If you got a new puppy for the holidays and you’re still unsure of what to name it, make sure you really think about it before you choose. Remember, a name is forever, so you need to choose one that is meaningful to you. Try to avoid naming your dog an aggressive-sounding name because it will seem like its behavior is reflected in its name. Dogs don’t have a say in their name so the determining factor is simply if you like the name. Chances are you will say the name in a positive tone, which will improve you and your dog’s bonding.
If for some reason you change your mind about your dog’s name and end up not liking it, you can still change it within a reasonable time. Dogs tend to adjust easily to this change as long as you associate their name with positive things and utilize body language to show you are talking to them. They will more than likely learn their new name within a few days.
The following list can give you some ideas on where to start coming up with a name for your dog:
- Names of places that have meaning to you
- Movies, plays, books and television: characters, titles, themes, settings
- Reference materials about subjects you enjoy: read or skim for words in the text; look through the glossary, table of contents, index, resource list, links, illustrations, etc.
- Terms from a sport or hobby you love
- Words from favorite songs, poems, or traditional stories
- Terminology from your work or other work that interests you
- Human names you like or names of people you admire
- Words related to your faith, patriotism or other ideals
- Words from history or culture of significance to you
- Attributes or principles you value (“Honor,” “Hope,” “Buddy,” “Pal,” “Amigo,” “Justice,” “Mercy”)
- Words in other languages
- Words from nature (“Star,” “River,” names of plants, “Cirrus,” “Rainbow,” “Snowflake,” “Mesa,” “Meadow,” “Wildflower”)
- Words referring to your favorite holidays or seasons (“Valentine,” “Noel,” “Dreidel,” “Easter,” “Saint Nick,” “Patrick,” “Shamrock”)
