By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:           

Who knows what names you dogs might come up with if you had a say in choosing your own name. Of course, that’s not quite true because lots of you do choose a name, but in your own way, like when you choose to ignore the name your VIPeople have given you. That’s not very smart because they could be calling you away from a danger you don’t see coming. Calling you by name for a special treat usually has a certain happy sound you learn to recognize, so you’d come running no matter what name they used! Try to be cooperative with this name business, no matter how yucky you think yours sounds.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:                            

Dogs are named for everything under the sun, from family members to friends, to TV stars, to those dogs that bring back fond childhood memories. No matter how unique we like to think our special dog’s name is it can no doubt be found on at least one of the long lists of dogs’ names. They are even given a nationwide rating, such as the “100 Most Popular Dog Names” which actually consists of two lists – 100 for dogs and 100 for bitches. Topping the males are Max, Buddy and Rocky. Bella, Molly and Lucy top the female side.  Oddly enough, the name Bailey appears on both lists.                             

In this dog-naming process, few people realize that our phonic, or voiced, version of the chosen name is the only one that will carry any meaning to the dog. He won’t care if you name him Marley, Harley or Barley, but there is a difference you should be aware of and this very group of three names points out that phonic angle. The first two, Marley and Harley, are “soft” when spoken, or when given as a command, whereas the “B” in Barley is “hard” will prick up your dog’s ears. My nom-de-dog “Rufus” that I use in this column is certainly not a popular dog’s name, nor should it ever be! It is not a name that would command any dog’s attention, which is precisely what a dog owner should be concerned about. Sound out the names you are considering, both in a normally friendly voice, and then as if the situation were dangerous and an immediate response is needed.  

If you are naming a puppy, keep in mind what the puppy will be like when grown up, in looks as well as temperament. There are lots of good dog names that are associated with the individual breeds – again, so long as they contain a “hard” letter or two to get the dog’s attention. For example, an old saying, “Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief” might produce Taffy for a Welsh Corgi or Welsh Terrier. Or, going on the thief angle, it could be Brigand or Bandit. Any dog named Duke should have a regal air about him, just as a sweet but spirited little gal might be suitably named Dinah. A dog that’s really cute, but not too swift when it comes to obedience might be named Dingbat! Humor is definitely okay.                

Let’s say your dog comes to you with a name that either doesn’t appeal to you, or is one of those names that are not good for obedience training, like Lulu or Riley. Change it! Whether this is a rescue dog, or an older dog from a breeder, it is very important to establish your choice of a name immediately and to use it consistently. Everything else in the dog’s life is new and different, so the chances are good that the new name will accepted along with everything else. Just be sure to pick a name with an attention-getting letter – Buddy or Toby, Daisy or Bitsy.                    

No matter how you go about selecting a name for your dog, be sure it’s a family decision. If one member dislikes, can’t remember or decides to change the name, there will be confusion brewing – not so much for the family, but major confusion for the poor dog!

Until next time – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years, during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award in 2008.