How to Choose Your Dog’s Name

Although your name is part of your identity, that likely isn’t the case with dogs. Dogs may have a sense of self-awareness, but their name is primarily a verbal cue that signals something relevant is about to happen.

In This Article

• • Call Names vs. Registered Names
  • Finding the Right Dog Name
  • How Others Hear Your Dog’s Name
  • Choosing an Easy-to-Use Name
  • Avoiding Command-Like Names
  • Matching the Name to Your Dog
  • FAQs About Choosing a Dog Name

Still, your dog’s name is important. It affects how you think of your dog, reflects their personality to others, and helps you effectively communicate with them. So, how do you choose the perfect name for your pet? It involves more thought than you might expect.

Call Name vs. Registered Name

If you’ve ever watched a dog show, you’ve likely heard long, elaborate names like “Ramblin’ Red Slamdunk Buckpasser,” the Irish Setter who came second in the Sporting Group at the 2023 AKC National Championship. Those complicated monikers are the dogs’ registered names, not what they’re called day-to-day.

A dog’s everyday name is known as their call name. Call names are typically shorter, easier to say, and simpler for your dog to recognize. Whether or not you register your dog with the AKC, you can still have fun with a longer or more creative name for use among your human friends and family. Just make sure you give your dog a shorter, snappier call name for everyday use.

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Think Beyond the Obvious

But how do you choose a call name? You can always pick from a list of the most popular dog names. But it might be wise to avoid the more common names. You probably don’t want your dog to be the twelfth “Max” at the vet’s office or for another “Luna” to come running when you call your dog at the dog park. Instead, think of a name that is uniquely your dog’s.

Instead, you can look for inspiration in your hobbies or interests. Perhaps you love superheroes or knitting. In that case, “Thor” or “Purl” might be worth considering. You can also look at lists of unusual dog names or use online name generators like the AKC Dog Name Generator. Exploring less obvious choices can help your dog stand out and feel uniquely yours.

Consider How the Name Sounds to Others

Before settling on a name, think about how it might be perceived. A name like “Beast” or “Killer” might seem funny in some circumstances, but consider how strangers might respond when you introduce your pet. Some names can create assumptions about your dog’s personality. If strangers feel concern or fear around your dog, that can rub off on your pet and cause your dog to feel anxious.

It’s also important to feel comfortable calling out your dog’s name in public. You’ll use it in various situations, from calling your dog back to introducing them to others. Avoid names that could be offensive, embarrassing, or awkward to say out loud. Dogs can be a great way to socialize and meet new people. But, an introduction could end abruptly if you choose a name that raises eyebrows or hurts feelings.

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Choose Something Clear and Easy to Say

It’s also important to consider how your dog will respond to their name. Pick something easy to recognize amid the constant background of human speech. Think short and snappy rather than long, soothing, or singsong. If you need to call your dog in an emergency, you don’t want a mouthful of words.

You’ll be using your dog’s name for years, so keep practicality in mind. Common advice for choosing a dog name is to start with or include a hard consonant like “D” or “K,” since these sounds may be easier for dogs’ ears to distinguish compared to softer sounds like “S” or “F.”

However, recent research has shown that the average dog doesn’t differentiate between similar-sounding human speech sounds. So, a nonsense word like “shay” will likely get the same response as the cue “stay.” Dogs may not attend to speech sounds the way we do — they might not notice the difference between “Josie” and “Cody,” for example. But, it can’t hurt to consider which name may be easier to notice in a noisy environment.

Two-syllable names, preferably those that end in a vowel like “Daisy” or “Rocky,” are great for varying stress and intonation. As good dog trainers know, varying tone and emphasis play a key role in how dogs interpret what we say.

fMRI brain scan research shows that dogs use the way we say words to fully understand what we mean. So, if your dog’s name has two syllables, you can change your tone as you speak it, such as starting at a lower pitch, then raising your pitch toward the end when you’re serious, or doing the reverse if you feel playful.

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Avoid Names That Sound Like Commands

Dogs don’t always distinguish human speech sounds, so it’s important to choose a name that doesn’t sound similar to other words your dog may hear often, such as cues. For example:

• “Kit” sounds too much like “sit“
• “Moe” or “Joe” sound like the word “no”
• Names similar to family members or other pets can also cause confusion

Selecting a clearly distinct name helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps communication consistent.

Choosing a Name That Suits Your Dog

One last consideration is whether the name suits your dog. Think about your pet’s personality, appearance, or breed heritage. There’s no need to decide immediately. Spend a few days trying out a name and observe your dog’s reaction. If they perk up or seem engaged, you may have found the right fit.

Once you’ve made your choice, teach your dog to recognize their name by playing the name game. Say their name in a happy tone of voice, and when they look at you, mark and reward the moment, so they learn to look forward to hearing that word.

And don’t worry, it’s OK to change your mind. Dogs can learn a new name with consistent practice and encouragement.

Frequently Asked Questions