Dog owners usually know when they¡¯ve found the dog for them. Not all dogs, however, turn out to be easy keepers - especially if the person with whom they¡¯re ¡°matched¡± is a poor fit. In order to increase the odds of a successful life-long relationship between dog and person, it pays to do a little research. What information do you need? It helps to think of all the variables here: Should you adopt a mix or a particular breed? If the latter, which breed would best suit you? Should the puppy be male or female? For that matter, should you look for a puppy or offer your home to a homeless ¡°teen-age¡± or adult dog? It pays to do a little self-exploration and some reading before answering these questions and ultimately finding the best dog for you.