When choosing the perfect name for your pet, there is a lot to consider, not least because you need to think about how easy it will be to teach your dog its new name.
The best dog names are those that follow a few guidelines laid out by pet specialists and researchers, all of whom recommend a certain set of criteria to make names easier for dogs to learn.
Read on to see the science behind choosing a name for your pooch.
Syllables
One syllable works well with dogs, which we know from how they respond to single syllable commands like “sit”, “stay” and “come”. However, some researchers suggest that two syllables are best to ensure a dog’s response.
Anything longer will overwhelm the dog, making it difficult to learn and distinguish different sounds and words from each other. If by chance, a dog does respond to a multi-syllabic name, it will be down to your using the same tone every time. This is because dogs can recognise tones better than formed sounds, so bear this in mind.
Sounds
Opting for names with long vowels at the end (“e” or “ay”) will enable your dog to differentiate their ID from their commands, which often end in hard consonants (sit, walk, ball, stay, come). You should also keep in mind the confusion caused by choosing a name too similar to words you will commonly use around your dog (sit > Kit, stay > May). Hard consonants are considered better than soft consonants; with Gigi vs Gaga or Ally vs Ava, dogs will be better able to learn the latter name in both cases. Another interesting note is that “s” is hailed as one of the most easily identifiable sounds for dogs.
Tone
As mentioned above, some dogs (particularly those with more complex names) respond better to tone. This is why you should try to use the same intonation every time. If you your dog’s name is Bubbles and you always say “Bub-” higher and “-
When your dog is learning the difference between how commands sound, how you address other humans around them, and how you address them, they will be able to learn quicker by hearing the different tones. We tend to baby talk pets, but that isn’t necessary; just speak to them calmly and consistently so they know by the tone of your voice that they should pay attention. They will be able to associate the tone with the sound.
Consistency
Research shows that consistency is the key to ensuring your dog understands when they are being addressed, as well as any simple commands and general communication.
Use treats to reinforce their name, giving them a little reward when they respond to their name. This will work in the same way as reward reinforcement works for tricks.
In the same way you wouldn’t confuse your dog by using interchangeable terms for commands (e.g. biscuit/treat/sweet/
Something else to bear in mind is if you’re re-homing your dog, and he or she already has a name, try your best not to rename them, as this will only cause unnecessary confusion.
Clarity
Try to pick a pet name that isn’t too popular – you don’t want your dog to go running when everyone and his uncle calls the same name. Similarly, you don’t want to be inundated with other dogs when you call yours.
Don’t duplicate family names as your dog will struggle to understand when you are addressing them and when you are referring to one of their humans. Also, some people don’t take too kindly to being the namesake for a hound…
For commands, you should say the dog’s name first and the instruction after. Dogs respond better to this format because they know straight off the bat that you are addressing them and that you need them, specifically, to do something. On that note, before teaching your dog any tricks, teach them their name first.
Ultimately, you need to find a name that your dog will recognise, remember and respond to. On top of this, like all of the best dog names, it needs to be something that suits your dog’s personality, and that you and your family will love. Ticking all of these boxes might seem like a big task, but it will be worth it – and our pet name generator is here to help.