After hours on the internet, researching the right breed for you and your family, visiting breeders and shelters in the area, you've finally found the perfect puppy.

Now what? He needs a name!

Did you know that over the course of its life, you will use your dog’s name over 35,000 times? Be sure you’re choosing not only a name you can live with, but one you’ll love.

By following these simple steps, you’ll discover the key to finding the perfect puppy name is painless and easy.

1. Dogs understand short commands. Easy names with two or fewer syllables work well.

2. Your puppy’s name shouldn’t sound like any commands. “Stacy” and “stay” are too close for comfort. Such a name will only confuse the issue.

3. Remember, you’ll be using your pup’s name in public. “Boner” may be cute among your fellow fraternity members, but it won’t go over well at the veterinarian.

4. Make your kids part of the decision process. Kids like it simple, too, so if calling your Champion Cavalier King Spaniel “Bootsie” works for them, consider keeping the hoity toity name strictly for AKC purposes.

5. You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after your favorite Uncle Norbert. While naming your baby after him may keep you in the will, naming your puppy after him may not. Check with friends and relatives before deciding to take their name.

6. If you’re bringing home an older dog, ideally, stick with the name it already owns. Can’t stand it because “Barney” was the first boy who broke your heart? Then stick with similar sounds when choosing a new dog name. “Barney” morphs into “Farley” easily.

7. Once you’ve chosen a name, try it out for a day or so. You’ll know right away whether it’s a keeper. If not, there’s always more puppy names on your list!

8. Don't forget to reward your puppy or dog when they respond to their new name. The more treats and hugs they receive, the sooner they'll come running when you call.

Now that you have all the tips in mind for choosing a great name, what should you choose? For some people, picking out a dog name is easy. Others, however, need a bit more assistance.

Keep these things in mind when searching for the best name for your pup:

1. Appearance. What’s your dog look like? His color, size, and personal style inspires a variety of name choices. “Stubbs” would be a great name for a dachshund pup. Or you may call a cream colored cock-a-poo “Buffy.”

2. Personality. Given a couple of days, your new dog’s personality will really shine through. Try “Cuddles” for the sweet little guy who loves to get cozy or “Puddles” for the pooch who can’t seem to find the doggie door.

If you want to go beyond the basics, many famous dog names or foreign dog names can fit the bill. Consider these puppy names when making your decision.

1. Celebrity puppy names. Today, pooches have more celebrity following than their famous owners. Chew on “Lola,” a name used by both Hilary Duff and the Osbournes.

2. TV dogs. “Scooby” and “Astro” come to mind if you want to honor a famous TV pup.

3. Movie dogs. Cool movies and cool dog names seem to go hand in hand. Cool Hand Luke’s “Blue” would be a fitting label for a variety of dogs.

4. Comic dogs. “Snoopy” will always be a favorite, but also consider “Daisy” or “Odie.”

5. German dog names. For starters, try out “Fritz” or “Kaiser.”

6. Irish dog names. “Finn” fits well for any pup, as does “Murphy,” which just happens to mean “hound of the sea.”

7. French puppy names. “Pierre” and “Gigi” are top contenders for any dog, especially those with a little oo-la-la in their genes.