IT'S ALL IN A NAME

I never gave too much thought to what I named my furry friends. I tend to lean towards the names that are "people" names. (I know I have referred to animals on the blog that are not people names. I don't always use their actual names. Not sure whose identity I am protecting). One of my least favorite name-types is descriptive names, like "Blackie" or "Fluffy" or "Digger." Probably the worst category of names is the disrespectful names like "Darn It" (this is a family-friendly blog) or "Ugly" or "Stupid". I like to use human names because I treat my animals like one of my family members.
The longer I have observed animals and their behavior, the more I believe that the name we choose for our companion directs the behavior of that animal. I named one of my horses "Emma" which means "all embracing", and she sure was- she loved everyone, came when anyone called her and was the neighborhood favorite. I had a horse whose long name was naturally shortened to "Bangy" and he was constantly needing stitches or minor vet care. I began calling him another name and the "bangs" stopped! I knew a mare named "Vendetta" who was generally ill-mannered. Talented, but not an "all-embracing" kind of horse.
The most popular name for dogs last year was "Buddy". Now, the dog may not be your best buddy right away, but they grow into their name. My 2 year old Norwegian Fjord (the cover picture on the blog) is named "Bergitta" which is Norwegian for "Protecting power". Right now she is neither protecting nor powerful. But I fully expect she will grow into her name.
I even go so far as to look names up on the baby name websites to be sure I have a name that means something that is positive and the feeling I get from that dog, cat or horse.

NAMES FROM THE PAST
If you get an animal from a shelter, or from a situation that might have been abusive, get rid of the name right away. This is where the psychology comes in. Animals are really great at living in the now. They are all about the present. But if we keep calling up the past every time we call their name, it makes it tough. Cut with the past. Whatever you name them, they will know that is who they are NOW, and you, being the Master, have redirected their lives into a new phase. They will respond to it immediately and know that the past is gone. I have re-named dogs, cats, horses and they don't even skip a beat. They do not have any identity crisis. They are not confused. They live in the now and you are their new hope. Yeah!