Expert warns a dog’s name can impact training success

2 February 2026: Spring is a popular time to welcome a new puppy into the home, and choosing the right name is one of the biggest decisions on a new pet owner’s journey. Your new puppy’s name shouldn’t just reflect their appearance and personality – it can also have a huge impact on how they learn, behave, and engage with their family.

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Expert warns a dog’s name can impact training success

2 February 2026: Spring is a popular time to welcome a new puppy into the home, and choosing the right name is one of the biggest decisions on a new pet owner’s journey. Your new puppy’s name shouldn’t just reflect their appearance and personality – it can also have a huge impact on how they learn, behave, and engage with their family.

To help new puppy owners choose the perfect name for their pup, Hannah Molloy, Agria’s Animal Behaviourist advises: “When it comes to naming your new furry family member, it’s worth thinking beyond what sounds good on paper and considering how it’ll work in everyday life and training. A dog’s name should be linked to good things from the very start, because you want them to feel happy and safe when they hear it. That’s why I always advise owners not to use their dog’s name when telling them off, as that can weaken the positive association you’re trying to build.”

Hannah’s top tips for choosing the perfect puppy name:

  1. Choose two-syllable names: A two-syllable name works wonders for elongating during training or when calling across a field to get a dog’s attention. It’s no surprise that the top three dog names registered with Agria Pet Insurance in 2025 were Luna, Bella, and Willow*.
  2. Select a name with multiple vowel sounds: Vowels are easy to elongate for emphasis. For example, Luna could become ‘Luuu-naaa’ when training, praising or walking. Dogs respond more strongly to vowel sounds than consonants, so a name that’s clear, consistent and easy to say will be easier for your puppy to understand. If it feels comfortable rolling off your tongue, you’re far more likely to use it in a warm, encouraging way.
  3. Pick a name with a unique sound: Avoid names that rhyme with common commands like ‘sit’ or ‘stay’, or day-to-day words like ‘walk’ or ‘vet’. This helps your pup distinguish its name from everyday commands and conversation.
  4. Practice saying or shouting the name: Imagine yourself saying the name out loud or even shouting it across a field. Does it sound like a swear word? Would it embarrass you or a family member to say it aloud in public? If so, it’s probably best avoided.
  5. Keep it positive: It’s best to keep a dog’s name neutral or positive, as opposed to having negative connotations. For example, popular ‘human’ names like Charlie and Teddy or a positive-sounding name like Buddy are likely to be perceived as less threatening than Hannibal, Slasher or Bane. It’s worth bearing in mind that names with a negative slant could unintentionally encourage strangers to engage your dog in rough and tumble rather than softer play and cuddles, setting them up for bad habits and potential behavioural issues.

Agria Pet Insurance’s most popular dog names for 2025 show classic, friendly choices lead the way:

Agria’s most popular dog names in 2025
  1. Luna
  1. Bella
  1. Willow
  1. Teddy
  1. Poppy
  1. Daisy
  1. Milo
  1. Mabel
  1. Ruby
  1. Coco

Notably, every name in the top ten has two syllables, a format that experts like Hannah say dogs find easier to recognise and respond to.

At the other end of the scale, some names were truly one of a kind. One policyholder’s pup is named Beckham, likely inspired by football icon David Beckham, and another is named Charlie Chaplin. Others are inspired by literary characters, including Ozymandias, Paddington Bear, and Hamlet. Inspiration also came from cartoons like Peppa Pig and well-known brands such as Pepsi Max and Porsche.

Choosing the right name is about finding one that suits both the dog and their family, while supporting training, clear communication, and everyday life. While owning a dog – and choosing its name – can be a fun and memorable experience, it’s always important to select a responsible breeder who follows the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) guidelines to assess adult dogs before breeding from them.

All Agria Pet Insurance policies come with 24/7 access to vet video calls through the Agria App for advice. To find out more or download the app, visit: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/agria-app/

ENDS

References:

* Agria Pet Insurance policy data from January-December 2025.

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About Agria Pet Insurance
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal and equine insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.

In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Royal Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

Agria has been awarded a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insuranceand a Which? Best Buy for Cat Insurance for their Lifetime Premium insurance products, and is named Best Overall Pet Insurance provider by The Telegraph 2024.

For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / https://www.instagram.com/agriapetinsurance / https://www.facebook.com/agriapetuk