How to Name Your New Puppy or Dog
Stick with shorter names., Try out names sharp consonants., Do not pick a name that sounds similar to a command., Stick with similar sounds if you are renaming an older dog., Remember that you’ll be using your dog’s name in public., Ask before using...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Stick with shorter names.
Dogs have an easier time recognizing names that are either one or two syllables long, compared to names that are more complex.
Instead of naming your dog something like Sir Merlin of Mangovia, you should shorten the name to Jake, or Meg.If you do want to give your pup a longer, more formal name, know that you will ultimately end up shortening it no matter what (it will just be easier to call for him to come that way) so go with a name that shortens into something cute. -
Step 2: Try out names sharp consonants.
Dogs hear high frequency sounds very well, so names starting with s, sh, ch, k, etc. work well when catching a dog's attention.
Dogs will respond more quickly to these relatively sharp sounds.
At the same time, consider names that end with a vowel, particularly a short ‘a’ or a long ‘e’ sound.Some example names that follow these rules include Simba, Kassie, Sweetie, Delilah or Charlie. , Because dogs do not particularly recognize the actual word, but instead understand the frequency of the word, they can get confused by words that sound too similar--particularly when one of those words is a command that they are supposed to follow.
For example, the name "Kit" can easily be confused with the command "sit".
The name “Bo” could be confused with “no”. , Be careful when changing an older dog's name.
Stick with similar sounds, such as changing "Barney" to "Farley." It's more important to keep the vowel sounds the same than the consonants, since vowels are easier for the dog to pick up on and what the dog is actually listening for.
So "Pinky" will accept "Mikey" but not "Porky."
Some names have a family meaning, but it may not go over well at the vet or dog park.
Also, choosing a name that's too common will mean your dog might run to someone else (or you might get someone elses dog jumping on you).Names like “Fido” or “Rover” should probably be avoided, as they are some of the more traditional, and therefore more popular, dog names.
You should also consider the sort of reaction that the name you give your dog might inspire.
For instance, people will probably be a little more wary of a dog named “Murder” than a dog named “Honey”. , You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after your favorite Aunt Matilda, but she may not take it as a compliment.
She might think of it as disrespect. , Once you’ve chosen a new name, try it out for a day or so.
See if it grows on you.
You’ll know really soon whether it’s a keeper or not.
If not, try something else.
There are always many more puppy names to explore and try out.
Don't forget to reward your puppy or dog when they respond to their new name.
The more treats, love and hugs they receive now, the sooner they'll come running when you call later.
Pay attention to how it feels to say your pup’s potential name.
Could you see yourself using that name over and over again? If your answer is no, you may want to consider choosing a different name. , If you are really struggling on what you should name your dog, and need a little help being creative, you can always run an internet search for a list of cool dog names.
There are quite a few websites that specialize in this topic and may help you to get your creative juices flowing. -
Step 3: Do not pick a name that sounds similar to a command.
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Step 4: Stick with similar sounds if you are renaming an older dog.
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Step 5: Remember that you’ll be using your dog’s name in public.
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Step 6: Ask before using a family member or friend's name.
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Step 7: Try the name out for a couple of days before you make it permanent.
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Step 8: Explore many names.
Detailed Guide
Dogs have an easier time recognizing names that are either one or two syllables long, compared to names that are more complex.
Instead of naming your dog something like Sir Merlin of Mangovia, you should shorten the name to Jake, or Meg.If you do want to give your pup a longer, more formal name, know that you will ultimately end up shortening it no matter what (it will just be easier to call for him to come that way) so go with a name that shortens into something cute.
Dogs hear high frequency sounds very well, so names starting with s, sh, ch, k, etc. work well when catching a dog's attention.
Dogs will respond more quickly to these relatively sharp sounds.
At the same time, consider names that end with a vowel, particularly a short ‘a’ or a long ‘e’ sound.Some example names that follow these rules include Simba, Kassie, Sweetie, Delilah or Charlie. , Because dogs do not particularly recognize the actual word, but instead understand the frequency of the word, they can get confused by words that sound too similar--particularly when one of those words is a command that they are supposed to follow.
For example, the name "Kit" can easily be confused with the command "sit".
The name “Bo” could be confused with “no”. , Be careful when changing an older dog's name.
Stick with similar sounds, such as changing "Barney" to "Farley." It's more important to keep the vowel sounds the same than the consonants, since vowels are easier for the dog to pick up on and what the dog is actually listening for.
So "Pinky" will accept "Mikey" but not "Porky."
Some names have a family meaning, but it may not go over well at the vet or dog park.
Also, choosing a name that's too common will mean your dog might run to someone else (or you might get someone elses dog jumping on you).Names like “Fido” or “Rover” should probably be avoided, as they are some of the more traditional, and therefore more popular, dog names.
You should also consider the sort of reaction that the name you give your dog might inspire.
For instance, people will probably be a little more wary of a dog named “Murder” than a dog named “Honey”. , You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after your favorite Aunt Matilda, but she may not take it as a compliment.
She might think of it as disrespect. , Once you’ve chosen a new name, try it out for a day or so.
See if it grows on you.
You’ll know really soon whether it’s a keeper or not.
If not, try something else.
There are always many more puppy names to explore and try out.
Don't forget to reward your puppy or dog when they respond to their new name.
The more treats, love and hugs they receive now, the sooner they'll come running when you call later.
Pay attention to how it feels to say your pup’s potential name.
Could you see yourself using that name over and over again? If your answer is no, you may want to consider choosing a different name. , If you are really struggling on what you should name your dog, and need a little help being creative, you can always run an internet search for a list of cool dog names.
There are quite a few websites that specialize in this topic and may help you to get your creative juices flowing.
About the Author
Olivia Simmons
Specializes in breaking down complex creative arts topics into simple steps.
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