Choosing A Great Dog Name

Many pet owners spend plenty of time trying to find the perfect dog name, and no wonder: your dog will be stuck with his or her moniker for the rest of their lives. A great dog name can capture the personality of your dog and can really help you bond with your pet. After all, choosing a dog name is a very personal thing and selecting a dog name can be a way of making your pet your own. If you are searching for a great dog name, begin by considering your dog. What is their personality? Their size? Their breed? Are they a female or male? Do they have any distinctive traits or personality quirks that suggest a name? A dog's name should reflect their personality and should put a positive spin on your pet. After all, when people meet your dog, how they react to your pet will be based at least in part on the pet name your dog has. Some dog owners find that giving their dogs a human name gives their pets an approachable and human-like air. Other people turn to place names or flower names to find appropriate names for their pet. If you are hunting for a great dog name, consider human names. You can look up names using a name book at the local library. Some dog owners like to consider the names of historical figures for a dog name. Other pet owners look at plant names or at place names to find the perfect dog name. Others look to their favorite literary characters, their favorite movie characters or titles, or their favorite celebrities or people. In general though, it is a good idea to avoid a name that is too trendy or faddish, since your dog will have to live with his or her dog name long after the fad has passed. Once you have chosen a dog name, your job is not complete until you have taught your pet to respond to their name. This is important since your dog's ability to recognize their dog name can help keep them safe. If your dog is

in danger, you want to be able to get their attention right away so that you can help them. Luckily, teaching your dog to respond to their dog name is fairly simple - all you need to do is teach your dog that their name means treats and lots of attention. Begin by saying your dog's name and immediately rewarding them with a treat or pat. Do this several times a day. Then, try saying their name when their attention is elsewhere. Your dog should respond. If not, go back to step A and repeat, praising your dog very much each time they respond to their dog name. Eventually, your dog will respond to their dog name each time because they will know it will produce lots of attention from you.