| So you've brought home your new puppy, it's | | | | about your favourite sports, movie, music or |
| time to name your new animal friend but | | | | comic strip star? |
| you're running short on ideas. Choosing a | | | | |
| name for your dog can be hard if you aren't | | | | How about choosing a dog name after a member |
| feeling very creative, so here we give you a | | | | of your family or friend of a figure from |
| head start with the basics and some great | | | | history like Napoleon, Alexander the Great or |
| ideas to help you choose the perfect name for | | | | Rasputin? Take a look at your environment or |
| your puppy. | | | | think about your favourite place they will |
| | | | give you more ideas. |
| Three Basic Dog Name Guidelines | | | | |
| | | | Remember, the dog name you choose for your |
| 1. Pick a name your dog can easily recognize. | | | | puppy says as much about you as it does about |
| Dogs usually respond better to one or two | | | | your pet. It shows how you view your dog and |
| syllable names. If you do want to go for a | | | | your relationship with him. But other people |
| dramatic and unusual long name, consider | | | | may judge your dog's character by reference |
| whether you can easily shorten it to | | | | to its name and might therefore react |
| something a bit simpler for your dog to | | | | negatively or fearfully to a 'dominating' |
| understand. | | | | name when meeting it. It is a good idea to |
| | | | use a dog name that conveys the image you |
| 2. Avoid dog names that sound like the | | | | want your pet to have. |
| standard commands of No, Stay, Sit, Come, | | | | |
| Down or Fetch. For example "Joe" is probably | | | | Also, pick a name that will grow with the |
| too close to "No". It can be difficult for | | | | pet. For example "Tiny" may be less |
| dogs to tell the difference between similar | | | | appropriate for a full-grown dog. |
| sounding words. | | | | |
| | | | Whichever method you choose, have a good time |
| 3. Choose a name that's both easy to call out | | | | doing it and choose a name that you will want |
| and one that you are happy calling out. | | | | to keep. |
| Remember, you will be calling your dog's name | | | | |
| out in public places at times and shouting | | | | Teaching Your Puppy Its Name |
| out "Parsnip" in the local park, may leave | | | | |
| you feeling a little embarrassed! You also | | | | Pick a dog name that pleases you and stick to |
| want a name that will work well when you are | | | | it. It can be confusing for your puppy if you |
| straining your voice to call your pet as he | | | | keep changing your mind. Your dog will learn |
| disappears into the sunset chasing after a | | | | his or her new name quickly if you use it |
| rabbit! | | | | often. When you call your pet, use his name. |
| | | | Do not say "here puppy". Calling your pet by |
| Looking For Dog Name Inspiration | | | | his name will help him to become familiar |
| | | | with it and with your voice as well. |
| Start with the obvious. Take a long hard look | | | | |
| at your new little friend he may be telling | | | | If choosing a long name keep in mind the |
| you his name without you knowing. Look at his | | | | shortened version. A long name will |
| appearance, behavior, personality, and | | | | inevitably be shortened, but it may ruin the |
| disposition. Names like Spot or Red may come | | | | effect that you were originally looking for. |
| to mind. How about Bandit for a dog who | | | | |
| steals things or Rebel for a stubborn dog? | | | | Above all have fun and choose a name you |
| | | | really like. Your puppy will undoubtedly |
| Then look elsewhere for inspiration. You can | | | | become your best friend and only you can find |
| name your dog after another famous dog, for | | | | just the right name. |
| example Pluto, Pongo, Lassie or Digby. What | | | | |