Unlocking All the Furry Friends: A Complete Guide to Getting Every Dog on Nintendogs

Nintendogs, the revolutionary pet simulation game for the Nintendo DS, captured the hearts of millions with its adorable puppies and surprisingly engaging gameplay. While the initial selection of dogs is charming, the real fun begins when you start unlocking the full roster of breeds. But how exactly do you get all those adorable dogs into your virtual home? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on unlocking every breed in Nintendogs, along with helpful tips and tricks to speed up the process.

## Understanding the Basics of Nintendogs and Breed Unlocking

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental mechanics of Nintendogs and how breed availability works.

* **Starting Breeds:** At the beginning of the game, you’ll be presented with a selection of six breeds to choose from. The specific breeds available vary slightly depending on the version of Nintendogs you’re playing (e.g., Dachshund & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, Labrador & Friends). These are your starter dogs, and you’ll need to pick one to begin your Nintendogs journey.
* **Unlocking Criteria:** New breeds are unlocked based on two primary factors:
* **Trainer Points:** These are earned by performing various activities with your dog, such as training, playing, walking, and winning competitions. The more consistently and successfully you interact with your puppy, the faster you’ll accumulate Trainer Points.
* **Dog Ownership:** Some breeds are only unlocked after you’ve already adopted a certain number of dogs. This means you’ll need to say goodbye to a current dog (either by putting it in the kennel or giving it away) to make room for a new one.
* **The Kennel:** The kennel acts as both a storage space and a temporary holding area for dogs. You can place dogs in the kennel if you want to make room for a new breed to appear in the adoption center. Dogs in the kennel still need care, albeit less frequently. Remember that prolonged neglect will negatively impact their happiness and training.
* **Limited Selection:** The dogs available for adoption at the kennel/adoption center change regularly. If a breed you’re looking for isn’t currently available, you’ll need to wait and check back later. This is where patience becomes key!

## Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking All Breeds

Follow these steps diligently to unlock every dog breed in your Nintendogs game:

**1. Choose Your Starter Dog Wisely**

While you can eventually unlock all breeds, starting with a dog you genuinely like makes the initial gameplay more enjoyable. Consider the following:

* **Appearance:** Pick a puppy whose looks appeal to you. You’ll be spending a lot of time with it!
* **Personality:** Each breed has a slightly different temperament. Research the available starter breeds beforehand to find one whose personality suits your play style.
* **Long-Term Goals:** If you have a particular breed you’re eager to unlock later, consider which starter dog will give you the most Trainer Points in the early game.

**2. Maximize Trainer Point Accumulation**

Earning Trainer Points is paramount. Here’s how to do it effectively:

* **Daily Walks:** Go for walks at least once a day. Explore different routes and find new areas to keep your dog stimulated. Longer walks generally yield more Trainer Points, but pay attention to your dog’s stamina. If they get tired, cut the walk short.
* **Training Sessions:** Dedicate time each day to training your dog commands. Focus on mastering the basic commands first (Sit, Stay, Down, Shake) and then move on to more complex ones. Consistent training earns you significant Trainer Points, especially when your dog performs the commands flawlessly.
* **Playtime:** Engage in regular playtime with your dog using various toys. Throw the ball, play tug-of-war, or use the frisbee. The more enthusiastic your dog is during playtime, the more Trainer Points you’ll earn.
* **Grooming:** Keep your dog clean and well-groomed. Bathing, brushing, and nail trimming all contribute to their overall happiness and earn you Trainer Points.
* **Competitions:** Participate in Disc, Obedience, and Agility trials. Winning competitions provides a substantial boost to your Trainer Points. Start with the beginner levels and gradually work your way up to the higher difficulties as your dog’s skills improve.
* **Gift Giving (Limited):** Sometimes, interacting with your dog in a specific way, or giving them a particular item as a gift, can trigger a special event that awards Trainer Points. Experiment with different actions and items to discover these hidden bonuses.
* **Respond to Your Dog’s Needs:** Pay attention to your dog’s mood and respond accordingly. If they’re hungry, feed them. If they’re thirsty, give them water. If they’re lonely, play with them. Attending to their needs makes them happier, which in turn increases your Trainer Point earnings.

**3. The Art of Adoption and Saying Goodbye**

To unlock all breeds, you’ll need to adopt multiple dogs and, eventually, make room for new ones. Here’s the strategy:

* **Regular Kennel Visits:** Check the kennel/adoption center frequently. The available dogs change randomly, so consistency is key. Visit at different times of day to see if the selection varies.
* **Breed Selection Strategy:** When a new breed appears, consider whether you need it to unlock other breeds further down the line. Prioritize breeds that are prerequisites for your ultimate goal. Also, don’t hesitate to adopt a dog simply because you like its appearance. Variety is the spice of life!
* **Kennel Management:** When you need to make room for a new adoption, place one of your current dogs in the kennel. Remember that dogs in the kennel still require some attention, but their needs are less demanding. Be mindful of their happiness levels.
* **Saying Goodbye (Optional):** If you prefer not to keep a large number of dogs in the kennel, you can choose to give a dog away. This is a permanent decision, so be sure you’re ready to part ways with the dog before doing so. However, doing so will allow space to keep collecting different breeds of dogs.

**4. Unlocking Specific Breeds: A Detailed List**

This section provides a comprehensive list of all the unlockable breeds in Nintendogs and the requirements for obtaining them. Please note that the exact requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific version of Nintendogs you are playing.

**(This list will cover all versions of Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, Labrador & Friends, Dalmatian & Friends, Best Friends, and New Friends.)**

I will provide a general unlock guide. Specific numbers of trainer points, for instance, are difficult to guarantee, as the game has subtle variations and some randomness built in. I will focus on strategies.

* **Miniature Dachshund (Dachshund & Friends version – Starter)**
* Available from the beginning.

* **Labrador Retriever (Labrador & Friends version – Starter)**
* Available from the beginning.

* **Chihuahua (Chihuahua & Friends version – Starter)**
* Available from the beginning.

* **Dalmatian (Dalmatian & Friends version – Starter)**
* Unlocked after obtaining the Dalmatian item.

* **Toy Poodle**
* General Strategy: Earn a decent amount of Trainer Points (approximately 2000-3000). Visit the kennel frequently. It will eventually appear.

* **Miniature Pinscher**
* General Strategy: Similar to the Toy Poodle, accumulate a good amount of Trainer Points (around 3000-4000). Regular kennel visits are essential.

* **Shih Tzu**
* General Strategy: Continue to earn Trainer Points (4000-5000). Patience is key. Check the kennel often.

* **Cavalier King Charles Spaniel**
* General Strategy: Requires a higher Trainer Point total (5000-6000). Consistent training and competition participation are important.

* **Shetland Sheepdog**
* General Strategy: Aim for a substantial amount of Trainer Points (6000-7000). Focus on excelling in competitions.

* **Siberian Husky**
* General Strategy: Accumulate a significant number of Trainer Points (7000-8000). Vary your activities to keep your dog happy and engaged.

* **Golden Retriever**
* General Strategy: Needs a high Trainer Point score (8000-9000). Maintaining a positive relationship with your dog is crucial.

* **Beagle**
* General Strategy: Requires a very high Trainer Point total (9000-10000+). Demonstrate a commitment to consistent care and training.

* **Yorkshire Terrier**
* General Strategy: You need a higher trainer score in the high range (10000+). Keep your dog happy.

* **German Shepherd**
* General Strategy: A high trainer score is usually needed (11000+). Requires dedication and time.

* **Boxer**
* General Strategy: Similar to German Shepherd, needs a high trainer score (11000+).

* **French Bulldog**
* General Strategy: Needs a pretty good amount of Trainer Points (8000-10000+).

* **Pembroke Welsh Corgi**
* General Strategy: Accumulate points and visit the kennel. (7000+).

* **Pug**
* General Strategy: Needs a decent amount of points (4000+).

**Important Considerations and Tips:**

* **Version Differences:** The specific unlock requirements and breed availability can vary slightly between different versions of Nintendogs. Consult online resources or game FAQs specific to your version for the most accurate information.
* **Patience is Key:** Unlocking all the breeds in Nintendogs takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a particular breed appear immediately. Keep playing, keep earning Trainer Points, and keep checking the kennel regularly.
* **Consistency is Crucial:** Consistent care, training, and playtime are essential for maximizing Trainer Point gains and keeping your dog happy. Dedicate time each day to interacting with your virtual pet.
* **Experiment with Activities:** Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different areas in the game. You might discover hidden bonuses or activities that can help you earn Trainer Points more quickly.
* **Utilize Online Resources:** Numerous websites and forums dedicated to Nintendogs can provide valuable information, tips, and strategies for unlocking breeds. Take advantage of these resources to enhance your gameplay experience.
* **Exploit the Clock (Use With Caution):** While not recommended for a genuine and fulfilling gameplay experience, some players resort to manipulating the Nintendo DS clock to speed up the process of breed unlocking. By advancing the clock, you can force the kennel to refresh its selection of dogs more frequently. However, be aware that this method can potentially disrupt other time-sensitive events in the game and may diminish the overall enjoyment.
* **Keep Your Dog Happy:** A happy dog is a more cooperative dog, and a more cooperative dog earns more Trainer Points. Pay attention to your dog’s needs and ensure they are always well-fed, well-groomed, and well-loved. Avoid neglecting your dog, as this can negatively impact their mood and training progress.
* **Mastering Competitions:** Winning competitions is one of the most efficient ways to earn large amounts of Trainer Points. Practice regularly and learn the strategies for excelling in each type of competition. Start with the beginner levels and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog’s skills improve. Using the proper equipment will help you win.
* **Understand Dog Personalities:** Each dog breed has a slightly different personality. Some dogs are more eager to please and easier to train, while others are more independent and require more patience. Understanding the personality of your dog can help you tailor your training methods and build a stronger bond.
* **Take Advantage of Items:** Certain items, such as specific toys or grooming tools, can enhance your dog’s happiness and improve their performance in competitions. Experiment with different items to discover which ones your dog enjoys most and which ones provide the greatest benefits.

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Breed Not Appearing:** If you’ve met the general requirements for unlocking a particular breed but it’s still not appearing in the kennel, try the following:
* **Verify Trainer Points:** Double-check that you have accumulated enough Trainer Points. It’s possible that you’re close but haven’t quite reached the threshold.
* **Increase Kennel Visits:** Visit the kennel more frequently. The breed selection changes randomly, so persistence is key.
* **Adjust Time of Day:** Try visiting the kennel at different times of day. The selection might vary depending on the time.
* **Check Version Compatibility:** Ensure that the breed you’re trying to unlock is actually available in your specific version of Nintendogs.
* **Dog Unhappy:** If your dog is consistently unhappy, consider the following:
* **Address Needs:** Make sure you’re addressing all of your dog’s basic needs (food, water, grooming, playtime, walks).
* **Vary Activities:** Avoid repetitive activities. Keep your dog stimulated by trying new things and exploring different areas.
* **Show Affection:** Spend time petting, talking to, and playing with your dog.
* **Check Environment:** Ensure that your dog’s environment is clean and comfortable.

## Conclusion

Unlocking all the dogs in Nintendogs is a rewarding journey that requires patience, dedication, and a genuine love for virtual puppies. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips and tricks provided, you’ll be well on your way to building the ultimate Nintendogs family. Remember to enjoy the process, bond with your virtual companions, and relish the simple joys of caring for your furry friends. Happy training!