Top 10 Awwww-Inducing Cute Dog Names

by Amy Tokic

Published: November 21st, 2019

Choosing your dog’s name is one of the most important decisions and that any pawesome parent will ever make. It’s something that you’re going to say every day. It’s something that, to a certain extent, is going to define what people think of your pup before they meet them. So, it’s very important not to take this decision lightly. It’s something that will be a part of your entire life with your doggo, from their fragile fur baby days all the way up to their autumn years as a elderly animal. So, you don’t want to mess this choice up. It’s something that you’ll be living with for many years to come.

Yet, at the same time, naming your delightful doggo should be fun. After all, your puppy is so gosh darn adorable that you will want to do him or her justice by giving the pup an equally sweet name. The only real problem is choosing the perfect name. There are so many amazing options. So many different directions to take. But, there’s really only one question that you should be asking yourself: which one is right for your dog? There are thousands of amazing doggy names out there, but only one that is the perfect pick for your pup. That’s a daunting choice, but we’re here to help. We’ve just made that choice a whole lot easier with the delicious listicle that your eyes are beholding right now.

So without further ado, let’s get down to business. Here’s our list of super cute dog names that will have you squeeing with glee. Gift your pup with one of these names and they are sure to be grateful.

Photo credit: otsphoto/Shutterstock

10. Otto: Not just an irresponsible Simpons bust driver anymore, soon Otto will play a special role in your life. This name conjures up images of a Pug sporting a jaunty cap. We’re not sure why… but it does! Photo credit: existentist

9. Zoey: A literary favourite and the name of everyone’s favorite 2000s It Girl with luscious bangs. This is a pretty name for a pretty dog. Zoey isn’t just for humans who play ukuleles, it’s also an adorable name for your furry princess. (Photo credit: Anneka/Shutterstock)

8. Gizmo: Thanks to the Gremlins, Gizmo has been a staple for cute dog names since the 80s. As long as your dog is fluffy and has a squishy face, Gizmo will be the perfect moniker. Bonus: You can bathe and feed your Gizmo after midnight. That’s a huge plus for 80s-obsessed insomniacs everywhere! (Photo credit: Jagodka/Shutterstock)

7: Peanut: If your dog is small, you may consider the name peanut. Good for a male or female, this nutty name is perfect for purse pooches. It’s a name that conjures up cuteness for reasons that we can’t possibly hope to explain. Sure, it might remind a few people of their deadly allergy, but that’s there problem and not yours! (Photo credit: Jim Larson/Shutterstock)

6: Oscar: Okay, we’re a little biased about this one. After all, that’s what we named our official Dog-in-Residence. This one is perfect for wiener dogs (Oscar Meyers Wieners) and grumpy dogs (Oscar the Grouch). It’s also perfect for any dog who really loves rewarding mediocre movies and hanging out with Billy Crystal (Oscar, the Academy Award).

5. Winston: Inspired by Winston Churchill, Winston is a wonderful name for Bulldogs. With that serious, squishy face, most Bulldogs look like this famous British Prime Minister. If you plan on treating your bulldog with regal respect (and who wouldn’t?!) then naming him after this pudgy and cigar chomping war hero is the way to go! (Photo credit: otsphoto/Shutterstock)

4. Dexter: This name has gained popularity since the serial-killer TV series hit the airwaves. We think that Dexter is a seriously killer cute dog name. Hopefully he’ll turn out closer to the childish animated scientist from Dexter’s Lab than Showtimes favorite psycho! (Photo credit: Lurin/Shutterstock)

3. Bella: She may have been the lead character in the Twilight series, but Bella is a beautiful name for your little girl. Not only that, but your Bella won’t be obsessed with sparkly vampires – she’ll be addicted to tennis balls and chew toys. She also won’t mope around all the time or have an exciting career indie art films. Nope, you’ll have to name your pup Kristen Stewart for that!

2. Thor: Sure, it’s a mighty name, but when you give it to a small dog, it’s freaking adorable. Besides, this macho moniker will say a lot about your dog’s larger-than-life personality. When Halloween comes around, you may even want to consider getting your little Thor a helmet and a hammer. After all, any doggo with this mythical name is guaranteed to be worthy! (Photo credit: AnetaPics/Shutterstock)

1. Bubba: This one just makes us laugh when we hear it at the dog park. Ideal for dogs of any size, Bubba serves up deep-fried and down-home cuteness that absolutely no one will be able to resist. Don’t feed this little guy shrimp though. That would be a mistake, even if the name suggests otherwise! (Photo credit: Sergey Lavrentev/Shutterstock)

So those are our top ten picks for the finest names to bestow upon your pup. Of course, we can’t pretend that this list is definitive. These are just our favorite doggy names. There are so many more out there that might serve your pup just as well. So now we’d like to turn it over to you, dear reader. Do you have any doggy names that make you smile just when you think about them? If that’s the case, you really shouldn’t keep those names to yourself. We’d love to hear all of your favorite cute doggo names. Please leave us your suggestions in the comment section below. You never know, some future reader might be tickled by your suggestion and bestow it for their own fur baby!

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Top 10 Unusual Dog Names for 2012

Fatty McButterpants Tops The List Of Unusual Dog Names If you’re looking for unusual dog names, Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, has a few ideas you can use. The hospital went through all the most unusual and wackiest pet names it had in its database. From the original 780, the list was narrowed down to these 10 unusual dog names: 1. Fatty Mcbutterpants 2. Sir Goose Slobberalot 3. Beetle Juice Monster Pants 4. Chairman Meow 5. Honey’s Lil Midnight Moonshine 6. Lord Godrick Von Mousenberg 7. Emperor Chewy Teddybear 8. Cookie Fudge Rainbow 9. Baron Von Doodle 10. Alyssa Butter Scooch Does your pup have a zany or unusual dog name? Feel free to share it with us – leave a comment! Photo credit: James Peragine/Shutterstock

Top 10 Wackiest Dog Names of 2013 Announced

You think your dog has a wacky name, do you? Does it make the list of 10 Wackiest Dog Names of 2013? The list, which is compiled by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), picks creative and quirky pet names from across the nation every year. VPI goes through its database of more than 500,000 insured pets and picks the 10 most unusual names in each category. “With a database of more than half a million insured pets, we came across some extremely peculiar dog and cat names,” said Curtis Steinhoff, director of corporate communications for VPI. “After speaking with the pet owners from our Top Ten lists, we found that there is a special meaning and story behind unusual monikers like Captain Underpants and Mama Pajama. Many pet owners treat their dogs and cats like a part of the family and these unique names help reflect that.” Without further ado, here are the 10 Wackiest Dog Names of 2013 1. Sir Knuckles da Dragon 2. HotRod Whoofington 3. Captain Underpants 4. Stinky Monkey 5. Taco Salad 6. Dallas Cowdog 7. Hunk Heartbreaker 8. Ice Bingbing 9. Potato Chip 10. Bunny Money Dogg The Bulldog pictured above takes the cake with the moniker of Sir Knuckles da Dragon and we think it suits him perfectly. What do you think of the list? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section below.

2017’s Top 10 Wacky Dog and Cat Names

You think you’ve given your pet a unique name? Think again! Dunkin Butterbeans, Yeti Spaghetti, Ninja Killer Nine Thousand, and Jabba the Butt are just a few of the wackiest names of 2017. You’d think an insurance company with a client base of over 600,000 pets would have seen it all when it comes to the names we choose for our fur-kids. Actually, they have – and then some! You see, each year Nationwide seeks out the oddest of the oddball dog and cat names via their Wacky Names competition. Of course I had to google the word “wacky” for an official definition and learned from the free dictionary that it means “foolish – devoid of good sense or judgment”. Well that works for me so tell me more about the wackiest of the wacked pet names! Related: Most Popular Pet Names of 2016 Revealed Apparently once the Nationwide gurus have narrowed it down to just the top 10 dog and cat names they are put out there to the voting public for mulling, ranking and a final decision. While we all know you can only have one dog and one cat crowned King or Queen of the Wacky Name, all are officially recognized on Nationwide’s website with a full color photo and story of how their pet parent chose such an interesting handle for their little guy or gal. For 2017, Dunkin Butterbeans (dog, of course!) edged out pooches such as Farrah Pawcett and Boo Boo Choo Choo while Little Booty Ham Sandwich (clearly a feline foodie) won out over Obi Wan Catnobi and Fifty Shades of Graham. Related: Top 10 Aww-Inducing Cute Dog Names Unfortunately there is no official word on how last year’s winners; McLoven the Stud Muffin and Princess Poopie Paws are taking the request to turn in their tiaras. Without further ado, here are this year’s winners in all their wacky glory. Dogs: 1. Dunkin Butterbeans 2. Farrah Pawcett 3. Fiona Penny Pickles 4. The Other Dude 5. Yeti Spaghetti 6. Colonel Mustache 7. Empress Tzu Tzu 8. Cheesebro 9. Tango Mango 10. Choo Choo Boo Boo Cats: 1. Little Booty Ham Sandwich 2. Obi Wan Catnobi 3. Winston Purrchill 4. The Great Catsby 5. Jabba the Butt 6. Isaac Mewton 7. Whiskerus Maximus 8. Ninja Killer Nine Thousand 9. Fifty Shades of Graham 10. Dog the Cat

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: A Dog By Any Other Name

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Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

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All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and  aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and  invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters. 

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Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.

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How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

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Husky Detects a Dangerous Gas Leak and Saves the Entire Neighborhood

Kobe, a four-year-old husky became an internet hero after saving his home and the entire neighborhood from a catastrophic gas leak. According to his owner, Chanell Bell, the canine started digging a large hole in the front yard of their Philadelphia home. At first, Bell didn’t think much of Kobe’s strange behavior. However, as the hole grew bigger, she became concerned that Kobe was trying to tell her something.“I trust his judgment because that isn’t his typical behavior and he is usually right,” said Bell, according to PEOPLE. “He has great senses and he never digs holes unless he is helping me dig; I knew something was up.”Earlier in the month, Bell had a gas leak in the house, and out of caution, she decided to check the hole Kobe dug with a gas detection device. “I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater,” explained Bell. “When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behavior for my dog. My intuition told me to check it.”Immediately the device detected gas. A potentially catastrophic amount of gas was coming from the hole Kobe dug in the yard!Bell alerted authorities right away and they informed her that the entire neighborhood should be grateful that Kobe detected the leak when he did. “We were told it could’ve caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion, too.”As soon as they arrived at the address, the gas foreman and crew turned off the gas and started to work on the pipes. During the repairs, the crew discovered three other gas leaks in the neighborhood, all caused by old pipes. The crew worked for three days to repair the leaks and install new pipes. Workers told Bell that something as simple as turning on a light switch could have caused the gas to ignite and blow up the entire house. While they worked, the crew praised Kobe.“They were so impressed with Kobe and mentioned what a good dog he was,” said Bell, adding that people should always listen to their pets and their senses. The gas company said that it adds Marcaptan to the natural gas it administers to homes to produce a smell similar to rotten eggs to allow for easier leak detection. “Just like this customer, any time anyone smells a foreign odor or egg-like smell, they should immediately call,” said the utility company, in a statement. “It feels amazing to know Kobe saved our block, I am very thankful to have him,” added Bell. “I hope this spreads awareness to others about the dangers and severity of gas leaks and to pay attention to your fur babies!”  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

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