4 Simple Ways To Pick The Perfect Dog Name

One of the most fun things about getting a new pup is choosing it’s name……..until you start to try to find the perfect one!

When I got my first puppy, Jackson, I found choosing his name SO difficult. All I could think about was that this was a permanent decision, and I couldn’t change my mind after a few months of trying it out.

I wanted something significant, that reflected his personality, and resonated with my life. My solution was to to Google “names for dogs”; but that only ended up with me being overwhelmed with a flood of ideas and options.

I finally named him Jackson, with his middle name being Triggs (after the local winery, Jackson Triggs). He is the perfect Jackson, and I’ve loved the name from the day I choose it.

My second pup I named Kobi; mostly for the reason that I loved the name. I also wanted to shorter name than Jackson, as Kobi is a smaller dog. My third pup is called Hendricks, after Hendricks Gin. Gin and Tonics are a favorite in our house, and Hendricks has a regal feel to it, which fits his long, lean Whippet personality perfectly.

So, whether you are thinking about getting a puppy, or you are looking for a name for your precious pup, don’t worry, I have 4 simple and easy ideas that will help you pick the absolutely perfect name.

1. Focus On Shorter Names

Shorter names, with one or two syllables, are easier for your pup to learn. Try to avoid names that sound very like commands, to avoid confusing your pup. For example; Bo sounds like No! Probably best to avoid as you definitely don’t want a confused pup when you’re saying “No”!

2. Think About Your Pup’s Personality

Is your pup big, small, strong, clumsy, playful, lazy, a clown, or your shadow? What color or markings make them unique? What other animals do they remind you of? What fictional character do they remind you of? Do they have any unique mannerisms?

3. Use Humor

Using humor or irony is always fun when thinking of a great name. For example; “Tiny” for a Great Dane, or “Thor” for a Chihuahua.

4. Find Your Favorite

Inspiration is all around you. Think about your favorite place, drink, food, street, book, song or childhood memory. Write a list of all of the words that come in to your head when you think about your favorite things, and then review the list,  highlighting any words and ideas for a name.

Have fun with your pup’s name. The options and ideas are limitless, and the bottom line is you can name your precious pup, whatever YOU want to!

To help you with some more ideas, I’ve put together a list of the Top 10 Dog Names of 2017. Is your pup’s name on it? Click below to get the list and find out! 

Comment below and let us know what you named your dog. We love to hear your stories.