Dog Naming Mistakes to Avoid

The most common naming mistakes dog owners make -- and how to avoid each one before you commit.

1. Naming After a Command

The single most damaging naming mistake. If your dog's name sounds like a training command, every time you call them you are accidentally giving a cue. "Bo" sounds like "no." "Kit" sounds like "sit." "Ray" sounds like "stay." This confusion can set training back by months.

2. Naming After a Family Member

If your dog is "Charlie" and your son is "Charlie," the dog will respond every time you call your son, and your son will respond every time you call the dog. This is confusing for everyone, including the dog.

3. Choosing a Name You Won't Say in Public

You will call this name across dog parks, at the vet, and in front of guests. If you would be embarrassed shouting it in public, it is not the right name. Funny names are great until you have to yell them at the park.

4. Picking a Name That Only Works as a Puppy

"Tiny" is adorable for an 8-week-old Golden Retriever. It is less ideal for a 75-pound adult. Choose a name that works at every life stage, not just the cute puppy phase.

5. Using a Name That Sounds Like Another Pet's

If you already have a dog named "Daisy," do not name the new dog "Maisie." The vowel sounds are too similar for either dog to distinguish reliably. Give each pet a name with distinctly different sounds.

6. Going Too Long

Four-syllable names are impressive on paper but impractical in practice. You will shorten them anyway, so pick a name whose short version you also like. "Maximilian" becomes "Max" -- make sure you like "Max."

7. Ignoring the Breed's Naming Tradition

A German Shepherd named "Biscuit" and a French Bulldog named "Titan" both work against type. There is no rule that says you must match the breed, but names that fit the breed's personality feel more natural and get better reactions from other people.