Name Game

What name will you call dog?



This is a big decision. There are many sources with lists to assist you. But how do YOU choose the right name?

My grown kids make up names for their children......even coming up with creative ways to spell them.

I think most people run through lists of names and decide.

According to the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, Veterinary Pet Insurance Company of Brea, California, sorted its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to determine last year's most popular dog names.

The most popular name for a dog in 2011 was "Bella".

Here is the top ten names for dogs:

1. Bella

2. Bailey

3. Max

4. Lucy

5. Molly

6. Buddy

7. Daisy

8. Maggie

9. Charlie

10. Sophie

It appears that the tendency toward selecting human names for dogs continues. Interesting to note that of the nearly half a million pets insured by VPI, only 13 were named "Fido," and just 17 chose the name "Spot," which indicates a decrease in the popularity of traditional dog names.

What's in a Name?

You have adopted a new dog, but the name just feels wrong.

Should you give your new friend a new name?



Why not? Dogs can learn to respond happily to any new sound that is associated with good things.

Other reasons to rename a dog include:

1. The dog does not connect with its current name. Sometimes at animal shelters or with rescue groups the dog has only had that name as long as it has been there and not very connected with the name.

2. The dog has a negative association with its current name. If the dog was treated badly in its prior home, or if the dog thinks he may be punished when he hears his name, it is better to give the dog a new name that has a positive association.

3. You just do not like the dog's current name. If that is so, then the name the dog came with will not be said in a very loving manner.......so change it!