Players care for and train their puppy by petting it, walking it and buying it supplies to play with. As a puppy competes in obedience and agility trials, owners can win money to purchase other puppy breeds.

Nintendogs features puppies from the most popular dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, Labrador retrievers, beagles and German shepherds. There will be more than 15 breeds in all and the pups will vary in gender, coloration and personality.

Players can socialize their pups by walking them around the town, where they will meet neighborhood dogs, and maybe even find new toys. Trips to the park and gym offer valuable training time to prepare for agility trials and disc competitions. Over time, the pup’s stamina will increase so players can explore farther and farther. Players also can interact wirelessly with their friends’ Nintendogs — they can set their DS to bark whenever another puppy is within wireless range.