You’re thinking about getting a new puppy. You have done tons of research on different canine breeds, but you, the hubby and children have finally agreed to a trip to the local animal shelter to rescue a canine in need.
After what seems an eternity, all of you decide on the two-year-old lab/setter mix. You are told his name is Red, but it’s one that doesn’t exactly make you happy. Can you change it to something you like better?
In most cases, the answer is yes. However, it is best to choose another name that sounds like Red. The dog would most likely make an easy transition if you chose to rename him Fred. Choosing a name that doesn’t sound a lot like the one the dog is used to will result in confusion and disobedience. If you were to choose something like Clyde, you are going to have to be patient because the dog will actually have to relearn his name.
Things change when you have the task of naming a new puppy. The name arena is wide open. Do you choose a popular dog name? Do you name the dog according to breed? Do you choose a name that refers to the country the breed hails from? Do you wait a few days after getting the puppy and choose a name that describes the puppy’s personality?
There is no right answer to the question. Do what works best for you. There are a lot of websites that offer hundreds of puppy names.
When choosing a name, consider the fact that you will be calling the dog in public. It is estimated that you will use your dog’s name more than 35,000 times in the course of the average life span of a dog. Choose a name that is appropriate for public use.
One of the best tips when it comes to choosing a name is to keep it simple. Fred is a lot easier for you and the dog to deal with than something like Frederick the Great. Try to keep the name to a couple of syllables.
Make sure that you do not choose a name that sounds a lot like a command. Maybe your puppy loves to roll in the freshly cut hay field. It wouldn’t be a good idea to name him Hay. It sounds too much like the stay command. Similarly, Ray would not be the best choice. Choosing a name that sounds like a common command is just asking for trouble. It will be hard for the dog to differentiate between his name and the command.
Pure bred dogs that are registered with entities such as the American Kennel Club need a long, fancy name. That’s fine for the paperwork, but be sure to choose a simple name for everyday use. For example, your Brittany spaniel may be registered as Sir Lancelot von Trapp, but consider using Lance.
Once you have chosen an appropriate name, it is time to get the dog used to it. Remember to offer lots of praise and love when the dog responds to his or her name. Positive reinforcement will make the task easier for you and the dog.
Related posts:
- Choosing a Puppy Name
- Choosing a Life Vest for Your Dog
- Choosing a Name for Your Puppy
- Choosing a Day Care Center for Your Dog
- Choosing Toys That Are Safe For Your Puppy
