Dog o' Day
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Dog names: Making them an original

By Vanessa Rodriguez

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 21: A dog in costume attends the 27th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square Park on October 21, 2017 in New York City. More than 500 animals wear costumes to what is known as one of the largest dog Halloween events in the USA. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 21: A dog in costume attends the 27th Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square Park on October 21, 2017 in New York City. More than 500 animals wear costumes to what is known as one of the largest dog Halloween events in the USA. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) /
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Original dog names are hard to create. Taking a clue from celebrities we try our best to make novelties out of our pooches. Let’s get a gist of dog names to avoid due to their commonality.

There’s nothing worse than calling your dog at the park only to have some stranger with a wagging tail pull up beside them. Dog O’Day can help you avoid this faux paw. Here are some of the top 10 dog names of 2018 according to The International Dog Names Survey:

  • Bella
  • Coco
  • Charlie
  • Lucy
  • Becks
  • Max
  • Poppy
  • Bailey
  • Molly
  • Budd

There are the usual hitters such as Max, Molly, and Budd. Some of us just can’t step away from names that we’ve heard growing up. We all grow a soft spot for old faithful. Stepping into the new is the best way to set your dog apart from the pack.

One of the most creative names for your dog lies in icons.

Dog tags such as Shakespeare, Mozart, or Monroe are sure originals.

Not to mention everyone will gush at these classic references.

Another authentic way to name your dog is temperament. For an energetic dog, similar to the movie, “Bolt” is a perfect fit. You’ve got a howler, so maybe “Mouth” could work. Fighting for your covers? Take a hint from Michael Jackson and name them “Blanket.” Anything goes when you’re naming your dog.

Still looking for something more unique?

Nouns are a true way to give your dog a sense of individuality.

A bulldog named “Parenthesis” or a mastiff named “Toyota” is sure to raise some eyebrows. You could also name your dog after your favorite childhood games like “Legos” or “Barbie.”

Some people have taken to naming their dogs after modern celebrities. You can go for “Gambino” after Childish Gambino, or “Ellen” after Mrs. DeGeneres.

When choosing their name here are some things to consider. Dogs respond best to short names, no longer than two syllables. So names such as “Archimedes” or “Michelangelo” are pretty, but are hard for your new puppy to grasp.

More from Dog Names

Also try for names with audible consonants, such as B, D, K, or P. This is a proven way for your dog to hear you from afar. A name like “Yellow” will be lost in the wind, even with your dog’s pitch perfect hearing.

Renaming a dog is difficult. Like most training, dog’s respond best to positive reinforcement. So when your dog comes to you after you call, reward them with a treat. Then switch to using treats sparingly. Eventually your dog will come to you without hope of a morsel.

Refrain from giving your dog a name too close to a command. Some examples are “Sid” which is awfully close to sit, or “Bey” which is too similar to lay. This will help avoid any confusion for your dog.

Naming your dog is a once in their lifetime event. So take your time, and make it a good one.

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