Giving your Dal a name that becomes him is the first and foremost decision you will make after you adopt. Most of our rescue Dalmatians come to us from shelters and often have no name at all, or have been given a generic one for the breed (Pongo, Dottie, Spot…). We generally rename dogs when they arrive in foster care. A new name is a great start on a new life.
The names humans give their dogs are “an expression of our intense relationship with our dogs,” say Gerd Ludwig and Sharon Vanderlip, DVM, authors of 1000 Dogs Names from A to Z (Barron’s 2005). Whatever the choice, the name you use to call your dog reveals for him, for you, and everyone else in earshot, the deepest feelings and strongest emotions that you attach to this creature of another species. For your dog, his name means to him all the love you bear for him. It should never be used when speaking harshly, or to forbid or punish.
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