There are a variety of synonyms one can use when referring to a young dog. Some common terms include puppy, pup, whelp, and cub. Puppy is perhaps the most used term when referring to a young dog, and can refer to any breed or size. Whelp is another term that describes a young dog, but is often used when referring to hunting or working breeds. Pup and cub are also acceptable terms for young dogs, but are not used as frequently as puppy and whelp. Overall, there are many different ways to describe a young dog, and the specific term used often depends on the context or individual preferences.