What's In A Name: A Trainer Explains The Importance Of Your Dog's ...

Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More Menu

• Blog Home
• Breeds
• Health
• News
• Product Reviews
• Dog Food
• Our Team
• Shop Store

Shop By Cause

Donated & Counting!

34 Million Meals

Feed Shelter Dogs

SHOP DONATE

Dogs Saved!

2,435 At-Risk

Fly Shelter Dogs To Safety

SHOP DONATE

D.V. Survivors & Pets!

$75,399 Funded For

Keep Pets & Domestic Violence Survivors Together

SHOP DONATE

For Service Dogs

$1,532,139 Funded

Pair Veterans With Service Dogs

SHOP DONATE VIP ClubDeals The Feed Menu

• Blog Home
• Breeds
• Health
• News
• Product Reviews
• Dog Food
• Our Team
• Shop Store

• Blog Home
• Dog Health
• Ask A Dog Trainer

What’s In A Name: A Trainer Explains The Importance Of Your Dog’s Name By: Kristina Lotz

Kristina Lotz

| August 10, 2016 SharePinEmail

My last several dogs had all been adults when I got them and had come with names, so when I finally got a puppy, I agonized over just the “right” name. I think it took me three weeks to finally settle on the call name “Merlin.” Why did I have such a hard time? Because your dog’s name is something you are going to use more than you could ever possibly imagine, and choosing the wrong name can cause trouble with training.

A photo posted by @suicideart_ on Jul 17, 2016 at 8:08pm PDT

The Name Game

For most dogs, their name is the first thing they learn. With that in mind, it should be something easy to say and pronounce for you, as well as anyone else who may work with your dog.

A photo posted by Matthew Ashworth (@ashmatty) on Jul 11, 2016 at 10:12pm PDT

Shorter is usually deemed better. In fact, dogs used for herding almost always only have one syllable names and rarely do they have three. You meet a lot of herding dogs name Bob!

The reason for this is that a short name is quick and easy to say. Since often you are saying your dog’s name before a cue, you want to get it out fast. In addition, shorter names are easier to understand over long distance. Try standing across a field from someone and have them call out “Bob.” Then have them call out “Lavender.” The longer name, with more syllables is hard to understand. Your dog may not get that you are saying her name over long distances.

A photo posted by Bebito Store (@bebito_store) on Jul 29, 2016 at 2:57am PDT

Other things that may cause trouble:

• Names in a foreign language. They will be harder for your vet, dog trainer, groomer, pet sitter, etc. to pronounce.
• Names that sound too close to cues you will later use. For example, Silt and Sit. If you are not good at enunciating, your dog is going to get these two confused.
• Names that are cues. Sure, you can name your dog Sit, but then you will have to use a different word for “behind on the ground.”

Have Fun Naming Your Dog

This doesn’t mean your dog’s name can’t be unique! While every third sheep dog may be “Bob,” there are certainly thousands of names and words that have just one or two syllables that you can use. For example, a friend of mine just named her new puppy Turk. It’s simple, unique and won’t be confused with any of the usual cues.

And, if you really fall in love with a long name, there’s a couple things you can do. If your dog is registered, you can use the long name in her registered name and then shorten for the call name. For example, one our dogs is named Casanova, but we call him Nova for short. This is one of my favorite memes. The dog would probably end up being called “Five” or “Miles” most of the time.

A photo posted by Tanya Griss

SharePinEmail

Dog Health

10 Most Common Dog Obesity-Related Illnesses

Dog obesity is rising, leading to serious health issues. Keep your furry friend healthy and happy with loving care and attention.

Read More

Ask A Dog Trainer

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Do I Get My Distracted Dog To Focus On Me?

Struggling to get your furry friend to pay attention? Discover heartfelt tips to help your distracted dog focus on you with love.

Read More

Dog Health

Breaking News: Alternative to NSAIDs For Animal Pain Relief Is Hitting The Market

The Assisi Loop offers drug-free pain relief for dogs with arthritis, injuries, or inflammation, backed by science and loved by pet parents.

Read More

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog Jane D. just funded 35 Meals 🎉 Toledo, United States. SHOP NOW ×

We appreciate your business and support! Please allow us to assist you due to the size of your order. Please contact [email protected] to finalize your transaction.