Pet Names
Ideas for naming your pet
With pet names, there are literally endless possibilities, making the task seem daunting to some new pet owners. While some people have a name for their new dog, cat, hamster or fish picked out even before they go to the pet store, others just can't seem to come up with something unique or unusual enough for their tastes. What's a pet owner to do?
Common Sense Tips for Choosing Pet Names
Whether you want a classic name, something funny or something that's just plain off the wall, there are a few general guidelines you should adhere to. First, shorter is better. Animals can have trouble learning to respond to a lengthy, multi-syllable name. A good rule of thumb is to limit your pet's name to, at most, two syllables.
It's also essential not to have your pet confuse its name with common commands. This is especially important when considering dog pet names; anything that sounds the same as words like "Stay," "Come," "Sit," "No" or "Down" should be avoided. When your pet starts to respond to its name, be sure to reward it with treats or other positive reinforcements. This will speed up your pet's learning curve.
Unique and Unusual Pet Names: How to Pick One
The best way to come up with unique pet names that truly reflect the character of the animal is to spend some time getting to know your pet before deciding on a name. Your little poodle may show the spunk of a Rottweiler, making unusual dog names like "Brutus" or "Napoleon" ring perfectly true. If your intimidating German shepherd has the disposition of a sweet little bunny rabbit, cute pet names like "Cuddles," "Cookie" or "Peanut" may make a perfect fit.
Funny pet names work best with playful animals that love to frolic and interact with people. Naming a sedentary sheepdog "Bobo" or "Bongo" won't be as apt as it would if your pet was a trick-performing Jack Russell terrier or a comical Pomeranian. Many people also prefer to choose names that reflect their own ethnic backgrounds or the ethnic origins of the animal breed; for example, Irish pet names like "Madigan" and "Connery" would work better for an Irish setter than they would for a French bulldog.
Whatever name you choose, get your pet used to it slowly and avoid changing it too many times. Your pet needs time to adjust, and bombarding it with a cascading array of pet names that only last a few days at a time will only confuse your pet and make the learning process more difficult.
