As they say, "the dog is man's best friend". For this reason, your puppy deserves a really cool name. However, finding the right name for your new furry companion is sometimes more difficult than you think. Thankfully this wikiHow article comes to your rescue and will help you choose from millions of possibilities. Read on to learn how to choose the right name for your puppy.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Quick Tricks
Step 1. Choose a short name
Dogs learn easily to recognize their own names if they are words with one or two syllables rather than complex terms. Instead of calling your dog "Ascanio Licaone Terzo", you can use the diminutive "Asco" or "Lica".
If you want to give your pet a long and formal name, know that in the end you will practically use only the diminutive, because it will be easier to call it that way. So, pick something that, when shortened, looks nice
Step 2. Choose nouns with deaf consonants
Dogs perceive high frequency sounds very well, so names starting with s, sh, ch, k, and so on grab their attention. In addition, dogs are receptive to high-pitched sounds, so consider names with short "a" and long "i".
Some names that follow this advice are Simba, Cico, Kassie, Sweetie, Delilah
Step 3. Don't choose a name that sounds like a command
Since dogs do not recognize the meaning of the word, only the frequency of the sound, you can confuse them if you use two similar sounding terms, especially if one of them is related to a command they are supposed to execute.
For example, the name "Puccia" could be confused with "cuccia"; "Bob" with "no" and so on
Step 4. If you are giving an adult dog a new name, choose something that sounds similar to the previous one
Be very careful when changing the name to a mature specimen. Stick to words that are similar, such as "Barney" and "Farley". It is especially important that the vowels are the same, even more so than the consonants, as they have a sound that the dog perceives more easily and are the part of a word that he really hears. For this reason you can call a dog named "Zero" "Black", but you shouldn't call him "Zari".
Step 5. Remember that you will also use the dog's name in public
Some names make sense within the family, but may not be suitable for when you take your dog to the park or to the vet. Choosing a too common name could lead the dog to respond to someone else's call or it could happen that another person's dog comes to you.
- Names like "Fido" or "Rover" should be avoided, as they are classic and very popular.
- In addition, you should also consider the effect and the reaction that the name could generate in people. For example, people will be a little more fearful if your specimen is called "Attila" instead of "Bella".
Step 6. Before using the name of a friend or family member, ask for permission
You may think that "baptizing" the dog with the name of your favorite Aunt Matilde is an honor, but the aunt may not take it as a compliment - she may even consider it a disrespect.
Step 7. Test the name for a couple of days before considering it final
Once you've chosen a new name, try it for a day or two. Check that you like it and that it is suitable for the dog. You will immediately understand if this is what it does for your pet and, if not, you can change it. There are a ton of names for puppies and some alternatives are worth exploring. Do not forget to reward the animal when it responds to the name. The more treats, love and cuddles she receives at this stage, the faster she will respond to your calls in the future.
Pay attention to how you feel when you say the potential dog name. Can you picture yourself repeating this several times a day for years to come? If the answer is no, consider a different name
Step 8. Try different names
If you're really in trouble and need some creative suggestions, then you can do some research online to find some trendy names for your furry friend. There are some websites that specialize in this very topic and may help you awaken your imagination.
Method 2 of 3: Inspired by the Dog's Appearance and Personality
Step 1. Observe the puppy's color and fur
You can draw a lot of inspiration from his fur. For example, if you have a white dog, you can call it "Snow", "Bow" or "Milk". If the coat is particularly bristly, then you can call it "Hedgehog".
Step 2. Look for the unique characteristics of your faithful friend
Look at its paws, muzzle, tail, every detail. Are there any hallmarks or other physical characteristics that other dogs don't normally have?
For example, the puppy may have two white front legs that make you think of a "Sock"
Step 3. Decide if the size of the specimen may or may not be inspirational
If the animal is particularly small or rather huge, then you could use this feature as a guide in choosing the name. You can also have fun by associating a name that recalls a completely opposite concept compared to its size.
For example, you could call a small dog "Samson" and a Great Dane "Spillo"
Step 4. Choose the name based on the dog's personality
Within a couple of days, your four-legged friend's character will reveal itself. Try "Joy" for a sweet dog who loves to be comfortable and "Pozza" that puppy who just can't wait to do his business outside. Also observe how he interacts with the rest of the family and pay attention to any funny behavior that could hold.
Method 3 of 3: Get Inspiration from Famous Dogs
Step 1. Remember famous dogs from movies and TV series
It seems that the most popular movies and the most "mythical" dogs go hand in hand. “Blue”, the name of Nick Cold Hand's dog, seems to fit many specimens. “Astro” Characters also evokes a classic cartoon character, without forgetting the timeless Lessie or Rin Tin Tin.
Step 2. Consider the names in the books
If you have a favorite writer or book, then you could call the dog exactly after his character. Jack London's dog was called Possum and Ulysses's dog was called Argo. The puppy of Tintin's character is called Milù.
You can also draw inspiration from the story. Consider the names of presidents or famous events. For example, if you are a fan of Alexander the Great, you can call your dog "Bucephalus"
Step 3. Also evaluate your family history
If you have a particular affinity for the country your family comes from or you really like the sound of certain words in a foreign language, then you can think of foreign names.
- German names for dogs: think of "Fritz" or "Kaiser".
- Irish names: if the dog loves water try "Murphy", which really means "of the sea".
- French names: "Pierre" and "Coco" are among the most used for dogs, especially for those who show a somewhat "haughty" character.
Advice
- Choose your favorite name that you have wanted for years.
- When naming two dogs, make sure both vowels and consonants sound different between the two names, especially if the number of syllables is the same.
- You can find names everywhere, in the book you love or among objects related to your favorite pastime.
- Here are other ideas: choose the name of your favorite city or region, names that are religiously inspired or that have been used in famous books.
- Think of a name that reflects the dog's personality or is related to your favorite hobby.
