So you're ready to welcome a puppy into your home. Here are a few pointers that will help in choosing the right puppy that you will enjoy for years to come.

The first thing is don't rush your choice. Don't fall in love with the first puppy you see and take him/her home right away. Think about if this is the dog you want because in a few months that cute little puppy becomes bigger and not as cute. So figure out the type of puppy you want then go look at the puppies that match it.

Here are a few items to keep in mind:

Think about the size of dog that is right for you. (See article on dog size.) Your home will probably indicate what size. Huge dogs don't do well in small homes with little or no yard. Big dogs need space. Daily walks don't make up for space. Also what do you want the dog for? If you want a guard dog then go for a bigger dog. If you want a lap dog go small. If your pet will travel with you go smaller. If you have children medium to large dogs hold up better to rough handling.

Another thought is the breed of the dog. Mutts are best because they usually have less genetic health issues. Temperament is usually better also.

Long hair gets everywhere and requires regular grooming and brushing.

Male or female? I prefer females. They have a sweeter disposition, the maternal instinct helps, they don't lift their leg or do other male dog stuff. Females also seem to be less psychotic.

Here are a few tests to see if a puppy will grow up to be a great dog:

• The puppy should come to you when you call her. Puppies should want human interaction.
• Hold the puppy around her chest then hold her in front of you above your head. Then hold her the same way facing away from you a few feet off the ground. She should not squirm or act afraid. If so she may have been dropped or mishandled and will be fearful of being held.
• While holding her, squeeze the skin in between her toes slowly adding more pressure until she indicates it is becoming uncomfortable or you know you are squeezing pretty hard. Puppies that yelp right away will be harder to groom and less tolerant of pain in general.
• Cradle the puppy in your arms like you are holding a baby. She should just lie there and be happy. This shows whether or not the dog will be calm or hyper.
• Find out if the puppy has been well taken care of and socialized. Ask the owners if the puppy has all its shots and has been wormed. Make sure the puppy looks and acts healthy. Her ears should be clean inside. Her eyes should be bright with no discharge. Check to make sure she has no fleas or ticks. This will indicate how well she has been taken care of.
• If you are looking at a puppy from an animal shelter ask if the puppy has been spayed or neutered already. I have found that dogs should be altered at 6 months of age and not much earlier. Dogs that have been altered too soon don't have the hormones to help the dog develop normally. The best place to go get a puppy is someone's house.
• Avoid mall pet stores that carry lots of puppies. These puppies are raised only for profit. They are raised in cages with no socialization. The mothers and the fathers also stay in cages all their life. They are not bred to improve the breed nor are they bred to bring out good characteristics such as even temperament. If you buy a puppy from such a place you are keeping these money-hungry people in business.

Above all, make sure that this is the puppy, and ultimately the dog that you will want for her lifetime.