There are loads of potential puppy names out there, and choosing the perfect one is high on your 'to-do' list when you're a new puppy parent.

You can get away with calling him 'sweetie-pie' or 'snuggle-butt' fora couple of days, but unless you really don't object to shouting "Come here Snuggle-butt" across the local park you'd better think about choosing a proper name sooner rather than later!

Choosing a name for a puppy isn't quite as fraught as choosing a baby's name but it can come close! Although you don't want to take a month to make a decision (unless you actually like the name Snuggle-butt!) you do need to take a little time to think about it and pick something that feels 'just right'.

It may also be a good idea to rein in your sense of humor. If you choose the name 'Tiny' for your Great Dane puppy or 'Rocket' for your little Basset Hound, it will probably raise a smile at the dog park. But it'll undermine your dog's natural dignity when you go for a laugh at his expense.

Dogs are intelligent animals, don't think they don't sense when someone is making fun of them! The best foundation for a good relationship between you and your puppy is mutual love and respect, bear that in mind when choosing a puppy name.

What's in a name?

It could be more than you think. The name you choose can say a lot about you, as well as a fair bit about how you view your dog.

Other people may judge your dog's personality by the name you give him. Calling him 'Killer' or 'Hannibal' may do wonders for your sense of security but is unlikely to make him the darling of the neighborhood - no matter how much of a softie he is!

Make the right choice

There are a few basic guidelines you can use to help you pick out that perfect puppy name. When choosing a name for a puppy, use the following tips to find the name that sounds 'just right' for your precious furchild.

• Keep it simple

  There are two reasons for this. Firstly, dogs respond better to short commands and can easily get confused by long, strange-sounding words. Keep the puppy name you choose short and simple, one or two syllables is best. If your puppy is a pure-bred you can indulge your desire for an exotic name when you pick his or her registered name. Secondly You are going to be using your puppy's name many (repeat, MANY) times a day! It'll be a lot less wearing if it's a short, simple name - trust me, I know this!

• It's not just a puppy name

  Your new puppy won't always be this small! You're also choosing a DOG name here. Depending on the breed he or she could reach anywhere up to 130lbs plus within a couple of years. Even a thoughtfully chosen puppy name such as 'Tickles' or 'Buttercup' may seem a whole lot less appropriate when 'Tickles' the St. Bernard is fully grown.

• Let your puppy help you out

  Yes, believe it or not your little bundle of fur can help choose his own name! How? It's quit simple - just take a close look at him (okay, you're a little too close when he's planting puppy kisses on your nose!) and then pay attention to his personality. Remember 'Rocket'? Well, not for a Basset Hound perhaps, but it could be the perfect puppy name for your super-speedy Italian Greyhound.Or how about 'Snowflake' for your American Eskimo pup? See what I mean?

• Consider his heritage

  If you have a purebred puppy you probably know what country his breed originated in. If you have a Rottweiler or German Shorthaired Pointer then a German dog name would be a great choice. The same goes for your French Bulldog, or Italilan Mastiff etc. etc.