| How to Name Your New Maltese Puppy or Dog Step 1 Begin by determining what sex your dog will be. Knowing the gender of your new puppy or dog will make the pet name selection process much easier. If you don't know what gender your new dog will be, in the following steps, you can make two separate lists - one for male dog names and the other for female dog names. Or you can opt to create a list of gender neutral names. Step 2 Begin by going through a baby name book or a baby name website. Write down names that appeal to you. And don't forget to check out the nicknames and variations listed under each name, as not all of these names are listed separately, so you may overlook the perfect name if you ignore the nicknames and name variations. Step 3 Once you have your list compiled, go through the list and star your five to ten favorite names. Step 4 If another family member is going to have input in the dog naming process, they too should create a list of appealing dog names. Once the list is compiled, they too should star their five to ten favorite names. Step 5 If another family member is involved in the naming process, compare your lists of top dog names. Write down any names that are present on both lists, in addition to the each person's five or ten favorite names. Step 6 If only one person is involved in the dog naming process, write down your top five names and list pros and cons of each name. Once this is complete, you'll be ready to make your final pick. In many cases, it's advisable to hold off on a final decision until your new pet arrives, so that the name you select "fits" your pet. Step 7 If multiple family members are involved, you'll need to discuss the list with the names common to both lists and each person's top five to ten names. Go down the list, and debate each name. What attracts you to a particular name? Why do you dislike a particular name? What associations does a certain pet name conjure for you? Does a particular name remind you of something or someone? Through this debate process, you should cross off names that you cannot agree upon. Step 8 Develop a final list of the top names. Each person is entitled to add one dog name to the list, even if the other family members to not favor this name. Step 9 Wait until you bring your new pet home and select the most fitting name from the list. If you still cannot agree on a name, there are two possible courses of actions. One possibility is to select one of the finalist names at random. The other option is to wait a few days and repeat the process. Sometimes, once you have a better idea of your pet's personality, different names will stand out and generally speaking, the process is much easier when one has a particular pet in mind. |
