name tag (cannot be crafted)
- An anvil
- A tamed dog (a tamed wolf with a red collar)
Step 1: Find or trade for a name tag
Name tags cannot be crafted in Minecraft, so you must find or trade for one. You can find name tags in chests within generated structures like dungeons, mineshafts, woodland mansions, and ancient cities. You can also obtain name tags rarely by fishing. Alternatively, master-level librarian villagers will trade name tags for 20 emeralds.
Step 2: Tame a wolf to get a dog
A "dog" in Minecraft refers to a tamed wolf. Find a wolf in forests or taiga biomes. To tame it, hold a bone and right-click on the wolf. Multiple bones may be needed, and you can learn the full process to tame dog in Minecraft before naming it. Once the wolf is tamed, hearts will appear, and a red collar will show around its neck.
Step 3: Rename the name tag on an anvil
To rename a name tag, you need an anvil. Place the name tag in the anvil interface, type the desired name, and spend experience levels to rename it. Renaming a name tag costs experience levels, typically one level.
Step 4: Apply the renamed name tag to your dog
Hold the renamed name tag in your hand (hotbar) and right-click on your tamed dog to apply the name. The assigned name will appear above the dog's head. Naming a mob with a name tag prevents it from despawning. Note that name tags cannot be used on the Ender Dragon or other players.
