How to Pick a Dog Name
Giving a new pet a name is part of the fun of adopting it.
Choosing the right name for a cat, dog, tortoise, or anything else can be difficult. It's like naming a child!
There are thousands of options out there to choose from, and for some, this can be an exhausting task.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose.
Gather A List of Dog's Name
A huge list of names can be found on the internet if you need a little help to select a name for your pet. We have a current list of over 2000 dog names.
People who don't want traditional names may choose names inspired by pop culture icons, food items, colors, superheroes, or movie characters.
- If your children are fans of Captain America, you could name your pet "Steve" or "Bucky."
- Books and sports teams are also excellent sources for pet names.
Organize A Family Meeting
Hold a family meeting with a list of pet names everyone can choose from. If you live alone in an apartment, you may skip this step, but this is crucial for those who live with their kids or extended families. Sit down with your family and decide together.
This will be so exciting for kids and some elders.
By taking everyone's ideas seriously, they feel more loved and included. Present the list of names that everyone can choose from.
This helps move the conversation in the right direction so you can make a choice.
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Be Creative With A Dog's Name
Calling “Bella or Bailey!” in your backyard is a lot easier than calling her in a dog park with six other Baileys.
The name Bailey is one of the most popular dog names out there, so while it's cute and sweet, consider something unique.
- No matter if you have dogs, hamsters, or parrots, you need to have a distinct tone for calling them so they can quickly recognize you and your voice.
Keep It Short And Simple
Keep your pet's name to two syllables or less. The shorter the name, the easier it is for your pet to remember.
Choosing a short but catchy nickname instead of a lengthy name can work well in everyday situations.
- Keep it short and remarkable and with no negative connotation.
- Avoid names that might be racially, religiously, or ethnically offensive.
Don’t Duplicate A Dog's Name
As long as they are not living in the same household, they can use the same name.
Living with Teddy the turtle and Teddy the Golden Retriever in the same house is confusing, even if the turtle is not as trainable as your dog.
- It’s best to give them separate, unique names.
Consider Your Dog’s Personality
A cheerful, playful cat could be named “Joy” and a dog who is constantly happy could be named “Hap”
If your pet reminds you of your favorite athlete, singer, or book character, why not name her after them?
You can also consider physical appearance.
- You can choose “Shorty” for your Chihuahua, and “Flippy” for your turtle.
Sometimes, pet parents opt to go for the opposite.
- There are tons of Saint Bernard out there named “Tiny” and little Yorkies called “Hercules.”
Just Adopted a Dog?
Our pets usually come with names already attached to them when we adopt them.
Changing a dog's name is more challenging. It is better to keep an adult dog’s name if the dog knows it already.
If you must change the name, choose one that sounds similar. For example, “Charlie” can be changed to “Millie,” or “Cooper’’ to “Boomer.”
As for adopted leopard geckos and guinea pigs, changing names shouldn’t be a problem.
Choose A Theme For A Dog's Name
Has your beloved dog given birth to a litter of puppies? A pet owner expecting more than one baby usually picks a theme, such as all fruits, all wines, or all flowers.
Five puppies can be named Cherry, Apple, Huckleberry, Plum, and Apricot.
Baby turtles, meanwhile, may be named Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo, and Michaelangelo. Iconic!
Final Thoughts On Naming A Pet
What will you call your new pet?
Some people find giving pets’ names just as difficult as they would finding one for children because there are so many options out there and sometimes looking through them all becomes exhausting.
Keep these guidelines in mind and then decide! No matter what you name your pet, make it a name that you love and something that perfectly suits your new best friend.
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