Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for a family. It's just like the arrival of a new baby! If there are kids in the family, then the event is even more thrilling. Hopefully, you have done your homework and read books on the subject and know all about the responsibilities of owning a new pet.

There's only one thing left to be done: finding the perfect name for your puppy.

How do you find the perfect name for your dog? Ideally, it should reflect its character, and even its physical appearance. If you already have a name in your mind because that's the one you have always dreamed for your dog, then congratulations. Your job is easy. If you don't have a name in mind, this will take some thinking, and even-as it was in our case-an official family meeting!

Would you like to name your dog like a famous philosopher-Homer, Plato, or Aristotle? Or perhaps like a famous scientist, like Einstein or Mr. Hawking? What about a biblical name like Noah? Or maybe a goofy name like Wacky or Taffy? Or even a food name, like Honey or Cinnamon? What about a common name like Sam, Max, or Lady?

In my children's picture book, CRASH, five-year old Marcelo sets out to find the perfect name for his new golden retriever puppy. His parents keep making suggestions, but Marcelo refuses, as he must find not just any name, but the perfect name for his beloved new puppy. Finally, something really peculiar about the puppy helps Marcelo come up with the perfect name.

So observe your puppy carefully. Maybe it has a quirk or odd character trait which belongs only to it, and one which will help you come up with the ideal name.

There are hundreds of sites online to help you choose the perfect dog name. Just do a search for 'dog names' on Google.

Ideally, the name you give your puppy should be short (one or two syllables), and should not sound like another member of the family's or like a dog command, for obvious reasons. But this isn't a rule and in reality, the sky is the limit.

Have fun finding that perfect name and good luck!