Dog Names: Choosing The Right One, The First Time

petskers · Site Admin Joined: 17 Feb 2007 Posts: 1254

After searching long and hard, you've finally found the perfect dog. So what's next?… Finding the perfect dog name of course!

Considering that over the course of your puppies lifetime his name will be used over 30,000 times, and that 1 in 5 new dog owners want to change their dogs name in the first year, choosing the right puppy name should be given as much care and thought as you showed when finding your pooch in the first place.

Below I've listed 10 dog naming tips taken from my website to be mindful of when looking for the right name, they are…

1. Avoid names that sound like common commands such as Go, Stay, Sit, etc. This might cause confusion for your puppy when trying to train it.

2. Be mindful that your dog might outgrow it’s name. The name Buttercup might be appropriate for a cute puppy, but not when it becomes a full grown Great Dane!

3. Choose a name with one or two syllables. Dogs not only learn it quicker, but it makes them easier to train as well.

4. Watch out for trendy names that might cause embarrassment once the trend is passed. Do you want people to realize from your dog’s name that you were once a big fan of Disco?

5. If you’ve adopted an older dog, it’s best to keep her current name so that it doesn’t become confused. If for some reason you must change it, consider a name that sounds similar or rhymes.

6. Beware of the common trend to name dogs after people. Though doing so is not a bad thing in itself, if you name your pup after a friend or family member, they might take offense. Although you might think naming your dog Sally after your favorite Aunt is an honor, Aunt Sally might not. Also, be kind to your dog and name her after someone you like.

7. Does the dog name rhyme with something negative? Or maybe with the name of a family member or friend? Once discovered, you might be one of those 1 in 5 people who want to change their dogs name!

8. Stay away from potentially embarrassing names. The name “Pee Wee” might be funny at first, but as the joke gets old, how will you feel in a year or so when you have to call “Pee Wee” home at night?

9. Pick a name that matches your dogs own unique appearance or personality. The name Electra might be a good name for an energetic pooch, but not for one that like’s to sleep all day.

10. Ask your dog what he thinks! Since it’s going to be his name, you might want to narrow your search down to your own 5 favorite names, then try them out on your dog. You’d be surprised how well he responds to some, yet yawns at others.

Keeping in mind the above tips when searching for dog names will not only ensure a long, happy friendship with your dog, but also help to avoid a mid-life name change.

When Richard Livitski isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.

laura · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 66

All the ideas in this article are good ones to think about. I know some friends that have had a problem with their dogs' name. Which is
dawg. And when they try to explain to others why they named the
dog this name, well, he is a dog, so "dawg" Well I think I got a good
name for ketsup and it is a good match for her. But would have liked
to have read this article at the very beginning, it would have helped us.

Emmalou · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 52

I just never knew that it was so hard to match a dog to a name.
But then I never thought about the reasons for a dog name and all that
this article has given us here. But sure can see the great points.
Good reasons and this man has done a great job with the explanations.
Thanks Petskers for the reading. Smile