TheKiltedWonder and Beloitpiper - thanks for the suggestions (especially the pronounciations - I should have remembered that in my original post).

Thescot - my last dog and my work dog were taught commands in English, but were well enough trained that they always listened to me first. I'm just hedging my bets a little. As for using any odd word, Mog learned "play dead" as "canary."

McMurdo - I don't even if he responds to his current name, so renaming is an option. I just think a name that sounds like "Rudy" would make the transition easier.