When you bring home a new puppy or well-deserving older dog, you need to give him a name as soon as possible. Dogs are smart and learn quickly as to who's who, and his own name gives him a special place of dignity in the home. Choosing a name for you pooch is an individual journey, but many dog owners prefer to select names that are meaningful to themselves.
When mulling over your collection of potential names, remember that a new puppy has a simplistic mind and can relate to a one or two syllable name much easier that a complicated title. You need not settle for Spot or Rover, but over indulgent names may take your dog longer to learn his identity and may very well embarrass you one day when the dog's name is called at the vet's office. Although your bulldog may look like a "Sir Nottingham of Ghent", he shall surely thank you for something a little more simple. Find a name that suits your dog's face and personality without going over the edge and he will learn quickly who he is. In addition, for rapid recognition, be sure to use his name whenever you call him and associate the name with only positive activities such as food and play time, never a scolding.
If you have multiple dogs, especially those of the same age, you may wish to rotate your usage of vowels and consents to avoid a sound so similar that the names are confusing. King and Bing may sound cute for your canine Bobsy Twins, but the animals may find it difficult to distinguish their own names. Each dog should have his own name of distinction with no room for error or confusion with another animal.
When choosing a name for your dog, you may wish to list all the possibilities drawn from your favorite things in life. Like classical music? Mozart and Chopin take the top of the list. Be creative and select a name that has meaning and emotion for you. This little dog is going to be your constant companion for years to come and he deserves a name worthy of his friendship.
