Tips: How to Pick the Best Dog Name
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How to Pick the Best Dog Name
Bringing home a new puppy or shelter dog is one of the most exciting days you’ll have as a pet owner. If your dog doesn’t already have a name (or if they do and you want to change it), you get to choose something that identifies them and suits their personality. But, how do you choose the perfect name?
People name their dogs after many things. Some choose celebrity or TV character names, while others choose a name they gave to their childhood dog. Some people prefer more “human names” like Bella or Riley, while others like to use classic dog names like Buddy or Spot. If you’re struggling to pick a dog name, below are a few tips to narrow down your choices:
Choose a name your dog can understand.
Your dog’s name isn’t just for you – it will also be used as a “cue” word to get them to come when called. Therefore, it will be easier for your dog if their name is something they can easily understand and differentiate from other “command” words like sit or stay. To help choose a good name that works as a cue, follow these tips:
Include a hard consonant sound like “k” or “ch” to make their name easily identifiable
Shorten their name to one or two syllables, or choose a short nickname, so it's easier to understand
Avoid names that sound like other commands. “Schmitt” might sound too much like “Sit” and “Grey” might sound too close to “stay” for them to be able to differentiate.
Use a family dog name.
Do you remember the first family pet that you fell in love with? Chances are, their name has stuck with you through the years and kept a sentimental place in your heart. There’s nothing wrong with recycling names, especially if your new pup has a similar disposition.
Name them after something or someone special in your life.
You want to feel excited to use your pet’s new name, so choose a name that’s meaningful to you. Kobe or Mike might be the perfect name for your new pal if you're a basketball fan. Or, if you’re an avid music lover, name them after a song that’s meaningful to you.
Test it out.
While Mr. Snuggles or Poopsie might sound cute initially, it may not be the name you want to call out at the dog park or use when your pup is in trouble. Try calling out your potential new dog's name before you start using it all the time to see if you like it, or if your dog perks up when they hear it.
The most important part of naming your dog is to be creative and choose something that you think fits their character best. No matter what, it will always be a special name in your heart.
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