Unusual Dog Names

You’ve just become the new owner of a dog or puppy and it is time to give it a name. Before “jumping the gun” and thoughtlessly naming your pet or burying yourself into dog name books, take a few minutes to read this page and discover some helpful tips and suggestions for finding that perfect name for your dog or puppy.

Like our “Unusual Cat Names” section, there are a few standard do’s and don’ts to follow. To summarize, do not name your dog after your partner. In the unlikely event of a separation, it will only bring sadness and/or resentment towards the animal. Give your dog a unique and unusual name. Naming your dog after your last pet or childhood dog will cause unnecessary expectations.

With a puppy, owners have a fresh slate when naming their puppy. Your puppy will learn his/her name quickly and respond accordingly. For those who adopt their dog from a shelter or other adoption agency, it is likely your dog has a name; whether the dog’s original owners named it or the shelter provided one. There is no need to worry, as this is a common circumstance.

If your dog has been previously named there a few suggestions we can offer. If your dog’s name is unknown, work constructively with the dog on behavioral tasks and reward the dog for correct responses. Show reward for its name recognition. If you are aware of the dog’s original name and are interested in changing it, we suggest initially using the new name as a middle name. After some time, the dog will recognize both names. At this point, you may begin to drop the old name. At the end of the day, your dog will respond to you if you show it love regardless of the name.

The sex of your dog can play a large role in the naming process. The breed of your dog and its size can have a heavy influence on the name of your dog as well, less so than cats. Read information, advice, and suggestions for male names. For those who are owners of a female dog, be sure to read more about naming your female dog.

Lastly and most importantly, make sure you are happy with the name you give your dog. An unusual dog name will ensure a unique and popular dog amongst the brethren, which in turn, makes for a happy dog.

We welcome and appreciate hearing from readers. Email us your dog naming stories and we will do our best to feature them at Unusual Pet Names.