Choosing Cool Dog Names
Posted by PetFan on Dec 13, 2011 in Pets • No commentsFinding a name for your new puppy should be easy, although sometimes it may feel like trying to unravel the mystery of the Sphinx. You just seem to go blank every time you stop to think of a name.
Weeks later, your puppy is still nameless, and you’re still clueless as to what you should call him.
Eventually you pick a name out of desperation, which is quite possibly the worst thing you can do. After all you’re going to be spending many years with your dog, and you’re going to be calling his name many, many times. So the last thing you want is to choose a name that doesn’t fit.
Need some help? Then read our top 10 dog naming tips below.
1.Try to go for a one or two-syllable name. They roll off the tongue easily, are good for calling, and easy for your dog to recognize.
2.I’m not suggesting that you shun more exotic and unusual names. However, it has been suggested that names that are difficult for the dog to recognize have a big impact on training. So if you decide on call your dog Zerxes because you are fascinated by Persian history, that’s fine. But think about a nickname for calling, something like “Zerk” perhaps.
3.Where possible, avoid names that are similar to voice commands. It will hamper your training efforts. Names that sound similar to common commands, like “sit”, “stay”, “down”, “come” etc., may not be the best choice.
4.And don’t choose a name that sounds like that of a family member, or another pet in the household. You wouldn’t want to confuse your dog – not to mention the family!
5.Your dog deserves a name he can be proud of, so don’t give him one that will embarrass him. So stay away from any thing X-rated. Think about your dog’s feelings.
6.Pick a name that works for your dog – think size, breed, color etc. “Maximus” may not be best suited to your Chihuahua – even if he thinks he’s 10 feet tall! Likewise, Tiny is not exactly an instinctive choice for a Great Dane.If you enjoy irony however, this kind of contradictory name may be just what you’re looking for.
7.Bear in mind that your dog won’t stay a cute and cuddly pup forever. It may seem like a good idea to name your German Shepherd put “Gidget”, but how well will that sit with the magnificent, muscular adult he will become.
8.Another absolute gold-mine for dog names is the origins of the breed. Think about where the breed is from, then think famous places, people history and so on.
Need some examples? How about, “Guinness” for an Irish Setter, “Yoko” for a Shibu Inu, or “Louis” to a French Bulldog.
9.Another idea is to delve into your hobbies – you’re sure to come up with endless ideas. Are you a baseball fan, a movie buff, or an art lover? Then how about Short Stop, Bronson or Picasso?
What’s your passion? I’ll bet it has are tons of great dog names just waiting to be found.
10.I find that it’s always a good idea to understand the origins and history behind your dog’s name. That’s pretty easy these days, but you don’t have to go searching Wikipedia for hours on end.
Pay us a visit at Best Dog Names HQ. You’ll find hundreds of themed collections with the very best dog names available anywhere. Just browse an pick.
