How to Choose a Dog Name: 10 Great Tips
Choosing a name for your new furry family member is a decision that will stick with them for a lifetime. But, as overwhelming as it might seem initially, try not to overthink it. You will find the perfect name eventually, and with the tips we're about to share, you may find it sooner rather than later. Read on to discover our advice for choosing the best name for your new family member.
The 10 Tips on How to Choose a Dog Name
1. Use Fewer Syllables
The fewer syllables in your dog's name, the better. These names are not only easier for your puppy to understand, but they're simpler for you to say, too. There's a reason that most of the commands you will eventually teach your dog have just one or two syllables. Anything longer than that could easily get lost in translation.
Two-syllable names are often recommended over one-syllable names. They are short and punchy, which may make your pup respond faster. The first syllable acts as a primer, alerting your dog to your command, while the second syllable lets them know that you are indeed calling them.
2. Keep It Simple
As funny as it may sound to give your dog a long, complicated name, it's better to keep things simple. Sure, Princess Consuela Banana Hammock may be a fun nod to your favorite episode of the TV show Friends, but it's an unnecessarily long name that'll confuse your pup and make it hard for you to get their attention when you are at the dog park.
3. Start With a Sharp Sound
The best dog names start with sharp and distinct sounds. Names beginning with letters like D, T, P or K will generally be easier for your pup to pick up, especially when compared to names that start with softer-sounding letters, such as S or F.
4. Avoid Names That Sound Like Commands
Steer clear of any names that sound similar to or rhyme with commands you'll eventually train your dog to understand. For example, Kit may be cute, but because it rhymes with "sit," it could confuse your dog. Beau is another adorable (and popular) dog name, but it sounds an awful lot like "no."
5. Choose Names Unique to Your Household
Just like you don't want to choose names that sound too similar to commands, you'll want to steer clear of names that rhyme or sound similar to those belonging to other members of your household. Similar names can be difficult for your dog to differentiate, making training more challenging for you.
For example, if you have a child named Darcy, don't choose Daisy for your dog. If you have another pet named Lily, don't name your new pup Milly.
6. Take It for a Test Run
Once you have a long list of several potential names, take each out for a test run to see how they feel rolling off of your tongue. Do you stumble on any of the syllables? What names feel the most natural to you? Which sound less embarrassing when you call them out at the dog park? You won't know the answer to any of these questions until you've given each a try.
7. Test It Out on Your Dog
Now that you've tested your long list and crafted a short list after seeing which names roll off the tongue easiest, it's time to see what your dog thinks of the names you've now shortlisted. Call each name out to them to see what reaction it elicits. Do their ears perk up? Are their tails wagging excitedly? These subtle signs could be a good indicator that this name is something your pup can be trained to respond to.
However, don't be discouraged if your pup has a lukewarm reaction to the names you're testing on them. They will eventually learn to respond to the name you ultimately choose for them.
8. Seek Inspiration From Your Interests
Naming your dog after someone or something important to you is a great method for making your long list of names. Do you have a favorite TV show, actor, movie, or song that brings you joy or helped you through a tough time? Is there a particular book character or musician that changed your outlook on life? What do you like to do in your spare time? Are you a coffee aficionado or a wine lover? Or are you interested in science or gaming? Maybe you're a foodie with a refined interest in only the finest cuisine or an up-and-coming musician.
Think about the things that make you and brainstorm potential name ideas from these interests.
9. Find Inspiration in Your Dog
Try using your dog's breed, appearance, and personality to find inspiration for their names.
If your dog will do anything to make you laugh, consider naming them after your favorite comedian. Some of the most famous comedians have names that'll suit dogs well, including Carlin (George), Carrey (Jim), and Robin (Williams). You can also try adjective-style names like Sassy or Goofball.
If your pup is a toy breed, consider a name that's a nod to their size, such as Pip, Squirt, Nugget, or Tiny. Conversely, if they're a big dog, maybe something like Clifford, Major, or Tank would suit them.
Use your dog's ancestry as inspiration for their name. For example, Welsh Corgis hail from Pembrokeshire, Wales, so consider honoring their country of origin with a traditional Welsh name like Rhian, Gwen, or Alfie. German Shepherd Dogs hail from Germany, and German words like Frau (missus), Schatz (treasure), or Süsser (sweet) could be a cute acknowledgment of your pup's heritage.
10. Be Creative
Unless you're extremely attached to a specific popular dog name, we recommend avoiding the most common names, especially if you live in an urban environment and plan to take your pup on outings where there will be other dogs. Imagine the chaos that may occur if you're trying to recall your dog Luna when there are ten other Luna's with their owners at the dog park.
Some of the most common names at the time of writing include Max, Buddy, Bella, Charlie, Lucy, Bear, Beau, Finn, and Lily.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect dog name can be time-consuming and maybe even a little bit stressful, but there's no need to rush the process. Give yourself and your new canine family member time to test out your favorite names to find the one that clicks for both of you.
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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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Chantelle is passionate about two things in her life – writing and animals. She grew up on the prairies of Canada surrounded by animals and as an adult, she choose to share her home with five cats, two guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. Chantelle, her husband, and their child take great pride in being great animal parents- the ones who spend a thousand dollars on wall-mounted cat shelves so that their cats can have an indoor jungle gym all year round. When Chantelle isn’t snuggling her cats on the couch or taking pictures of them being funny, she’s outside exploring in the Rocky Mountains, binging the same shows on Netflix over and over, and reading about whatever random topic pops into her brain.
