Dog to Dog – Do You Like Your Name?

I happen to like my name A LOT. Charlie Bear is manly yet sweet, temperamental yet cuddly. In fact, that’s what I’m doing on Dad’s lap in the picture…cuddling. Do you like your name? Here’s something Mom Peep found. Check it out.

What’s In a Name? Naming Your Dog
By: Virginia Wells

Today we think of dogs as real family members, and the latest trend is to give dogs human names, names that we would give our children. According to the ASPCA’s official list of top 30 pet names, the two most popular names are Max, Maxie, Maxwell or Maxine, which means “the greatest” in Latin, and Sam, Sammie or Samantha, which means “listener.” Scanning the list you will also find Buddy, Ginger, Jake, Maggie and Charlie (there’s my name!), a list not unlike a grade school attendance roster.

 

But not every dog is given a human name. The list also contains some tried-and-true oldies that are still popular, like Lady, Buster, Patches and Pepper. Let’s not forget about the dog’s personality. Names that reflect the very nature of your pet may be the way to go. After all, we probably have a pretty good picture of a dog that’s called Mayhem, Frisky, or Couch Potato.

How do you go about naming your dog? You might want to observe your new pet for a few days and see if the personality suggests a name. But, for a start, keep the following tips in mind:

• The general sound and rhythm of the name is important. You will say it and your dog will hear it over and over again. If the name is too long or too difficult to say, your pup will become confused or lose interest by the time you get to the fourth syllable.
• Choose a name that your pet will easily recognize. Some experts say the ideal name is two syllables ending with a vowel sound, like Sami or Lassie.
• Avoid names that sound too much like standard commands. For example, when you call Joe, your dog might only hear “No.”
• Pick a name that will be just as appropriate once your pet is full-grown. A pup named Damage or Havoc may eventually grow up to be a quiet, stately dog.
• Pick a name that you will be proud to call. Shadow or Molly might be less embarrassing than Ooga Booga or HeyYou. Once you have named your dog, be sure to use it often so he will learn it quickly. But remember, you want your dog to like his name. Try to use it only when you are playing with him, petting him, hugging him or trying to get his attention. Don’t use it when you are angry or reprimanding him. If you raise your voice every time you use his name, he won’t come when you call.

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I’m glad I have a cool name. Rex the big dog had a cool name too. Sometimes Mom would call him Rexie or even Gray Face (when he got older). I wonder what she’ll call me later on? They already refer to me as Wild Man. But I know my real name…it’s Charlie Bear…and if you say it, I’ll listen.

So what’s YOUR name? And do you like it?