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How to Name Your Pet
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Trying to decide on the perfect name for your new pet? Naming a pet can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a challenge. There’s lots to consider about the name you choose. After all, you’ll be calling them by this name for their entire life–which, depending on which type of pet you have, could mean years and years to come. You don’t want to name them something that you’ll be sick of after the first few months or something that’s hard for your pet to understand. Because, let’s face it: when you’re training a puppy, you’re going to find yourself repeating their name a lot! Check out our tips for how to name your pet to make choosing the right name fun!
4 Tips for Naming Your Pet
- Get those creative juices flowing!
Be creative! “Fluffy” and “Spot” are classics, but you can do better than that! Whether you’re still in the planning stages of bringing home a new pet or they’re making themself at home on your new rug right this moment, choosing a name for them is fun and exciting. If you don’t already have a few names in mind, it’s time to brainstorm. You never know where inspiration might strike, so scour the internet for the year’s most popular names, watch your favorite TV shows (guinea pigs named Ross and Rachel? Yes, please!), think about your favorite characters’ names from your favorite books and movies, and keep your eyes and ears ready at all times for the perfect moniker to suit your new pet’s personality. Maybe your favorite celebrity’s name would even work–who wouldn’t love a fish named Denzel Washington? If you have children, get them involved! Kids are pros at naming anything and everything, and they never run out of creativity, that’s for sure.
- Testing, Testing…1, 2, 3!
Once you’ve got a few favorites on your list, say them out loud. If you already have your furry best friend at home with you, call them by each name for a few hours–or even days–and see which one feels right. A good rule of thumb is to stick with two-syllable names. They typically roll off the tongue a little easier and, especially if your pet happens to be a dog, it’s easier for your pet to recognize.
- Think of Possible Nicknames
It’s inevitable–even if the name you choose is already short, you’ll find a way to give your pet a nickname. So before you settle on a name, think of possible nicknames; do you like any of them? If so, maybe this is the right one! But if there’s a nickname that other people may naturally gravitate toward based on the name you’ve selected that you dislike, it may be time to move on down the list.
- Be Consistent
Once you’ve landed on a name you feel comfortable with, stick with it. It’s okay to change the name a few times in the first few weeks, but after that, it’s best to stick with one so that you don’t confuse your pet. Birds, cats and dogs can all learn their name fairly quickly, so try to avoid switching names after you’ve been calling them something else for a period of time.
Do’s & Don’t’s of Naming Your Pet
DO:
- Choose a name that fits your pet’s personality.
- Look for name inspiration in your favorite TV shows, movies and books.
- Name your pet something that’s easy to say.
- Pick a name that ends in a vowel.
- Have fun with it!
DON’T:
- Choose a name that sounds like another pet’s name.
- Name your pet something that sounds like a training cue (ex. “Shay” could be confused for “Stay”). If you do prefer a name that sounds like a cue, consider switching your cues to avoid confusion (ex. “Wait” instead of “Stay”).
- Pick a name that’s too long (more than 2 syllables).
The most important thing to remember when naming your new best friend is to have fun with it! Play around with lots of different names. Trust us, one will eventually find its way to the top of your list and you and your bestie won’t look back.
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