PETS
September 12, 2009 It used to be that pets had names like Blackie or Fluffy.
Now the most popular pet names in America are Max, Bella, Buddy, Lucy. Others include Chloe, Charlie, and Maggie.
Sometimes the name tells you something about the pet.
What kind of animal do you picture when you hear pet names like Cookie, Patches, Smokey, Peanut - if I heard someone calling Peanut, I would expect a little dog to come running, wouldn't you?
Some folks name their pets after celebrities, or characters in books, movies or TV shows.
Others like to give their pets names that reflect the animals' personalities, like Sassy or Sparky.
What's important is that you give your pet a name it can recognize, and use it often in a positive way.
In choosing a name for your pet, here are a few hints.
First, don't choose a name that sounds like a command.
For example, a pet named "Beau" or "Joe" may not be able to tell the difference when you're telling it "no" or calling it to come to you.
Second, names of one or two syllables are easier for a pet to learn and recognize.
Among the most popular pet names for both dogs and cats, there are very few that are more than two syllables and none longer than three syllables.
Third, try out some names to see how they fit your pet.
You may find one that suits the animal's personality, or one that it seems to respond to better than the others.
Finally, choose a name you wouldn't be embarrassed to call out the front door or across the park, should your pet inadvertently get loose.
Pets do learn their names if they hear them often, especially in a positive tone of voice.
Even more important than the name itself is the love and affection with which it is used.
Sometimes, the most difficult thing for new owners to agree on is what to name their pet!
But once they get to know each other, human and animal alike understand that what matters most is the relationship, when you're speaking of pets.
© Copyright 2012, APR - ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO
