Names are Important

The name you choose for your new dog has more impact than you might realise.

Names are Important

The name you choose for your new dog has more impact than you might realise.

the importance of names

Names are a tool of communication. I have a name, you have a name, pretty much everyone has one. We use them frequently to get each other’s attention or refer to someone.

It’s the same for dogs. A dog’s name is a tool we as humans can use to get their attention or refer to them.

Changing Names

Giving your new puppy a name is pretty easy. But did you know you can also rename an older dog after you adopt? It is suprisingly easy for older dogs to learn a new name after they have been adopted. Just carry some treats around and reward them when they respond to their new name.

Changing Names

Giving your new puppy a name is pretty easy. But did you know you can also rename an older dog after you adopt? It is suprisingly easy for older dogs to learn a new name after they have been adopted. Just carry some treats around and reward them when they respond to their new name.

Naming Tips

keep it short

Some of the most common dog names are short and sweet; Toby, Marley, Scooby, Shadow. It is a good idea to keep your dog’s name around two syllables long for a couple of reasons. First it allows quicker communication for commands. If you choose a longer name it will most likely be shortened to a nickname by yourself or other people, so keep the shortened version in mind. Dogs also tend to respond better to short names.

make it unique

Every dog is different! When picking a name, make sure to think of one that fits your unique dog. Try living with your dog for a couple of days to really get a sense of their personality before fully settling on a name. Picking a unique name can also help you dog avoid confusion around other animals. If six dogs named Charlie are in the same room and someone calls out the name Charlie, all six dogs would, in theory, respond.

avoid command words

Avoid names that sound similar to commands! Examples of this include: Ray vs. Stay, Fletch vs. Fetch, and Neil vs. Heel. When a dog’s name is similar to the commands you are teaching it can easily lead to confusion whenever the command is called out.

start with a sharp sound

Rocky, Bobby, Trixy, and Chris. What do all of these names have in common? They start with a sharp sound. It has been observed that during training, dogs respond better to names that start with sharper sounds.

Struggling to find inspiration?

Can’t think of any names you like? The AKC has a large database of dog names you can look through to find some inspiration!

My Puppy has a name, now what?

Now that your dog has a unique and fitting name chosen by you, what comes next?

Maybe it’s time for some training! We have an awesome blog post in our Tail-Wagging Tips for Training covering Positive Reinforcement Training and how it is important.

Check out the post!