Don't shirk your duties when it comes to naming your pup. These naming tips will help you get off to the right start.

Usually, when you decide it's time to have a puppy, thought, effort, and loads of research go hand in hand with finding the right breed for you and your family. Once you've chosen a particular breed, you then spend time meeting puppies and dogs, taking each one for a mini-test drive before deciding on a new friend.

There's no reason to spend that much energy on picking your pup's name, but a little extra effort goes a long way toward discovering a great name.

Put simply, you may end up using your dog's name over 35,000 times in the course of its life. Shouldn't it be a moniker you love?

When making a short-list of dog names, here are some important naming tips to consider:

• Keep it simple. Dogs grasp brief orders, so short and sweet says it best. Names with just a couple of syllables work well.
• Don't confuse the issue. Your puppy's name shouldn't sound similar to any commands. "Fetch, Fletch!" and "Stay, Ray" will only befuddle your pup.
• Publicity hound. Since you'll be calling your dog's name in public, loudly and frequently, make sure it's not a name you'll be mortified to yell. "Butthead" may be funny in the privacy of your frat house, but it won't sound great at the dog park.
• Consider the kids. You're right; "Fluffy" doesn't illustrate the noble nature of your Champion Irish Wolfhound, but kids appreciate simplicity, too. Register the fancy schmancy name with the AKC.
• Don't name the pooch after a family member. Naming your baby after Uncle Norbert will keep you in the will, but naming your pup after him may not. Ask first before bestowing such an "honor" on a friend or relative.
• Old dog, new home? Try and keep the name your adopted dog already owns. If you must change it, stick with similar sounds. "Barney" becomes a terrific "Farley" with ease.
• Try it out. When you find a name you like, give it a test run for a day or two. If it feels natural, it's a keeper! Otherwise, move on to the next name on your list.