1. Choose a name with one or two syllables. It will be easier for your dog to learn and easier on you during training. It will also be easier to pronounce and yell is necessary.

2. Don't give your cute, cuddly puppy a cute cuddly name that he/she will outgrow. Keep the adult dog in mind and select a name that will work when your dog is fully grown too.

3. We recommend that you steer away from names like "Stinker". Remember you are going to be calling your dog countless times in the future and in public. Believe us... the joke will not wear well.

4. Avoid names that sound like go, fetch, stay, speak, sit, and other command words, they will only confuse your dog during training..

5. Keep your dogs appearance and personality in mind when you choose a name. Try to match the name to the breed's temperment and your dogs individual character. If your dog is a high energy breed you should not name it Sleepy.

6. Avoid trendy names. They will date you and reflect negatively on your dog when the trend is passé.

7. Don't name your dog after a friend or family member. If you want to name it after someone choose someone who is dead that you admire. A good name for a boxer or pug, for instance, might be Winston or Churchill.

8. Get your dog involved in the naming decision. Once you have a few candidates try them out and see if he responds to one more than another. Why swim upstream when you don't have to?

9. Don't confuse a rescue dog by changing his name. If you must have a new name, choose one that is close to the old one. It will make for an easier transition.

10. Don't drive yourself nuts playing the name game. Remember, it is more important that you love your dog and that he loves you. The name you choose will have little to do with that.