Your dog’s name is a staple of their personality, and you will call it repeatedly, so how do you pick the right one? Some key identifiers exist to select the right dog name, so here are some ways to choose the best name for your pup. Your dog is your best friend and will be with you for a lifetime, so this is an important decision we can’t wait to help you with!
The art of picking your dog’s name: why choosing the right puppy name is so important
Your dog will hear their name thousands of times over their lifetime, and they live for 10-13 years (more or less depending on health). This means hearing this name repeatedly in your household, so you don’t want to make the wrong decision. You will also be taking your dog to the groomers, the veterinarians, etc., where you will use their name, and they will use it to identify your dog. You wouldn’t want to be embarrassed by having a dog with a name nobody likes!
Does a dog’s name matter?
A dog’s name matters greatly, as it is crucial for training and bonding with your pet. Your dog’s name matters because it will become part of who they are. Something essential to consider is choosing a name that will do great for the life of the pet. Say you name your german shepherd puppy “Tiny.” Well, that dog will not be tiny in a year or so. If you don’t mind a large dog being called small and find irony in it, that’s great, but changing a dog’s name when they get older can be confusing.
What to consider when naming your dog
When naming your dog, you will want to pick something that rolls off the tongue quickly and sharply. Two syllables are best because they will get your dog’s attention quickly, which can be vital in a life-or-death situation. Say you pick the name Maximus Glamillion, and your dog runs towards a busy road. That sure is a mouth full of a word, so you will want to shorten it! Max is sharp and tight and will do great as a shortened version of that name. Of course, you can name your pet whatever you want, but when it comes to training, you want a name that will quickly get your dog’s attention.
You will also want to consider if you have any family or friends with the same name. Some people may find it cute that you named your dog after them, but some may be offended. If you call them after someone who has passed, definitely keep in mind the other people around you who might be affected. Will they be okay with this?
It would help if you also considered giving a grace period where you test out the name. Giving your dog a name is a lifelong commitment! Trying out a name for a day and then changing it is better than having the same name for your dog for ten years and then deciding to change it because it can be highly confusing to them.
You will want to be careful with picking popular dog names if you spend a lot of time in public places with your dog. Who knows what will happen if you choose something familiar like Maggie and 6 Maggies come running at you? This can get confusing fast, but it’s also not the world’s end. It’s just something to consider when picking a famous name.
When picking your dog’s name, I always say to get the pet first because you’ll want to consider your pup’s character. If your pet is goofy, calm, attentive, silly, or lazy, these might be endearing qualities by which to name your dog and pick something best suited to your specific pet. Dogs are individuals who deserve to love a name suited to their personality
How to teach your dog their name
When teaching your dog their name, it’s important not to raise your voice or get frustrated with them. You want them to enjoy their title and respond well to it. You can try using their name when eating, playing, or going on a walk. Not only that, but you can use their name frequently, so they learn to recognize it quickly, but don’t overuse it to the point where it just sounds like any other word. A way to get your dog to respond to its name is by saying it. When they look at you, please give them a treat. Reward them for paying attention when you use their name; they’ll know that it’s their name and can look to you when they hear it.
When did humans start naming dogs?
Dogs became man’s best friend long ago, but when did people start naming their dogs like humans? Dogs began getting their names when they began to pop up in ancient art in 3300 B.C. An old canine was named Bau after Bow-wow, which signifies dogs barking. From there, humans have named their canine friends as they have become more significant parts of our lives and communities. They are essential to us and deserve to fit into the pack, so we take part in the ritual of giving them individual names.
Puppy names are cues
Puppies respond best to super high pitches, which can be incorporated into their name. When picking a name for them, you’ll want to consider this. Does their name allow you to alter your voice to make a higher sound? Another thing to consider is if the name you give them sounds like a standard command. Dogs are intelligent creatures, but they pay attention to how things sound rather than the exact word, so it could be confusing, even if it’s just one letter off. Say, for example, you name your dog Kit, and while you call them, you have them come over and ask them to sit. These two sound very alike, so you might have a confused pup by no fault of their own.
So…what are the top dog names?
Here are the top dog names of 2022 for male dogs:
- Max
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Buddy
- Milo
Here are the top dog names of 2022 for female dogs:
- Bailey
- Luna
- Abby
- Maggie
- Athena
The best dog names are sharp, cute, and great names for any age dog.
What names do dogs listen to the best?
Dogs tend to listen best to sharp, short, and defined names. One best practice dog owners use is picking something with a hard R. That would include characters such as Denver, Rover, River, etc. For some reason, the hard R makes them turn around and look and can be easily defined from other commonly used words, making a great dog name for training and keeping your pup on track. If you have a breed that gets distracted easily, such as a doodle or husky, using a character with a sharp S can do wonders too. This can be something like Lassie or Sophie, and the S will ring loud and high-pitched, so you don’t have to. It can work wonders to get a dog’s attention!
Coolest dog names
The perfect dog names have taken the cake, taking social media by storm. Some of the most incredible dog names include:
- Dingo
- Lucky
- Rocket
- Pepsi
- Harley
Whatever you choose to name your dog, I’m sure it will be excellent. These are just some fun examples for you to ponder if you are searching for a fun and great name!
What is the rarest dog name?
Rare dog names are fun because no one else on the block usually has them. If they do, you will be pleasantly surprised! Like, whoa, we both thought of that! Here are the rarest dog names, and even if you don’t like these, you can get creative in your own way!
- Bixby
- Busy
- Cinder
- Happy
- Harper
- Rain
- Ritz
- Tails
Dogs are our best friends, and we will spend a lifetime enjoying their company and calling their names. Whether you decide to go with a cool, unique, attention-grabbing name or all of the above, I’m sure you will thank yourself for taking the time to pick the right name for your pup. A great name can do wonders for you during training, bonding, and experiencing life with your dog by your side.
Check out our post on if DNA Kits are worth it.