What’s in a name?
When it comes to naming someone or something, people tend to have strong opinions. This is no surprise: a name is something generally with us forever! So, picking one should not be taken lightly. But what about our four-legged friends? How should you pick and teach a pup their name?
A puppy can learn their name starting at twelve weeks according to this article, Call Him By His Name. If adopting a young puppy, eight to twelve weeks is prime time to introduce a puppy to their new home. This is great timing to start working on teaching your floof their name. But, there are a few things to consider when naming your pup.
How to Pick a Name
Remember: you can teach an old dog new tricks…
Did you know you can teach an adult dog a new name? Whether a puppy or elder, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to naming your furry friend. Two syllables are ideal and ending with a vowel can help grab your dog’s attention.
Did you know dogs distinguish frequency ranges more than humans do? This is why ending in a vowel can be a good idea. If the name is easy to say, it will likely be easy for your dog to hear. Dogs prefer short sounds. Keep it short and sweet!
Once you have picked a name, here is how you can start to teach your pupper…
The easiest way to teach a dog their new name is – you guessed it – using treats! Just like commands and potty training, teaching your dog their name is a type of training. Work on speaking your pet’s name; once they look at you, reward them with praise and a treat. Do this repetitively and throughout the day. Soon enough, they will associate their name with turning their attention towards you, reinforced by a treat!
Keep in mind…
If your pet previously had a different name, it is important to make sure you take time teaching their new one. Just like all other training, consistency is key! Be persistent and positive. Dogs are like us people – they like positive attention. Try to keep your frustration hidden to keep them from getting discouraged. This will also help you keep an optimistic attitude, too!
Taking a look at the most popular dog names of 2022…
Almost all of The Most Popular Dog Names of 2022 are short 2 syllable names ending in a vowel sound. Names like Luna, Willow, and Sadie for girls and Milo, Charlie, and Leo for boys show this criteria.
This doesn’t mean you need to follow the trends, though! There are plenty of names out there that are short and vowel-ending without being mainstream. If you are looking for unique unconventional, check out 215 Rare and Unusual Dog Names. Some of my personal favorites from this funky list include Argo, Kiva, and Nessie.
At the end of the day, it is important you pick a name that matters to you! After all, you will be the one saying it over and over again. For a family pet, picking a name can be a tense debate. If you or your family is struggling to choose a name, assess its teachability – this might just help solidify your decision.
