Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Red and Howling Cartoons by Amy Luwis!


Red and Howling Cartoons by Amy Luwis!
(C) RedandHowling, All Rights Reserved, Used by Permission

WOOF! BARK! I paw and bark a hearty thanks to Amy Luwis of Red and Howling Cartoons for sharing their pawsome artistic talents with us.


Sunday, March 29, 2020

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring, Allen Pearson Photography
(C) from The Dog's Paw, 2020

WOOF! WOOF! For some reason or another, this didn't publish! Barks since I worked hard on this graphic and we can all use some cheer! Here you go!

Barkingly, I cannot let my human mostest favorite season beginning pass without a WOOF! and a BARK! or two to celebrate!

Barks, let the fun begin! I love the Spring because it means I will get to spend more time outside going for walks, playing with sticks, and most of all, helping my human with the yard work! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

Hope you have a pawsome Spring!

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Fun Facts About Dogs for Kids by Mighty Dog Graphics

Mighty Dog Graphics
© 2020, Mighty Dog Graphics, Used by Written Permission

WOOF! Barks! I paw and bark my thanks to Mighty Dog Graphics for sharing their pawsome artistic talents with us.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue!

Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption
Photo: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

WOOF! WOOF! Happy Friday! As I often say, it would not be, or maybe not seem like it is, Friday if "Lab Lady" from Lab Rescue didn't stop by with some pawsome Labrador Retrievers looking for their "Forever Home" with humans to love who will love them!

Barkingly, this week meet Cooper and Jase! These guys are bonded buddies and must be adopted together! Cooper is a 7-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever and Jase is a 6-year-old Black Labrador Retriever! They are looking for a "Forever Home" in a single-family house located in a rural or suburban area with a fence. WOOF!

Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption
Photo: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
Paws, these friendly guys love going for walks and being petted by their humans. The guys seem more interested in laving their attention to their humans rather than other dogs. They are well-behaved, follow directions and are super affectionate!

Jase and Cooper are house- and crate-trained. They quickly found their dog beds in the foster's home and snuggled right in! It wasn't long until they discovered squeaky toys and a comfy chair and couch.

These sweethearts are wonderful bonded buddies! They will let you know when the other is not around.

Jase and Cooper would like a human family that is active, can provide lots of lovin's and attention, training, and exercise!

WOOF! To learn more about adopting Labrador Retrievers from Lab Rescue, pawlease visit their Adoption Guide!

Barkingly, if you would like to meet or apply to pawssibly adopt Cooper and Jase, pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application!

WOOF!! Do you love Labrador Retrievers, but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Jase and Cooper financially. Donations will assist with their care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other Labrador Retrievers at Lab Rescue. Interested, pawlease donate HERE!

Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption
Photo: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption

Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League

Great Dane Dog Adoption
Photo: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Creative: Allen Pearson

WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! How cool is this? My pawsome friend the "Great Dane Dame" from the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League brought by two very handsome and distinguished black Great Danes for you to meet! These guys are looking for their "Forever Homes" with humans to love who will love them too! Paws! I was waiting for these two gents to twirl "Great Dane Dame" in circles making her pawfully dizzy but, despite being energetic puppies, they behaved... for now... hee hee! Bark!

Great Dane Dog Adoption
Photo: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Creative: Allen Pearson
Paws, meet Duke! He is very much an energetic puppy who tends to be jumpy and mouthy when he is excited like when his human comes home or preparing to go for a walk. Barkingly, he has settled down some and is learning to do more. Paws, he is not aggressive, just excited.

Duke is a sweet and goofy fella who needs lots of attention to redirect his puppy energy, paws quite normal for being a puppy! Barks, he still doesn't realize his size or the concept of personal space! Paws, these traits make him kind of endearing! WOOF!!

Duke loves his humans but really loves having Maisie, another Great Dane, to play with! Having her around, he gets to romp and play which helps settle his energy too. They play long and hard to the point of exhaustion.

Duke loves going for walks, even short ones, and he is improving with his leash manners! Walking helps get out his excessive energy!

Duke needs a "Forever Home" with a 6-foot fenced yard as he is a pawsome jumper!

Meet my new friend Levi! WOOF! What a handsome fella!

Great Dane Dog Adoption
Photo: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Creative: Allen Pearson

At first, when I met Levi, I was a bit frightened of him. His handsome stature with those cropped ears makes him look like one of those police dogs that you don't want to meet in a dark alley somewhere. And in some cases even on the street! WOOF! Barkingly, that is not true with Levi! My pawsome friend "Great Dane Dame" says "don't be fooled by his looks- they can be intimidating. He is a sweet and affectionate guy.

Levi is a 5-year-old Black Great Dane with the pawfect blend of energy and Dane laziness! He will play ball or tug-of-war for 20-30 minutes then take a 3-hour nap! Sounds pawsome to me! WOOF! WOOF! Barks!

Levi has had some basic training. He is crate- and house-trained. He does tend to counter surf so his adopters will need to continue working with him on this!

Levi wants nothing more than to curl up with his human and watch TV.

Barkingly, Levi has had his home "shaken up" with moves and gone from a home with lots of dogs to being the only dog! He's adjusted well but is eager to interact with other dogs including running the fence line with the neighbor's dog.  In his previous home, he played VERY rough with an older female Great Dane. If placed in a home with another dog, he will likely let diligent training to make certain they well. Pawingly, he has adapted well to being an only dog.

Barks, Levi will have a training addendum to his adoption!

Paws, to learn more about adopting a Great Dane with the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League or apply to pawssibly meet or adopt Duke or Levi, or even both, pawlease visit their Adoption Procedures!

WOOFs! Do you love Great Danes but are not able to adopt? How about considering sponsoring Duke or Levi or even both? Sponsoring Duke or Levi provides financial resources for their food, care, and Veterinary needs. Interested? Pawlease visit Sponsor!

Great Dane Dog Adoption
Photo: Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Creative: Allen Pearson

Great Dane Dog Adoption

Great Dane Dog Adoption

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption! PetConnect Rescue

Cat Adoption
Photo: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

MEOWS! MEOWY FRIDAY! I hope you are having a great week! I am beginning to get just a little annoyed with having my humans around all the time but they are learning to behave and be a little quieter so I can nap all day long and allow them to pet me only when I want them to do so. You know how cats can be! Mom says I make a GREAT pet! She loves having me around the house meowing and purring away. Dad does too but he's a little more ornery and won't admit the truth! Meows! Cats make pawsome companions requiring less work than dogs!

Cat Adoption
Photo: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
Meows! My friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue is one who can tell you about the greatness of cats and what great company we can be and how the universe would fall apart without us to keep it all together! She has brought by a pawsome fella named "Alvin" for you to meet. Purrs, he is looking for a quiet "Forever Home" with humans to love who will love him too!

Alvin is a sweet but shy fella who came to PetConnect Rescue from a hoarding/neglect situation. Paws, his experiences caused him to be very shy with strangers and in new circumstances. Pawingly, he has a sweet, affectionate personality wanting to love and be loved! MEOWS! MEOWS! Purrs, even in his first days at his foster home, though absolutely terrified, he showed no signs of aggression!

MEOW! Meow! Alvin loves being petted by the humans he trusts! He will purr and rub on them for as long as they will pet him! 

Alvin gets along with other cats as shown in his photo! He is with his foster brother Algernon who happens to be available for adoption too!

Paws, meows, since Alvin is shy and new humans and environment are scary for Alvin, he needs an adopter who will be patient with him as transitions! Purrs!

To learn more about cat adoption with PetConnect Rescue, pawlease visit their Adoption Guide!

Paws, if you would like to meet meowingly purrific Alvin or apply to pawssibly adopt him, pawlease complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application!

Unable to adopt? Pawlease consider supporting Alvin financially. Donations will assist with his care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other cats at PetConnect Rescue. Interested, pawlease donate HERE!

Cat Adoption
Photo: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

Cat Adoption

Cat Adoption

Thursday, March 26, 2020

COVID-19 and your Dog and Cat


COVID-19 Outbreak!
Photo: CDC on Unsplash

WOOF! WOOF! Meows, Meows! Samson and I took a little time recently to get away from the computer and have been hanging out with our humans these past few weeks. I haven't been feeling well so I wanted a break and Samson just wanted to be a cat and do what cats do best.

Barkingly, with all the news about the Coronavirus, Samson and I want to share with you the latest news as we can. Barks, as always is our practice if you have any concerns about your pets, pawlease contact your Veterinarian. A strong relationship with a Veterinarian is your best resource.

Paws, of the resources we have been reading including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Tufts University, PetMD, and Dogster among others, we want to paws a few thoughts about dogs and cats during this time of the Coronavirus!

As of the writing of this post, the AVMA barks a huge "NO!" about dogs and cats being carriers of COVID-19. There has been no evidence, no cases, no dogs or cats who have carried the disease to humans or humans to their pets either. WOOF! WOOF! Barks. WOOF! There is NO REASON for humans to abandon their pets! YOU need them, THEY need you!

Barkingly, those comments DO NOT MEAN that if you have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 you should be around your pets, petting your pets, or breathing on them. Paws, why risk it though statistics say it's not likely?! Barks, the best idea is to have another human take care of your pet while you are quarantined. Have them feed, pet, groom, walk, and play with them- to be safe. Paws.

Paws, it still doesn't hurt to use extra hygiene precautions just to be safe! Remember there is NO REASON to abandon your pet!

COVID-19

Friday, March 20, 2020

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Lab Rescue

Black Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption
Photo: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

WOOF! WOOF! Over the past few weeks, Samson and I took time off from writing and various other duties because it just happened to work out in our schedule we could do so. Barks, I enjoyed walking my human more, taking it at a slower pace, or maybe taking more time would be better to say. WOOF! I kept him moving as fast as I could for most of the walks! Barks, Samson and I enjoyed being a cat with us. He was his usual cat self! We enjoyed the time away but we are glad to be back writing about our friends who need forever homes with humans to love who will love them!

Black Labrador Retriever Dog AdoptionMy buddy "Lab Lady" from "Lab Rescue" brought by a handsome fella named Toby! He is around 12-years-old, a Black Labrador Retriever, who is looking for his "Forever Home" in a rural or suburban area single-family, patio home/duplex or other single-story living with a minimal amount of steps. He can do a few stairs going in and out of the house or a patio. He needs to avoid the long flights! He has no fence requirements.

Toby is one happy and chillin' dude! He does not bark in the house but will usually investigate what's going on outside! Outside, he barked once at a truck!

Toby is given free run in his foster's home and left for up to 4 hours! He is not a fan of the crate.

He isn't terribly interested in food and will politely wait for his meal to be properly prepared by his foster parent!

Toby likes going for walks, baseballs, going for rides, swimming, and attention. He will be happy to become someone's loving lap dog! He knows some basic commands!

Visit Toby playing with a ball, Toby Playing Ball, and with his baseball, Toby Loves Baseballs!

Toby's world was turned upside down when his human suddenly passed away. He is hoping to find a special human who will spoil him in his senior years!

Toby is good with other dogs, but NOT with cats! He is approved for mini-humans ages 10 and older.

To learn about dog adoption from Lab Rescue, pawlease read their Adoption Guide!

If you would like to meet Toby or apply to pawssibly adopt him, pawlease complete the Lab Rescue Dog Adoption Application.

WOOF!! Do you love Labrador Retrievers, but, for whatever reason, are not able to adopt? Please consider supporting Toby financially. Donations will assist with his care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other Labrador Retrievers at Lab Rescue. Interested, pawlease donate HERE!

Black Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption
Photo: Lab Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

Black Labrador Retriever Dog Adoption

Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

Cat Adoption
Photo: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson

Meows! I am pawsitively happy to catch up with my friend "Cat Lady" from PetConnect Rescue this week! She has brought by a handsome fella named Bubba for you to meet!

Paws, Bubba is quite the distinguished-looking fella! The black and white coat and fun look on his face makes you want to hold him forever! Meows! When you do, he will purr loud!

Meows, he is an affectionate and calm guy who loves snuggling, chatting with humans by trilling and meowing, and being groomed- which is very impawtant to prevent matting in his long silky fur! Purrs!

Cat AdoptionHiss! Hiss! Bubba was left at a Maryland shelter where he was exposed to an upper respiratory virus which affected his eyes. Paws, despite receiving eye medications, he developed ulcers on his cornea, and his third eyelids became very inflamed.

Paws and meows, Bubba has recovered from the virus and is now in PetConnect's care. One of their partner Veterinarians examined him and confirmed he has permanent scarring on his cornea and his third eyelids have partially adhered, but he is able to see well. To keep him comfortable, he should receive artificial tears, as needed.

Meows, Bubba gets along well with other cats, dogs and is great with mini-humans.  He settles into any new environment as if he's lived there forever!

To learn more about cat adoption, pawlease visit PetConnect Rescue's Cat Adoption Guide.

To meet or apply to pawssibly adopt Bubba, pawlease complete the PetConnect Rescue Cat Adoption Application! Once it's submitted, one of their Adoption Coordinators will contact you!

Paws, unable to adopt? Pawlease consider supporting Bubba financially. Donations will assist with his care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other cats at PetConnect Rescue. Interested, pawlease donate HERE!
Cat Adoption
Photo: PetConnect Rescue
Creative: Allen Pearson
Cat Adoption

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets (A3P)

Dog Adoption
Photo: Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets (A3P)
Creative: Allen Pearson

Dog AdoptionWOOF! WOOF! I hope you have had a great week! I know it can be challenging to stay at home and be out of your routine, but it can be fun too- especially if you have a dog to enjoy the time with. My human says he loves having me around for the companionship and exercising that I provide him. Barks, why not consider adopting a dog! My friend, "Miss Sherry" from the Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets (A3P) brought by an adorably handsome fella named Tommy who is looking for his "Forever Home" and humans to love!  Meet Tommy!

Tommy is a pawsome hoot! He loves to play and has a blast with the other dogs in his foster home! 

Tommy's little underbite and his pawsome pawsonalty make him a cute and great guy to have around. At 13 lbs, he is easy to carry around when needed and LOVES being close to his human when he's not playing. He makes a pawsome lap dog! 

WOOF! WOOF! Tommy is crate-trained.

Tommy's favorite pastimes in his order are play, eat, nap and start over again. WOOF! Sounds quite familiar. Glad he has his priorities in order!

Tommy is current with vaccines, preventatives, microchipped, and heartworm negative. He is ready to go home with you.

If you would like to meet Tommy, apply to pawssibly adopt him, sponsor him, and learn about dog adoption with our friends at Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets (A3P), please visit Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets (A3P), Adoption.

Dog Adoption
Photo: Advocates for Abused and Abandoned Pets (A3P)
Creative: Allen Pearson



Friday's Friend! Cat Adoption, Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)

Cat Adoption
Photo: Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)/Liquid Lindy Photography
Creative: Allen Pearson


MEOWS! MEOWS! I am pawsitively glad it's Friday! I will get more time with my humans and enjoying some snuggling! A pawsitive reason to adopt a cat is the companionship they can provide for humans around the house! Purrs! Meows.

Purrs, my friend "Miss Kim" from Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) stopped by this week a beautiful black cat named "Boo!" to meet you! She is around 2-years-old, not declawed, LOVES dogs and is friendly with some cats! She has an unknown history with mini-humans!

HISS! HISS! Boo has had a rough life so far. She and her litter of kittens were left at a kill-shelter. HART doesn't know any history of her life before that but they do not think it was in kind hands.

Paws, it takes Boo a while to build trust with humans. Purrs, she has rewarded her patient human foster with sweet purrs, occasional headbutts, and "drive-by-love."

Hiss! She is afraid to be around other cats but likes dogs. She would be a loving companion as an only kitty or with a cat-savvy dog that will not chase her.
Cat Adoption

Meows! Meows, more than anything, she needs a human who is patient, kind, and willing to give her the time she needs to learn to trust again!

Pawlease visit this pawsome video of Boo!

Paws, if you have questions about Boo, pawlease contact "Miss Kim!"

Meows, to learn more about cat adoption with Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART), pawlease visit their Adoption Guide!

Purrs, if you are interested in meeting Boo or applying to pawssibly adopt her, pawlease complete the Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) Cat Adoption Application.

Paws, do you love cats but are not able to adopt? How about considering sponsoring Boo? Sponsoring Boo provides financial resources for her food, care, and Veterinary needs. After she's adopted, any additional funds will go to other cats at Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)! Interested? Pawlease visit Sponsor!
Cat Adoption
Photo: Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART)/Liquid Lindy Photography
Creative: Allen Pearson

Cat Adoption

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Half-Full Comics By Maria Scivan

(C) 2020, Maria Scrivan, Half-Full Comics
(C) 2020, Maria Scrivan, Half-Full Comics

Barks, meows, and paws, we thank Maria Scrivan for sharing her pawsome artistic talents with us! Pawlease visit her at GoComics.com

Maria’s forthcoming graphic novel series, NAT ENOUGH, published by Scholastic/Graphix will be available April 7, 2020, and is available for pre-order now: Nat Enough!"

(C) 2020, Maria Scrivan, Half-Full Comics

Monday, March 16, 2020

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption!

Dog Adoption
(C) Allen Pearson Photography

WOOF! WOOF! Pawlease join me most Friday's in 2020 to meet some of my friends from local animal rescue groups looking for "Forever Homes!" and humans to love who will love them too! Barks!

Paws, some weeks Samson joins me and paws about his cat friends too!

Friday, March 13, 2020

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption, Returns March 20, 2020

Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption
WOOF! Barks, Samson and I have had a pawsome time exploring the universe with our human.

Pawlease join us next Friday when we will introduce you to dogs and cats looking for humans to love them and their "Forever Homes!"

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Nashville Pets Need Our Help!

I'd Rather Be WIth My Dog
(C) I'd Rather Be With My Dog

(C) I'd Rather Be With My Dog
(C) I'd Rather Be With My Dog
WOOF! WOOF! Barks! MEOWS! MEOWS! Hiss! Samson and I are pawing today to help our fellow dogs and cats and their humans in Nashville, TN! Sadly, two EF3 tornadoes tore through the area causing lots of damage and some separation of pets from their humans! Paws, in some cases the humans no longer have the resources to feed or care for their pets. Some humans are turning to the Nashville Humane Society for assistance which has humans working diligently to assist the pets and their humans with basic needs. WOOF!

Barks, the Nashville Humane Society needs supplies in the wake of these terrible tornadoes. As of the pawing of this post, the most needed items are bowls for dogs and cats, blankets, collars and leashes.

Woof! I'd Rather Be With My Dog has put together "Emergency Supply Kits" to be sent directly to Nashville to support the work of the animal welfare organizations. Purchasing these will send the current needs of the animals.  To learn more and order, pawlease visit "I'd Rather Be With My Dog - Nashville Tornado Relief!"

Barkingly, if you would like to support the efforts of "I'd Rather Be With My Dog" they will be donating 100% of net profits site wide to assist the animals! Pawlease Shop & Support! WOOFS! They have a really cool T-shirt- "Nashville Strong!" Paws, use the NASH10 code for an extra 10% off!

Barks, just to let you know, yes, "from The Dog's Paw" is affiliated with I'd Rather Be With My Dog! Paws, we will NOT receive any percentage of sales from this campaign. Should we receive any payment, it will be directed back to the campaign "Nashville Tornado Relief!" Woofs!

(C) I'd Rather Be With My Dog
(C) I'd Rather Be With My Dog












Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption








Saturday, March 7, 2020

Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday, March 8!



WOOF! WOOF! This is where it gets a bit confusing, the time change! Just as I get used to the sunrise and sunset, and it being dark when I go out, I will have more light. WOOF! Whatever?! Barks. It does mean that I will walk my human more!

Paws, so don't forget- set your clocks ahead before bed on Saturday night so you will not be late for church on Sunday! Or, do like my human did in college and arrive for worship as others were leaving!


Daylight Saving Time

Friday, March 6, 2020

Friday's Friend, Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption, Returns March 20!

Dog Adoption, Cat Adoption

MEOWS! Noah and I have taken a few weeks off from writing to explore our local universe with our humans. Pawsingly, it's one of those things where you take advantage of adventures and time with your humans when you get the chance!

Paws, we'll be back on Friday, March 20, 2020, to introduce you to cats and dogs looking for "Forever Homes!"

Monday, March 2, 2020

6 Pet Parent Hacks to Picking The Perfect Name for a Dog


All Things Dogs, Used by Permission
"Max in the Car!"
(C) All Things Dogs, Used by Permission

Even if you have just said your dog’s name once a day, at 365 days in the year, for an average lifespan of anywhere between 10-14 years, you would be saying it thousands of times.

For a name which is going to be used that many times, it deserves some thought. Not to mention the fact it will be the name to which you refer to your furry friend before every command and action!

So how do you choose the perfect dog name?

We have collated our top six tips to help you out and avoid making any mistakes when it comes to choosing the perfect name for your new puppy.

Make A Dog’s Name Short And Snappy
By this we mean, keep your dog’s name to one or two syllables.

The length is crucial!

We use names to identify but also to gain attention and give commands.

If you need the attention of your dog, who is running towards traffic, you want to get it as soon as possible.
All Things Dogs, Used by Permission
"Staffordshire Mix"
(C) All Things Dogs, Used by Permission

Example “Max, Stop!” is much quicker than “Elizabeth Taylor, Stop!

It could be the difference between them stopping on the sidewalk, and actually making it to the road.

Intonate Your Voice
Being short in length makes it easy to intonate.

This means you can easily change your pitch as you are calling your dog’s name.

You can increase or decrease as needed.

Studies have shown that dogs can tell the difference between praising and non-praising tones, so if we want them to show us attention and actually do what we ask, we need to be able to use a praising tone when we call their name.

The praising tone fires up the reward center in the brain which actually improves attention, motivation, cognition and ultimately learning.

This is even more important with easy to distract puppies!

Everything is so much more interesting – so you need to be more so! Choose a name you can call jovially and happily not one which sounds negative and unhappy.

Consider How Your Puppy Will Fit Into Your Current Family
When choosing a name, you must consider how it fits with the names of other members in your home.

There’s only going to be confusion if you call pup, Harry, but both Barry and Harry appear!

Or even worse, your nephew or son appears too.

Not only that but if you have a few dogs, ideally all their names should be short.

If you are trying to get their attention, it’s much easier (and quicker) to call “Pip, Belle, Ace and Jack!” as opposed to “Stephen, Eduardo, Madison, and Alexandria!”

Try it.

You will be surprised.

Avoid Names That Sound Like Common Commands
Another one that may cause confusion with first-time pet owners.

If you are calling Kit, but they thought you shouted “sit!” or Beau will always think you’re saying “no!”

All Things Dogs, Used by Permission
"Bruno With a Harness!"
(C) All Things Dogs, Used by Permission
Is Faye supposed to come or stay? Or wondering why Bishop keeps stopping?

Your dog may just be that sensitive to sounds.

Think of the commands that you will want to teach your puppy and practice saying them with any name(s) you choose.

The command should be clear and easy to say. You may feel silly, but it’ll pay off when you’re on the sidewalk and can’t afford to get tongue tied. A good puppy name should not conflict with a common command!

Keep It Simple, Stupid!Whilst it can be tempting to want a unique dog name, as we don’t want our dog to be called the same as everyone else’s dogs.

This also comes with its own drawback.

Whilst some names can be hilarious in the first instance, will they honestly stand the test of time?

Will popular series characters even are known in 10 years’ time or will you have to explain your TV watching habits to random strangers?

Will you have to explain your sport team choices to the receptionist at the Veterinarian’s Office or Groomers?

Most importantly, are you happy shouting the name, in public, regularly? If you are not, or you are not sure, choose another name.

That said – popular names are exactly that. You may find multiple Ben’s in the park, or several Bella’s out on your evening stroll. You may have the wrong dog return to you, as may the other Ben owner!

Be Mindful When Using Nostalgic Names
It is tempting to use the names of historical figures, these are generally well accepted unless they have a religious or political association – do you really want to get into those conversations on your 6am walk, before you’ve even had your coffee?

Some owners like the thought of using family names.

If they are alive, double-check with the family member that they are happy having a dog named after them.

If you no longer have them with you, consider whether you can cope with the daily reminder of that person.

Even if you can, consider whether it is beneficial to your grief and future steps.

Summary
When choosing a dog’s name, give yourself plenty of time.
All Things Dogs, Used by Permission
"Rescue Collie!"
(C) All Things Dogs, Used by Permission

If you have worked with animals or kids (or huge numbers of adults), you likely have an association for most names.

This could be good or bad. Practice the name before you collect your pup to see if any feelings surface!

This is sometimes where dog only names come in (you lessen the risk of human association, but you still have the risk if you work with animals).

You will say your pup’s name many times, so he deserves a good one. Have a bank of potential names and practice them before you bring him home.

You will know the name when you see his face!

Train the name with plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards; you want him to know it and associate it with good things happening. It will be the cue for many commands, so if he is predicting a positive consequence, he’ll look straight at you.

John Woods 

Author Bio
 John Woods is a dog parent to Nala (a working lab) and is a recognized member of the association of professional dog trainers.