Although your name is part of your identity, that likely isn’t the case with dogs. Dogs may have a sense of self-awareness, but their name is really a verbal cue that means the next thing you do or say will be relevant to them. But your dog’s name is still important. It affects how you think of your dog, reflects their personality to others, and helps you effectively communicate with them. So, how do you choose the perfect name for your pet? There’s more to think about than you might realize.
Call Name Versus Registered Name
If you’ve ever watched a dog show, you’ve heard incredibly long and fancy-sounding dog names like “Ramblin’ Red Slamdunk Buckpasser,” the Irish Setter who came second in the Sporting Group at the 2023 AKC National Championship. Those complicated monikers are the dogs’ registered names rather than what they’re called on a day-to-day basis.
A dog’s everyday name is known as their call name. Call names are typically much shorter and easier to say than registered names, not to mention easier for the dog to understand. Whether you register your dog with the AKC or not, feel free to have a long and fancy or funny name for use among your human friends and family. But be sure to give your dog a shorter, snappier call name for everyday use.
Think Beyond the Obvious
But how do you choose a call name? You can always pick from a list of the most popular dog names. But it might be wise to avoid the more common names. You don’t want your dog to be the twelfth “Max” at the vet’s office or for another “Luna” to come running when you call your dog at the dog park. Instead, think of a name that is uniquely your dog’s.
Look at your hobbies and interests for inspiration. Perhaps you love superheroes or knitting. In that case, “Thor” or “Purl” might be worth considering. Or look for lists of unusual dog names or online name generators like the AKC name finder. If you look beyond the obvious, you can come up with something that sets your dog apart from the others in the neighborhood.
Say the Name Out Loud
Before you choose, think about the connotation of potential names or the feelings they evoke. It might seem funny to name your gentle Rottweiler “Beast” or “Killer,” but consider how strangers might respond when you introduce your pet. Some names can create assumptions about your dog’s personality. If strangers feel anxious around your dog, that can rub off on your pet and cause your dog anxiety.
Also, consider how you’ll feel calling out your dog’s name in public. If you have to ask for a recall or get your dog’s attention, will you be comfortable saying something that could be considered crass or ridiculous? Be sure to avoid naming your dog anything that could offend or insult others. Dogs can be a great way to socialize and meet new people. But, an introduction could end abruptly if you choose a name that raises eyebrows or hurts feelings.
Pick A Short and Snappy Name for Your Dog
It’s also important to consider how your dog will respond to their name. Pick something easy to recognize amid the constant background of human speech. Think short and snappy rather than long, soothing, or singsong. If you need to call your dog in an emergency, you don’t want a mouthful of words. Plus, you’ll likely quickly tire of a tongue twister. Remember, you’ll be saying this name for at least a decade, so make sure it’s practical for fast and efficient communication with your dog.
Common advice for choosing a dog name is to start with or include a hard consonant like “D” or “K.” The thought is that these sounds are easier for their ears to distinguish compared to softer sounds like “S” or “F.” However, recent research has shown that the average dog doesn’t differentiate between similar-sounding human speech sounds. So, a nonsense word like “shay” will likely get the same response as the cue “stay.” Dogs may not attend to speech sounds the way we do — they might not notice the difference between “Josie” and “Cody,” for example. But, it can’t hurt to consider which name may be easier to notice in a noisy environment.
It can also help to choose a two-syllable name, preferably one that ends in a vowel. For example, “Daisy” or “Rocky.” These names are great for varying stress and intonation, which, as good dog trainers know, are integral to communicating with your dog. fMRI brain scan research shows that dogs use the way we say words to fully understand what we mean. So, if your dog’s name has two syllables, you can change your tone as you speak it, such as starting at a lower pitch, then raising your pitch toward the end when you’re serious, or doing the reverse if you feel playful.
Don’t Choose a Confusing Name
Dogs don’t always distinguish human speech sounds, so it’s important to choose a name that doesn’t sound similar to other words your dog may hear often, such as cues. “Kit” sounds too much like “sit,” for example. You also don’t want a name like “Moe” or “Joe” that sounds like the word “no.” Although positive reinforcement is the best way to interact with your dog, you don’t want your dog to think you’re scolding when you’re calling their name. Finally, don’t pick a name that’s similar to that of another pet or person in the household. You don’t want your dog to tune you out because they think you’re speaking to someone else.
Choose a Name That Suits Your Dog
One last consideration is whether the name suits your dog. Think about your pet’s personality, appearance, or breed heritage. Remember: you don’t have to name your new pet the first day they come home. Take your time to choose something the whole family can agree on. Then, try it out for a day or two and see how your dog responds. Does their tail wag, or do their ears perk up? Then you’ve probably found a winner. Once you’ve made your choice, teach your dog to recognize their name by playing the name game. Say their name in a happy tone of voice, and when they look at you, mark and reward the moment, so they learn to look forward to hearing that word.
And don’t worry, it’s possible to change your dog’s name if necessary. For example, if you bring a dog home from the shelter, and you don’t like the name the shelter staff assigned. With a few simple steps, you can rename your dog, so their name perfectly reflects their personality.