AVOID SOUNDALIKES
Puppys are very adept at learning words, but just like us, they can sometimes confuse words that sound like other words. Therefore, the name you choose for your puppy should be distinct and unlike command words that you may be using in training and everyday life.
For example: Your white shepherd may hear his name Ghost as “Go;” you Yorkie Stacie may confuse her name with “Stay” and your little Pooh Bear...well, let’s not think about the problems that could cause! Stay away from words that sound like: No, Stay, Sit, Come,Down and Fetch
WILL THE NAME YOU PICK GROW WITH YOUR PUP?
One of the reasons that names like Fido (Latin for “faithful”) and Buddy (‘pal’) have been so popular through the years is that they speak to a “core quality” of dog’s spirit. Whether a dog is a mere pup of 16 weeks or a veteran of 16 years, this kind of name will always suit him.
You may find it a “term of endearment” to call your Wee Wee Padchallenged Borsoi. "Piddles" today, but tomorrow it will sound more like a term of embarrassment.
A GOOD VERDICT IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION
You puppy names is likely to be shouted loudly from time to time, at the dog park, the beach, or where you and Pooch are playing. Therefore, you can’t ignore the public when naming your new friend. Stay away from “toilet humor” and other vulgarities. If you must, reserve these at “pet names” for at-home use only.
A dog named “Killer” or “The Mangler” is not going to get a lot of positive attention
NO NAMESAKE FOR GOODNESS SAKE
While you may think of it as the ultimate compliment to name your new puppy after Uncle Max or Aunt Rita, think how THEY’ll feel when they hear you say things like: “Oh yeah, we had Max castrated last week” or “Rita, did you do a pooh all over the floor?” or “Max! Stop humping Rita!”
DOES THE NAME ROLL OFF THE TONGUE?
Are you the only person who will be calling out your puppys name? Will it be used by other adults? Children? “Savoir Faire” may sound just right when you say it, but it may seem awkward or pretentious when spoken by a child. Try and select a name that seems right for everyone.
NEW TRICKS, YES; NEW NAME, NO
If you’re adopting a mature animal, rather than a puppy, chances are your new dog has an old name that’s been around since puppyhood. So, to help facilitate your dog adjusted to you and his new surroundings, it’s often more practical to keep your dog’s existing name. You can develop nicknames and “pet” names that are all your own later.
ANCESTRAL HERITAGE
Your puppy’s breed heritage can provide some useful inspiration. For example German names are likely to be more appropriate for Shepherds, Dachshunds and Schnauzers, French names for Poodles, and Irish names for Setters and Wolfhounds.
KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH
In order to find the very best possible name for your puppy, you need to get to know him/her inside and out.
You won’t want to wait too long before making your decision since your puppy’s name is a key element in training and getting to know one another, but you can spend some time playing together, going out for walks, even “bonding” over a little TV-watching. You may find out quite a bit in a day or two...even in just a few hours.
Start with the physical – color, size, coat texture, markings, overall appearance. Consider things like a plumed tail, an unusual gait, overall fluffiness, expressive eyes. What about personality? Is your puppy cuddly and affection? Watchful? Is there a glint of mischief in those eyes? Is anytime meal time?
GET NAMING!
Now that you've made a list of your puppy's personality and physical traits and have considered the type of name that is most appropriate for you and your pooch, the fun really starts.
If you find your Scottie dark and mysterious, what famous names (real or imaginary) seem to reflect that? How about Houdini, Blackstone or The Shadow? Do you have an Irish Setter who seems like a natural comedien? Why not name him Carrot Top or John Candy. Is your little Sheltie as elegant as a puppy as you can imagine? How about calling her Princess Grace of Monaco...Gracie for short.
You get the picture. Now let’s go get a name.
Fetch!
If dogs could talk, it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one. --Andrew A. Rooney
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