Choosing dog names should be fun, but sometimes it can be a real drag. Every name you choose just seems wrong. Weeks go by and your new pup is still being referred to as "the dog", while every name you come up with is briefly considered, and swiftly disregarded. Eventually you pick a name out of desperation, which is quite possibly the worst thing you can do. After all you're going to be spending many years with your dog, and you're going to be calling his name many, many times. So the last thing you want is to choose a name that doesn't fit. With that in mind here are our 10 top tips for picking dog names; 1. Try to go for one or two-syllable names. They roll off the tongue easily, are good for calling, and easy for your dog to recognize. 2. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't go for a more exotic name. But be aware that names recognition is important to effectively train your dog. So if you want to name your Borzoi, Rasputin, in keeping with his Russian roots, that's quite okay. Just give him a shorter, call name, perhaps, Raz. 3. Some names sound a lot like voice commands, and can cause confusion when you come to train your dog. "Sid" can sound a lot like "sit", and "Moe" can easily be mistaken for "no". 4. Try not to give your dog a name is similar to your other pets, or someone in the family. It gets awful confusing! 5. Don't give your dog a name that will embarrass him. Beavis may be okay, but Butthead certainly isn't! Dogs have feelings too. 6. Choose a name that is appropriate for your dog's breed, size, coat color, special characteristics etc. "Goliath" is not the best name for a Shih Tzu. And "Tinkerbell", is not particularly suited to a Rottweiller, either. Of course, any of these could work, if you are trying for irony! 7. Cute cuddly puppies, sometimes grow into huge hairy beasts - remember that. "Fluffball" may seem like a good idea for your adorable little St. Bernard pup, but may be less suited, once he grows into a 250-pound adult. 8. A dog breed's origins often provide a rich source of names. Think of the country of origin's famous people, places, traditions and institutions, and you're halfway there. Need some examples? How about, "Guinness" for an Irish Setter, "Louis" to a French Bulldog, or "Yoko" for a Shiba Inu. 9. Here's another good source of dog names - your hobbies and interests! Are you a baseball fan, a movie buff, or an art lover? Then how about Short Stop, Bronson or Picasso? Dog name ideas are everywhere - just pick your passion! 10. I find that it's always a good idea to understand the origins and history behind your dog's name. That's pretty easy these days, but you don't have to go searching Wikipedia for hours on end.
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