Naming your new puppy/kitten can be overwhelming. Do you name your new fur baby with a cute name like, "Cuddles" or do you go with standard names like, "Sam".
Naming your pet is a personal decision. You can look online at pet names or listen to advice from family and friends.
Few things to keep in mind:
- Pick a name and stick with it. If you change your mind within a few days, a week, then it's ok. However, don't keep changing your mind. It will make it hard for the puppy/kitten to learn his/her name.
- Keep the name to one or two syllables. This will make it easier for the pet to understand and learn. Naming your pet "Snufflebottoms" will be harder to learn than "Snuffles".
- Never use your pet's name when you are trying to discipline him/her.
- If you are angry your pet chewed up your favorite shoe, don't use your pet's name to express your disappointment, "Bad Fluffy". They will associate their name with negative behavior from you. This may make it harder for you to train them to come when you call their name.
- Pick a noise (hiss, snap, etc.) when the pet misbehaves. The key is to get their attention so you can redirect/retrain, as needed.
- When teaching your pet to come when you call his/her name, remember you want to associate their name with positive praise. So, when you call your new furbaby, and they come, make it a "party". Get them excited that they are learning their name and came when called.
- It will take time for the puppy to learn their name. Make sure you are consistent and use their new name often. Try to avoid nicknames while they are learning their name.
- If you named your new pet, "Snuffles", try to avoid also calling them nicknames, "Baby", "Sweetie", "Puppy", etc. You can interject those names later but when they are young, consistency is key.