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Everyone has a name.
We develop a strong, personal attachment to our name at an early age.
Here’s why:
Names are our identity and represent who we are. We continuously use names in our society to communicate with one another.
Names also play an essential role in our every day social interactions.
So, it would stand to reason that there is no difference when it comes to choosing unique pet names for our little fur babies.
It’s All About the Name
The moment you give your pet that special name, there is no turning back, they are no longer just a pet.
They have turned into a valued member of your family, please make your companion and your baby progressively bigger: your companion, your baby. So, of course, you want to pick a name that will best suit them for a lifetime.
The sooner you name your furry friend, the better!
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It’s good to choose your unique pet names early in order to start the essential bonding process between you and your pet.
Furry Fact
It’s always important to introduce the new name in a positive tone and never say it negatively or in an angry way.
This Fact Cannot Be Stressed Enough
Names are the very foundation of training and bonding when it comes to your furry friend. Always using unique pet names in a consistently positive way will help your companion understand what you expect of them.
Not only that:
It will make them more willing to respond when called.
Unique pet names will also allow you to have better control over your pet in case of dangerous situations.
Here’s the thing:
Animals are naturally smart, but there are many dangers they might not be aware of. That is especially true when it comes to the exposure of unfamiliar situations, people, and other animals.
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Like using their name to stop them from chasing that squirrel into a dangerous road.
Animals might not share their emotions the same way as humans, but they do have feelings.
The truth is:
The use of unique pet names can serve as more than just a method of training and control. Names can be comforting and give your pet a sense of security and safety. They will learn that when you call their name, they will get love and affection.
You are the source of what they need. You are the hand that feeds and supports them, cares for them, and protects them.
Unique pet names are important and will aid in a lasting bond between you and your beloved pet as you guide them safely through life.
What to Consider When Choosing Unique Pet Names for Your Pet
So, now you are ready to look for unique pet names for your fuzzy friend.
That’s great!
Here’s what you need to remember while you search through the many cute and clever available names.
The Dos and Don’ts of Naming Your Fur Baby
The first thing to consider when picking unique pet names is, how complex the name will sound.
Pets need a name that can be easily recognized. A name made up of one or two syllables is always best. Animals respond better to short names, and it will be easier for them to distinguish it from other words.
For example, it is much easier for a dog to understand the name, “Barker,” in comparison to the full name of, “Sir Barksalot.”
And while you’re thinking of that:
Make sure that the name you decide on is easy for you to call out. Whether at play or just gaining the attention of your pet, you will be saying it daily.
Using unique pet names will make it easier on your pet when out in public. Imagine a dog park full of pet owners all calling for the same name. Your pet wouldn’t know who to run to first!
When choosing unique pet names, be sure that you are comfortable calling it out no matter where you are.
Keep it clean.
Save yourself from embarrassment!
Unique pet names can be a lot of fun but try to avoid using any name that sounds close to the standard common command sayings.
Command words such as, no, come, sit, and stay are essential for your pet to obey and understand.
The bottom line is:
If the name is too similar, you might confuse your fur baby. That makes it harder for them to tell the difference between their name and the command you might be trying to give them.
A name like “Fae” might sound pretty.
What am I saying? Of course, it is pretty!
But it is probably too close to the word, “stay.” It does not mean that you cannot use the name, but it can make learning the name a bit more difficult for your pet.
How to Pick Special and Unique Pet Names for Your Furry Friend
When choosing a special name, the sky is the limit.
So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when you see a pet named after the caped crusader, himself!
Yes, I said it. “Batman!”
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Owners often choose unique pet names to remind them of the things that they enjoy.
Some pet owners have fun naming their pets after favorite characters or actors from movies, a show they watch, a book they love, or a video game that they like to play.
Not only that:
People have been known to give their fur babies the name of famous historical figures, sometimes crowning them with the unique pet names of the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.
Always Think Outside of the Box
Naming your fur baby doesn’t come with the same restrictions as naming a child would, so you are free to be as adventurous as you want.
Have fun and play around when choosing your unique pet names.
And here’s another idea:
Mixing words or phrases into the names is also another usual thing for owners to do. In the eyes of their owners, pets are people too! So, most owners will end up settling on a commonly used name that they would give to their own children
What about this:
The appearance of your companion can also play a large part when choosing unique pet names. The small details such as eye color, fur color, height, and weight can all help in identifying a great name.
Let your pet name themselves!
Each pet is different in its own way. Take a little time to observe your new friend before looking for unique pet names.
There’s no huge rush.
Learn everything you can about their:
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Behavior |
Habits |
Likes |
Dislikes |
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Learning about the personality of your new pet can help with picking out the perfect name.
Imagine that you just brought your new kitten home for the first time. All you currently know about him is that he is a cute, tiny little ball of fluff.
He is a sweet little cuddly guy, so what better name is there to use other than “Cuddles,” right?
But then this happens:
After your kitten adapts to his new surroundings, you begin to notice that he is more than just a cute face.
He is a little trouble-maker!
Your adorable kitten is clawing at your curtains, jumping on the countertops, attacking your ankles, and boy does he loves to bite!
He has already managed to break one of your flower vases, and It appears that his new favorite thing to do is to mock you every chance he can get, in the most lovingly way.
It might be time to rethink:
“Cuddles” no longer fits. “Trouble” might be a bit more appropriate and fitting name for the little guy, unless you like irony!
Incidentally, I do know an owner who named their cat, “Duck”.
Unique Pet Names That Make Your Fur Babies Even More Special
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Here is a compiled list of some of the more unusual and unique pet names for your companion.
See if these can get the wheels turning:
Names are universal.
Keep in mind that most names are not species specific. A name listed under “cat names” can still be used for your dog or any other pet.
If you still need more suggestions:
Check out this cute pet name generator
Helping Your Furry Friend Learn Their New Name
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Dogs can learn their names, of course
Dogs are eager to learn anything you want to teach them!
But before you can even begin to train your dog, they must first be able to recognize their name.
Here’s the good news:
Most dogs can learn their name quickly and without issue. Dogs naturally make the connection of sounds with actions. So, when you begin to teach your dog their name, always have a reward on hand.
Dogs can learn to associate the sound of their unique pet names with positive results.
Furry Fact
Practice name recognition early and often. Speak their name and reward them with praise and treats as soon as they acknowledge the word. The most important thing to remember is always to sound happy when calling your dog’s name.
Dogs love to be praised
Dogs are sensitive and have good memories.
When your dog hears their name, you want them to know good things will follow. Hearing their name will also give them a sense of security and comfort if they become scared.
So, remember this above all else:
Don’t ever use your dog’s name in a frustrating or angry tone.
You want your dog always to respond positively when you call their name. And if you stay consistent in using their name correctly, your dog should easily start responding when you call.
Continue to reward them in gracious ways.
Cat’s Can Learn Their Names Too… But They’re Not Dogs
Yes, of course cats can learn any name that you want to give them, but they respond best to unique pet names that carry a higher frequency.
Names like “Cookie,” “Molly,” and “Loki,” all end with the right pitch that can gain your cat’s attention easier and faster.
But check this out:
Names ending with a lower tone like “Midnight” or “Shadow” are less alerting and uninteresting to your cat.
It’s pretty obvious once you think about it
Unlike dogs, cats are natural born predators.
Because of that:
They’re built to seek and destroy and have amazing hearing. Their ears have adapted in order to locate the tiniest of squeaks or squawks from their prey. They can even pick up on sounds that are too high or distant for us to hear.
So, when you use unique pet names like “Remy”, the instinctive reaction of your cat takes over, gaining his interest and attention.
The Steps to Teaching Your Pet How to Learn Their Unique Pet Names
Did you enjoy watching the instructional videos?
Good! Now let’s review each step to training your pet to learn their name in a more detailed fashion.
1. Get their attention
Be sure to attempt teaching your pet their name when there are no distractions around. Other animals, people, toys, or sounds can disrupt the learning process.
That said:You should never force any form of training if your pet is tired, sick, or overly excited. It is also a good idea to start when you already have their attention, but it isn’t required.
Here’s where you start:Say your pet’s unique name in a happy and uplifting tone, then wait to see they look at you.
If your pet does not respond, pause and try again until they do. You can also add in a kiss noise or quiet clap at first.
If you are working with a cat, keep in mind that cats are independent and can be more challenging to train, so it may take longer for them to respond to their name.
2. Reward your pet immediately
As soon as your furry friend looks up from hearing the unique pet names, offer them a treat and a lot of praise. The rewards are what will encourage your pet to look at you when you call.
So, cement the deal:
Compliment or “mark” the rewarded approval with positive obedient words. Be sure to keep the name and the praise phrase separate.
Unique pet names are their own command.
Wait for your pet to respond to their name first, then pause for a second to Include the praise. You don’t want the words to lose their individual meanings.
Yes!, Good girl!
The goal is to teach your pet that responding to the sound of their name means getting affection.
Reputation and consistency are the key to learning. So, continue this action many times per training session. But always take a break whenever you notice that your pet is getting too tired.
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3. Add distractions to the area
Once your pet is comfortable and reliable in responding to their name, it’s time to increase the difficulty level.
Start to bring in little distractions like another person, toys, or background sounds from a radio or television, or anything that could steal your pet’s attention away from you.
Then you want to:Wait for them to become thoroughly distracted, then call their name again.
We are now asking our pet to turn away from something they think is fun and exciting.
Here’s the point:You want them to respond to their name no matter what else is going on. It is essential for them to do this for training, but more importantly, for safety reasons.
When they look up at you, repeat the second step with immediate praise and rewards. You might need to step up the prize a little since we want to see our pet to succeed.
Although I don’t recommend feeding your food from the table, a small piece of chicken would be a nice addition.
remember
You are trying to make the reward more engaging for them to associate the name as a priority over anything else.
4. Don’t stop there!
You should now be able to gain the attention of your fur baby easily. Your pet can recognize and react to their name naturally.
And don’t forget:
Praise should always be the expected response, but now you can start leaving out the food reward.
Add treats only every so often as you don’t want your pet to just come to you when they want a snack. Continue to give your pet praise and affection, and they will do so in return.
Tags, Collars, and Microchipping Your Furry Friend
It’s important to set up safety measures in case your pet gets lost.
The best way to prepare for this is:
The early introduction of wearing a collar and tag.
Choosing The Best Collar And Tag For Your Pet
I know what you’re thinking:
Just look at all the adorable tags and collars! You might become overwhelmed with the many fashionable options available.
But wait:
Don’t get too excited and start engraving your unique pet names on the first cute tag you see. There are many different choices when it comes to collars and tags.
The best thing to do is:
Pick a collar that is highly visible. Collars serve the distinct purpose of ownership in case your pet gets lost. If you place a pure black collar on a black dog, it will blend in and be much harder for someone to notice it.
Instead, do this:
Choose a brightly colored or reflective collar that will make it easier to locate your pet.
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Safety must always be your primary concern.
Be sure the collar you pick is comfortable for your pet to wear by picking out the correct size.
You must have enough room to fit two fingers in between your pet’s neck and the collar.
Also, you want to do this:
Choose a breakaway collar if your pet likes to go outside. This type of collar is designed to snap off in the event of your pet getting caught on something, preventing the risk of choking.
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Tags display the information of your pet, such as unique pet names, phone numbers and sometimes your home address.
Before picking out a tag for your pet, there are a few things you should consider, and knowing the size and weight of a tag is important.
You don’t want to pick out a tag that’s heavy. Remember that your fur baby will have to carry the additional weight of the tag around their neck. The weight of the tag you choose will depend on the size and breed of your pet.
But it makes sense that:
The smaller your dog or cat, the more lightweight the tag must be.
One of the most common questions concerning owners is what information should you include on your pet’s new tag.
Standard pet tags have a limited amount of space available, which is typically enough room for 2-4 lines of text. So, prioritizing is key.
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Including your unique pet names is a nice touch and can help someone call your pet over to them when found. Make sure to include at least one phone number where you can be reached. Adding an additional secondary number is also recommended. Your name and address is not required but can be included.
Not only that
If your pet is already microchipped, including a line on the tag that states this is a big advantage in bringing them home. Adding this information to the tag can convince the finder of your lost companion to have the pet scanned.
Take note:
Your local animal shelters and vet offices are usually able to provide the scanning service for free. Once identifying the chip, the information of the rightful owner can be verified and contacted.
Why You Should Get Your Pet Microchipped
Just like your pet, a collar can get lost. Having your pet microchipped is a way of permanent identification. It’s also an excellent form of secondary proof of ownership.
And don’t worry:
Microchips are long lasting and about the size of a grain of rice. They are inserted under the skin of an animal by a vet, usually embedded in the neck.
Here’s what they do:
The primary function of the chip is to serve as a permanent backup proof of ownership in case your pet has lost their collar or tag. The chip is made up of a series of numbers that work like a serial number. The code can be scanned and traced back to the owner by a vet or animal shelter.
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Did you know
Using a microchip will also prevent a stranger from attempting to claim your pet as their own. The chip is irrefutable proof of ownership, and the vet or shelter will have all the information they need to verify the credentials of anyone before allowing them to leave with your pet.
In case you were wondering:
They are painless and present no danger to your pet. The small chip contains all the information about your companion. Unique pet names, phone numbers, addresses, and the name of the owner is all stored on the chip.
The microchip also requires no maintenance and is expected to last up to 20 years. That’s guaranteed for the life of your pet.
Microchipping is not a substitute for tags
The only drawback to getting your pet microchipped is the cost. Having the chip installed in cats usually ranges close to $30. Where larger breeds of dogs can end up costing you somewhere around $70 or more.
The only other glitch is this:
Once the chip gets inserted into your pet, you will need to register it for an additional $20. You can learn more about microchipping from Petlink and HomeAgain. There is little debate when it comes to the safety of your companion.
The price becomes insignificant compared to the loss of a loved pet.
Unique Pet Names Will Always Feel Special
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Remember that no matter how unique a name may be, there are thousands of people and pets in the world. So it wouldn’t be unusual to run into the same unique pet names from time to time.
Take me, for example:
I even ran into this same problem with a couple of kittens I rescued from my local animal shelter. I named the sister and brother pair, “Bonnie” and “Clyde.”
The names came to me the second I saw their little black and white bandit faces peering from behind cage bars.
It was immediately known they would be a fun, troublesome pair. The names, combined with their personalities, not to mention the fact that they were in animal jail, fit the kittens perfectly.
And then:
A distant family member came forth only to show off their own Bonnie and Clyde cat couple. Needless to say, as disappointed as I was at the time, I stuck with my decision, and I do not regret it.
Go with your gut!
When it is all said and done, pick a name that you will enjoy because choosing a name for your pet is fun and exciting.
Unique pet names will always feel special, no matter how rare or common they might be!
What is the most unique name you’ve picked for your pet? Let us know in the comments!