Choosing a puppy is already a difficult task. You just want them all! But the struggle to find that perfect puppy name is even more real.
In this article, we’re helping you come to the right puppy name – and an almost more challenging task – to agree on it with your partner!
Here’s good information you can look forward to: knowing why choosing the right name for your puppy is important, how to choose the right name, and some of the most popular names for puppies you might like. We’ll also help you find out how you can rename your dog and how to train your dog to learn their name
Picking a name marks the start of your journey with your new pup. But there’s still a long way to go, for which you’ll want to download the Zigzag puppy app. You gotta trust us on this… your life will be much easier after you go through our step-by-step lessons on how to teach your dog their name. Besides that, you’ll receive a full puppy training program for all of those important life skills like toilet training, how to cope with being on their own, and much, much more! Plus, our team of professional dog trainers are complete life-savers and available to talk and support you 24/7 through every step of the way.
Why is choosing your puppy’s name important?
Choosing your puppy’s name isn’t the same as choosing what you’ll have for dinner. Your puppy’s name is the first step to getting their attention, which is key when teaching your puppy to come when called…especially when you’re calling them back from a potentially dangerous situation like crossing the road!.
There’s a lot more guidance on these trainings in our articles on how to teach your puppy their name, and how to teach a puppy to come when called.
How to choose your pup’s name?
Choosing the right name for your puppy isn’t always the smoothest process. Here are some key things to consider when thinking about the right name:
Short and easy to hear
For puppies, short and sweet is best. Generally, dog names with one or two syllables work best because they won’t get shortened by people and cause confusion for your pup on what their actual name is. Also, your pup will also hear it much better when you call them across long distances.
Good vowel sounds
R-O-V-E-R is nice and obvious, isn’t it? How about Benji, Maisie, Bella or Bonnie? They all have nice and clear vowel sounds that are simple to stretch out and easy for your dog to hear. Ending your puppy’s name on a vowel sound like Rolo or Poppy is also a good idea.
Does it suit your puppy?
Ha, this is a good one. While a name like Scruff might suit a messy terrier, it might not do the trick for your graceful Poodle the same. Similarly, Claude the French Bulldog could be the perfect match – but not so much for a Chihuahua.
Is it someone else’s name?
Not a good idea in our experience. Your friends will simply not find it as cute as you do if your dog is named like their firstborn. Great Aunt Pattie is unlikely to be flattered, no matter how adorable your new Cockapoo is.
Can you imagine yourself using it?
Could sound pretty obvious – but if you or your partner don’t like the name, then don’t use it! There’s no point in compromising here – let’s make sure the name fits you and your family nicely.
Popular names for your dog
Taken from our app database, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 male and female puppy names. Choosing a unique puppy name can be tricky, and sometimes it works just as good to stick with a common name. There’s often a good reason people choose these names.
Popular names for male dogs in the USA
- Milo
- Max
- Rocky
- Bear
- Charlie
Popular names for female dogs in the USA
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Coco
- Nala
As you can see, all these puppy names are short, snappy, and sweet, with 2 syllables or less. They roll off the tongue very easily and can be heard clearly, also most end in vowels!
Can I rename my dog?
Yes! If you’ve recently rehomed a dog from a shelter or from a private rehoming situation, you can change their name to something fresh. Teach them that their (new) name means wonderful things, and they’ll pick it up pretty quick!
Once you’ve picked a new name and follow the instructions in our article on how to teach a puppy their name…and of course, download the Zigzag app where you’ll find all kinds of extra support!
So you’ve named your puppy. Now it’s time to teach them their name…
Rule of thumb, always do this with positive reinforcement training like we do via the Zigzag app. With positive reinforcement training, you’ll soon find out how much quicker your puppy responds to it when they learn that when they do, it means treats and cuddles are coming their way. Use a happy, upbeat tone, so that they react quickly upon hearing it.
Not sure where to begin teaching your puppy their name? Download the Zigzag puppy training app for personalized lessons on teaching your puppy their name, which tone to use, and other very important stuff like walking on a leash, recall, leave it, drop, socialization and habituation.
Our team of professional puppy trainers will always be happy to help you along any hurdles – whether you’re trying to choose a puppy name, or you’re trying to teach your puppy to stop chasing the cat, we’ve got you covered. Download the Zigzag puppy training app now and get started with training your puppy today!
