Copyright (c) 2010 Dean Severidt

Selecting the right dog for your home is highly important.

Will the dog hit it off with children? Will the dog hit it off with other animals in the household? Does the dog have a good disposition? These are a few of the questions you may ask when deciding what form of dog you need. Are you looking out for a thoroughbred or mixed breed or simply a plan old mutt? Mixed breeds can be more cheap, while thoroughbred can be quite dear. Don't dismiss the mutt option either from the local pound. Mutts can be just as adorable, dynamic, and dependable as the other breeds. Size matters. Think how small or big the dog is that you would like. Have you got room for the puppy to run and play or will it be shut up as you don't go outside a lot. If that is so have you got a room where the puppy can run free? Character for a pup develops around 7 weeks of age. Spend a bit of time picking and selecting your dog, and you both will harvest the rewards. Make sure you can hold the dog and hug him. Drop a book in a quiet moment and see whether the puppy runs and hides. Get on your hands and knees and play with the dog to work out if he replies in kind or is assertive toward you. There are a few places to begin your search. Asking mates or your vet are good places to start. Also, you can contact your local shelter or ASPCA for their choice of animals. After you make a decision to get your little dog you get to name this new small puppydog you have just brought home. You are under much pressure to come up with a name that's not too cute, not so frilly, and something which will fit the animal's character. Oh the pressure of a name. You might go with a classic like Fido or Fifi.

These names never go out of fashion unless you have children who wish to have a hip name.

You may also use you fave megastar or country frontman, legendary figures, presidents, and family members. The sky's the limit. Some ideas for selecting a name : * you'll be calling him for the following fifteen year by this name. So pick something that you really like. * Typically 1 to 3 syllables is good for a name. It can get clumsy to call out a long name each and every time. There are dogs though that have 3 names just like a kid. Keep it simplistic and not so complicated.

* Always use the puppy's name when you talk to him or praise him. When he hears it next, he is going to come running as he knows that it's his special word. Don't name the young dog something which will embarrass you or others when you have to call him in public.

Take time to play with the puppy and get to know him before choosing a moniker for the pup. You may name her and find out later that it doesn't fit. Give it a few days to a week and see what you think then. Ask for advice from family and friends. Have a Name The Puppy party and give a prize to the person whose name you chose. There are all kinds of names out there. Just find one that fits your dog and makes you happy.