How to Name Your Dog

By Tobi Schwartz-Cassell

Did you know that you can scientifically choose the perfect name for your dog?

I didn’t.

Either did my husband who named our dog, Fred. Turns out, that’s not a good name for a dog. Who knew?

I did some research and found that Bruce and Kobe make much better doggy names than Axel, Remi and Fred, and here’s why:

1. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the key is to incorporate hard consonants and long vowel sounds into your pup’s name. That’s why Kobe works but Remi doesn’t. Kobe has the hard “K” and the long “O.” These sounds are the easiest for your dog to hear.
2. Many dog training experts suggest you use one or two-syllable names. So forget Lancelot or Cinderella.
3. The AKC further recommends you avoid names that sound like a command. Kit sounds like “sit” and Bo sounds like “no.” Very confusing for your furbaby.

4. 

   Also avoid a name that sounds like a name of one of your other family members. So if your daughter’s name is Molly you should avoid naming your dog Dolly. If your daughter is Sadie, you shouldn’t name your dog Lady.

5. Certified dog trainer Nicole Ellis suggests a name that ends with a vowel, so Josie and Milo are good bets.
6. Consider your pet’s future nicknames, because, let’s face it, we all give our pets tons of nicknames. One of my cats is named Lucy. My daughter calls her Lucifer. I call her Lucille, Lucy-Poosey, Lucinda, Loo-shus, Loose Caboose, you get the idea. Lizzy Francis, news editor for www.fatherly.com (whose mission is to empower men to raise great kids) explains, “Try to come up with a ton of nicknames, and good ones, not ones like Buddy, to see if there are nicknames that are easy to say, sound like their full names and are cute.” Otherwise, once again, you could confuse your dog.
7. And finally, says the AKC, “When a dog hears her name, it’s a signal that whatever is coming next is meant for her. So use her name frequently in a positive context so she doesn’t associate it with punishment or anything negative or scary.”

Click on these links if you’re interested in the top 100 girl dog names or the top 100 boy dog names.

Is your dog’s name on either of these lists? What’s his or her name? Please share in the comments below. And be sure to include their nicknames, too. 😊

Virtual hugs!
❤,

 

 

PS: Want to have fun in 2-D? Check out our upcoming Franks & Beans Events Virtual Girls’ Nights Out.

PPS: Want to have fun on Facebook? Join our closed women’s group South Jersey Girls Who Wanna Have Fun. You DON’T have to live in South Jersey to join!

PPPS: If you wonder what your furbabies are thinking, whether they are still with you or over the Rainbow Bridge, you might enjoy our Pet Communication Psychic Event featuring Psychic Medium Irene Mazzei on April 21, 2022. Everyone is guaranteed a reading, but tickets are limited.