Avoid using pet names you've heard a million times. "Spot" or "Rex" are cliche at this point. Also avoid naming your pet after anything that is currently popular. Name your pet "Bieber" will saddle it with that name for the rest of its life, long after Justin Bieber has ceased being popular.
Sometimes a unique name becomes passe through overuse. The names "Aidan" and "Riley" were once unique but are becoming too popular to be creative. Don't go the "celebrity whacky" route. Naming your pet "Blanket" may seem cute but it will get old fast. Ironic misspellings such as"Dawg" or "Quat" are also cliched at this point.
Instead, take the time to get to know your dog. Consider its appearance and its personality and write down a few traits that identify it. For example, if it is very fast and red, you could call it "Red Flash." "Red" and "Flash" are boring on their own by combining them might make them both more interesting.
Walk around your neighborhood or watch television regularly. Wait for an interesting name to catch your ear. For example, a unique name for a husky is "Blitzer." "Blitzer" is a reference to journalist "Wolf Blitzer" and the fact that huskies resemble wolves.
The perfect unique pet name is out there somewhere. If you are getting stumped, don't be afraid to use online pet name sites. These sites feature a wide range of names.