Choosing the Right Dog Name

Here doggy, doggy... c'mon, you have to do better than that, right? Now the question looms: what name do I choose?

When adopting a dog, it is important to establish that good bond with your pet right off, and the first step would be to choose a name that is one you not only like yourself but also suits your dog's disposition. As the owner, you step in as guardian, and this begins with you naming your beloved friend.Most dog names tend to have only one or two syllables, since owners seem to anticipate that they'll be using the dog's name regularly. With this in mind, choose a name with syllables that suit you, (something not too taxing on the tongue in other words) and something you don't think you'll mind shouting when you see your lovable puppy shredding your favorite pair of slippers.

Take into account that maybe your dog loves to hunt or perhaps it is a bit shy. The name should give insight into the dog's traits, and whatever name you choose will no doubt reflect upon you. Remember, a dog will be your companion through the years, so choose something that will last. Avoid current fad-like names, if timelessness is a concern. (Such as the name of your favorite character on a television show that gets cancelled after one season and no one will know of in ten years). Choosing a name should be fun, not stressful. It might not be a bad idea to wait a few days and see what sticks, if you are still undecided.

There are many popular dog names, and among them they include both male dog names as well as female dog names. Some popular boy dog names include: Buddy, Bear, Oscar, Max and Hunter. Likewise, some popular girl dog names include: Maggie, Sandy, Lucy, Princess, and Brandy.

As expected, the male dog names tend to harbor a more masculine quality; implying that a boy dog is one's "Buddy" or could be large-sized and lovable such as in a name like "Bear." The girl dog names lean more towards the feminine, by way of actual female names like "Lucy" or "Sandy" or even revealing that pampered side by way of a name like "Princess." They tend to be more "delicate" sounding than size and action-oriented, as in the case with male dog names such as "Bear" or "Hunter."

For those who don't wish to give their dog a popular name and instead are interested in more unique dog names, a good rule of thumb would be to name the dog after something you enjoy. Perhaps the name of a favorite writer or artist? Or perhaps the name of the city where you purchased the dog or where you met your spouse? Or perhaps a name that hints at a favorite poem or song title? All suggestions could provide some insightful tips into choosing an unusual, yet suitable name for your dog.

There are also a number of websites and books available that could provide interesting puppy names. Also, don't be afraid to ask around, or just listen to words that pop into the ether. Do they have a tone that you like? Are they unusual or just give an interesting, alliterative sound? There are no rules when it comes to naming your pet, so get creative. Though whatever name you choose, ultimately if your dog responds to it, you know the name is a success.