How to Choose Your Pet’s Name
Deciding on a name for a pet can be a hard thing to do since you may want to come up with something that sounds appropriate yet original. Fortunately, there are certain aspects that can ease this fun task and lead you to find the best alternative for this new family member.
5-Minute Crafts has created this guide to help you pick the perfect names for your 4-legged friends.
1. Keep it simple.
Short names are easier to be learned by dogs and cats than long ones. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose a name that has no more than 1 or 2 syllables. Moreover, experts say that including a hard consonant in your dog’s name, such as “c” or “k” will help them recognize it from other surrounding sounds.
If you still want to give your pet a longer name, you can do so by using a shortened nickname whenever you want to get your dog or cat’s attention. Keep in mind that pets don’t relate to the fact of having 2 names like humans do.
❗ Make sure to consider names that you won’t feel uncomfortable calling out in public or when you’re playing with your pet in the park.
2. Avoid names that sound like commands.
When picking your pet’s name, avoid words that sound similar to a command, as it can be confusing for them. For example, “Jay” can sound like “stay,” or Sid could be heard as “sit.” Keep in mind that some people may want to train their cats, so this piece of advice can also apply to felines just as much as dogs.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that dogs don’t identify with names the way we do. For instance, they will relate everything you say to a sound or command and will respond to it accordingly. With practice, your dog will eventually recognize their name.
✅ When training your dog to respond to their name, associate the word you have chosen with something positive. For example, you can stand next to your pet and wait for them to look at you. When they do so, say their name and reward them with a treat.
3. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior and physical traits.
Even though you may want to name your pet as soon as they arrive home, it’s a good idea to take a few days to observe their personality. This will help you come up with a name that will fit perfectly according to the way they behave.
At the same time, your new pet may have a special physical characteristic that can make you decide their name right away just by looking at them, which can lead to very cute and unique options.
✅ Take into account any names that will fit your pet’s traits for their whole life. For instance, “Kitten” may not sound as suitable for your cat when they grow up.
4. Choose a theme and stick to things you like.
If you’re thinking about names for 1 or 2 pets, try to come up with as many options as you can. In order to do so, set a theme, such as music, movies, or books you enjoy. This will provide fun alternatives, such as “Elvis” if you’re a fan of the rock star, or “Chewie” if you’ve watched the whole Star Wars saga.
Food and drinks can also be a source of possibilities, such as “Cupcake” or “Mocha.” Moreover, your pet’s breed can provide even more options for you to pick the best one.
5. Consider the name of a meaningful place.
Naming your pet after a place that you like can also be a good choice. Think about a meaningful location you really enjoy and consider if it would be a good match for your 4-legged friend.
If you’re adopting a pet from a shelter, find out where they were found, as this information can also give you ideas about their prospective name. For instance, a cat that was rescued from a tree can be called “Maple,” or a dog that was hiding behind a car could be named “Wheels.”