Amazingly, I not only yell out my kids' and DH's middle names when I'm mad at them - but I give the cat a middle name, just like you! But the middle name changes, one time it is Ann, another Marie, etc. And the cat knows when there's a second name after Precious, she better high tail it for the hills!
I only use Travis's middle names if I'm displeased, otherwise I don't. I don't use my husbands real name, it's a made up nickname, so if he ever hears me call him by his first and middle name he knows I'm furious.
Oh Ya!! They know it means trouble. I have also given my dog a middle name but I use it often, not just when he is in trouble. ( since he is my baby, he is almost never in trouble )
Ya know, I use their middle names quite a bit, in trouble or not, so maybe that's why it's hard for them to discern when I am serious until I am REALLY yelling. BTW, my cat has a middle name, too. It is Cat, as in Bailey Cat. I use that a lot too.
Ashli loves her middle name and prefers me to use it with her first name (Ashli Marie) but I usually don't unless I'm exasperated with her, not usually when I'm angry though. Names tend to get short and I snap them out quick when I'm really mad. When I say "Ash" loudly and quickly Ashli knows there's trouble a brewin'.
Oh Yeah!! In fact I told my sister that when she thinks about having kids she needs to practice that...it should just roll right out! Nice and Easy!! (just kidding)
Seriously, yes I do use their middle names. That's the sign that mom's not joking anymore.
I use the girls middle names even when not yelling. Since my family calls me Mandy instead of Amanda it helps with the confusion. Since I use Mandy Ellen's middle name I figured I should use Cassie Lee's middle name.