No Dumb Dog Names!

Do you really think the best advice for dog names can come to you from a dog named "Gary," the Sensitive Brown Dog?

My Name is Gary!

My Name is Gary!

And the answer, would be absolutely, "YES!" With age comes wisdom!

You really need my help! In an age when we have so-called celebrities giving their children names like Apple, Bluebell, Zephyr, Audio Science, Little Pixie, and Poet, how can I possibly trust that you'll get your dog's name right?

Where is the dog-sense?

Keep reading to discover how best to consider some potential names for your pal.

Dog Names Can Be Descriptive

Big dogs should be given big dog names. Small dogs, small dog names. Please don't name your Doberman, Pixie or Binky.

Give your working dog a name befitting their stature or something associated with their assigned task. "Killer" is probably a poor name for your Therapy Dog!

Your cute puppy will grow up, so a cute little puppy name may not fit your cute adult dog. But, what if you have an ugly dog?

Consider gender. Boy names and girl names are obviously different.

You can use color or markings to come up with good dog names. Remember the good old days when a spotted dog was named "Spot?"

Your guy may have a sad, a fierce or a friendly "look."

Now, if you want to be a little unique, you can go a bit "anti-descriptive." Name your black Lab "Brownie," and people might think you're a little nutty, but it's ok to have some fun with it too.

Dog Names Can Reflect Personality

Most puppies are very active and energetic. Some are sweeter and more affectionate than others. He may, or may not, like to be petted and cuddled.

He may stumble a bit when he runs or may be very graceful. He may sleep a lot or be restless.

A Snappy Duo?

For those of you with two new puppies or young dogs to consider, you may choose a known named duo that go together.

This is fine, just don't get too "cheesy."

A few examples are: Lucy & Ricky, Batman & Robin, Beauty & Beast and Bill & Hillary (see how you can get carried away!).

Make it Personal!

I have purposely not included a lot of sample names here. You and your dog will develop a bond that can last a lifetime. I encourage you to spend time with him and choose a name that is special between the two of you.

His name should be endearing, something that has meaning to you. Yes, you can make it trendy, popular or unique if you choose, but make it personal and take some time with it.

Remember too that nicknames are ok. My family has about twenty different nicknames they call me at various times. Some are descriptive, but all are endearing and are personal between me and them.

It's also ok and fun to have your kids name your dog. Just take a little care and give some gentle guidance. Otherwise, you can wind up with your female German Shepherd having a name like "Barney."

Just don't be mean, obnoxious or derogatory with the names you are considering.

Your dog's name says something about your pal, but also says a lot about you!

You will be saying it often, so make a thoughtful, but personal, choice!

Gary's Favorite T-Shirt

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