How do you choose the right name for your new dog?

In the excitement that follows your adoption of a dog from a New York animal shelter, you'll have a mile-long list of preparations you'll need to make to help your pet transition seamlessly into your home. However, before you go out and purchase your canine's ID tags, have you settled on the perfect name for your new companion? Finding the right name for your dog is a deeply personal choice that should say something about you as well as your pooch's personality. If you're having trouble deciding on the ideal name, the following tips may help you narrow down your choices.

1. Make it short and snappy. While you may think that giving your canine a long and involved name could be comical, yelling out six syllables in the dog park will be confusing to your furry friend as well as to fellow dog parents! According to Dogster.com, you should consider choosing a name that has one to two syllables - this will allow your dog to easily recognize your calls and respond far more easily to training.

2. Avoid names that sound like commands. During the training process, you'll undoubtedly use words like "No," "Stay," "Sit," "Down" and others, so it may be wise to avoid choosing a name that sounds too similar to a basic command, recommends Bowwow.com. While you may be partial to a name like Joe or Zoe, the very similar sound of the words can be confusing to your dog and can actually inhibit the training process.

3. Watch your pet's behavior. Finding the right name to match your dog's personality is very important. After all, you don't want to give your pooch the name Lady and then find out that your pet is anything but ladylike! Consider observing your dog's behavior for a week or so to better inform your decision when picking the right name for him or her. Take into account your pet's appearance, demeanor and level of affection when you're trying to find a name that suits your four-legged friend.

Picking the perfect name for your new pet is one of the most enjoyable aspects of adopting a dog. If you're thinking of becoming a dog parent, consider visiting Bideawee's website for a complete listing of canines up for adoption in the New York City area.