Bringing a new dog into the family is a delightful time. The whole family gets a new best friend to play with. The next step once you have adopted a dog is how to name it, especially if you want to give it a creative, cool, clever, and unique name. A dog’s name says a lot about its owners. As a result, you shouldn’t leave any stone unturned while picking the perfect moniker for your furry friend. But what makes it perfect? How can you pick one that stands out from the pack?
Picking a cool dog name is of utmost importance. Some names are too common, while others are just too human and weird. There’s a lot to think about, probably more than you might have initially considered. For instance, did you know that names that end with a vowel are way better, or it’s best to avoid names with too many syllables? It turns out that there’s an art in selecting the just-right name for your canine friend, and they are more likely to respond to certain sounds. There is no need to worry because we are here to help you find the best dog names for your pooch.
How to Train Your Dog to Respond to its Name
If you are a first-time dog owner then you must know that while personal expression and creativity are important, training is a top concern when it comes to giving your furry friend its name.
Your pet will hear their name from time to time and will learn to respond to it when learning commands. One way to teach it to recognize its name—yes, you guessed it—is by giving them treats. The thing your pet loves most—after you, of course—is food. So sit next to it, and when it looks at you, call it by its name, and give it treats every time it responds. As time passes, it will associate the name with good things.
Names with “Short” Sounds
The sound of their name will influence the dog more than you might think. Short and choppy names will get its attention quickly, while long, slow, and soothing tones can’t. Many experts also believe that a hard consonant in the name, like “c” or “k,” helps the dog distinguish their name from other sounds. On the contrary, avoid names that sound too much like a command. Names like “Lit” could be confused with “sit,” or “May” might sound like “stay” to them.
Choose a Name That Ends with a Vowel
Names that end in a vowel can change tone when you call for your dog. This is important because dogs can distinguish these frequency ranges of our voice at a much higher level than we do. So an ending vowel sound is much easier to get their attention.
Names with Two Syllables
Long names should be avoided. You are going to end up shortening the name anyway, so why not choose a short name in the first place? Names with two syllables are usually the sweet spot. A good way to test the name is by repeating it a few times. If you find it comfortable to pronounce the name over and over again, then it is a good name. If you name your dog Toblerone because you love chocolate, you may find that you soon get sick of calling it.
Choose a Unique Name
Make sure that your pet’s name is not similar to any other pet you have in the house. If the sounds are too close, the dogs could get confused. In simple words, Tucker and Tommy are totally fine, but Scott and Spot are not.
What is Your Dog’s Personality?
You can name miniature poodles “Tater Tot” considering the texture of their fur. Or a bulldog can be named “Butterball” for obvious reasons. But beyond just the looks, you should look into their personality more carefully. Is your dog playful or is it gloomy? Does it like to eat a lot? A friend of mine named his dog “Rossi” after the motorbike racer Valentino Rossi. Curious about why? His dog is crazy and loves to run around the house like a maniac, so the name fits him well. Pay attention to your friend’s personality, and you might find the perfect name for him.
Is it Okay to Use Human Names?
People’s names have always been a popular choice. For instance, there is a dog called Max or Bella in almost every street of every town. And they are accompanied by the likes of Lucy, Molly, Max, Bella, and Tommy. Certain trainers think that retaining a person’s name may lead to an overabundance of human characteristics being assigned to your dog. But looking at this popular practice, that doesn’t seem to be a big concern for dog lovers.
Can You Change a Dog’s Name?
You may have faced this question if you have ever adopted a dog from a shelter. Maybe you want something that is more relatable than “Alex,” or more serious than “Butterball.” Don’t hesitate to choose a name that you find more suitable. Experts say it is completely all right to do so. Certified trainers say it is a common practice to change a name while adopting.
Don’t Fall for a Fast-fading Trend
In this world of social media and memes, trends enter and exit faster than ever. I know it is tempting to name your dog after a Netflix series you are watching or a meme that is hyping up the Internet, but your dog is going to be around longer than that character that is currently popular.
That doesn’t mean you can’t pick a name after your favorite show. If you are a diehard fan of John Wick and feel compelled to name your companion Daisy, just go for it.
Pick a Name and Stick with It
Don’t waffle once you have chosen a name. You may have second thoughts, but you need to resist the temptation. Testing out a couple of names is fine, but then you need to reinforce it once you find the right one. You should choose a name for your dog within the first two months. And don’t forget to share cute pictures of your best friend on Instagram.
