Nintendogs, the beloved pet simulation game for the Nintendo DS, captured the hearts of millions with its charming canine companions and immersive gameplay. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to adopt a variety of different dog breeds. However, when you first start playing, you only have access to a limited selection. Unlocking all the dogs in Nintendogs can seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a bit of patience, you can expand your virtual family and experience the joy of caring for every breed the game has to offer.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to unlock all the adorable dogs in Nintendogs, providing detailed steps, helpful tips, and answering frequently asked questions along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of Nintendogs, this article will help you unleash the full potential of your virtual dog shelter.
Understanding the Basics: How to Unlock Dogs in Nintendogs
Before diving into the specifics of each breed, it’s important to understand the fundamental mechanics behind unlocking dogs in Nintendogs. The game primarily uses two methods to introduce new breeds: Trainer Points and Items.
- Trainer Points: These points are earned by performing various activities with your dog, such as training, playing, grooming, and taking them for walks. The more consistently you care for your dog, the faster you’ll accumulate Trainer Points. As you reach certain Trainer Point milestones, new breeds will become available at the Kennel.
- Items: Specific items, often found during walks or purchased at the shop, can trigger the appearance of new breeds at the Kennel. These items are usually breed-specific or related to a particular region or theme.
The breeds available to you depend on the version of Nintendogs you’re playing (Dachshund & Friends, Labrador & Friends, or Chihuahua & Friends), as each version starts with a different selection of dogs. The Kennel will only show 5 dogs at a time. If you do not see the dog you are looking for, come back the next day!
Detailed Steps to Unlock All Dog Breeds
Now, let’s explore the detailed steps required to unlock all the breeds in each version of Nintendogs.
Unlocking Dogs in Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends
In Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends, you start with a Dachshund and have the potential to unlock the following breeds:
- Miniature Pinscher:
- Trainer Points: Available at 2000 Trainer Points.
- Golden Retriever:
- Trainer Points: Available at 4000 Trainer Points.
- Beagle:
- Trainer Points: Available at 6000 Trainer Points.
- Yorkshire Terrier:
- Trainer Points: Available at 8000 Trainer Points.
- German Shepherd:
- Trainer Points: Available at 10000 Trainer Points.
- Shih Tzu:
- Trainer Points: Available at 12000 Trainer Points.
- Boxer:
- Trainer Points: Available at 14000 Trainer Points.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
- Trainer Points: Available at 16000 Trainer Points.
- Shetland Sheepdog:
- Trainer Points: Available at 18000 Trainer Points.
- Siberian Husky:
- Trainer Points: Available at 20000 Trainer Points.
- Pug:
- Trainer Points: Available at 22000 Trainer Points.
- French Bulldog:
- Trainer Points: Available at 24000 Trainer Points.
- Labrador Retriever:
- Trainer Points: Available at 26000 Trainer Points.
- Toy Poodle:
- Trainer Points: Available at 28000 Trainer Points.
- Chihuahua:
- Trainer Points: Available at 30000 Trainer Points.
Unlocking Dogs in Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends
In Nintendogs: Labrador & Friends, you start with a Labrador Retriever and have the potential to unlock the following breeds:
- Toy Poodle:
- Trainer Points: Available at 2000 Trainer Points.
- Miniature Schnauzer:
- Trainer Points: Available at 4000 Trainer Points.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
- Trainer Points: Available at 6000 Trainer Points.
- Yorkshire Terrier:
- Trainer Points: Available at 8000 Trainer Points.
- German Shepherd:
- Trainer Points: Available at 10000 Trainer Points.
- Shih Tzu:
- Trainer Points: Available at 12000 Trainer Points.
- Boxer:
- Trainer Points: Available at 14000 Trainer Points.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
- Trainer Points: Available at 16000 Trainer Points.
- Shetland Sheepdog:
- Trainer Points: Available at 18000 Trainer Points.
- Siberian Husky:
- Trainer Points: Available at 20000 Trainer Points.
- Pug:
- Trainer Points: Available at 22000 Trainer Points.
- French Bulldog:
- Trainer Points: Available at 24000 Trainer Points.
- Dachshund:
- Trainer Points: Available at 26000 Trainer Points.
- Beagle:
- Trainer Points: Available at 28000 Trainer Points.
- Chihuahua:
- Trainer Points: Available at 30000 Trainer Points.
Unlocking Dogs in Nintendogs: Chihuahua & Friends
In Nintendogs: Chihuahua & Friends, you start with a Chihuahua and have the potential to unlock the following breeds:
- Shih Tzu:
- Trainer Points: Available at 2000 Trainer Points.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
- Trainer Points: Available at 4000 Trainer Points.
- Shetland Sheepdog:
- Trainer Points: Available at 6000 Trainer Points.
- Yorkshire Terrier:
- Trainer Points: Available at 8000 Trainer Points.
- German Shepherd:
- Trainer Points: Available at 10000 Trainer Points.
- Boxer:
- Trainer Points: Available at 12000 Trainer Points.
- Miniature Pinscher:
- Trainer Points: Available at 14000 Trainer Points.
- Siberian Husky:
- Trainer Points: Available at 16000 Trainer Points.
- Pug:
- Trainer Points: Available at 18000 Trainer Points.
- French Bulldog:
- Trainer Points: Available at 20000 Trainer Points.
- Labrador Retriever:
- Trainer Points: Available at 22000 Trainer Points.
- Toy Poodle:
- Trainer Points: Available at 24000 Trainer Points.
- Dachshund:
- Trainer Points: Available at 26000 Trainer Points.
- Golden Retriever:
- Trainer Points: Available at 28000 Trainer Points.
- Beagle:
- Trainer Points: Available at 30000 Trainer Points.
Earning Trainer Points Efficiently
The key to unlocking all the dogs in Nintendogs is to accumulate Trainer Points efficiently. Here are some tips to help you maximize your point earnings:
- Daily Walks: Taking your dog for walks is one of the most consistent ways to earn Trainer Points. Explore different routes, look for presents, and practice obedience training along the way. The longer and more varied the walk, the more points you’ll earn.
- Disc Competitions: Participating in disc competitions is a great way to earn a large number of Trainer Points quickly. Practice your dog’s disc-catching skills and aim for the top score to maximize your rewards.
- Obedience Training: Regularly train your dog to perform tricks and commands. Successfully teaching new tricks and reinforcing existing ones will contribute to your Trainer Point total.
- Grooming and Care: Keep your dog clean, well-fed, and happy. Regular grooming, feeding, and playing will contribute to their overall well-being and indirectly impact your Trainer Point earnings.
- Enter Contests: Enter your dogs in contests to earn even more trainer points. If your dog places, they will earn extra trainer points.
Exploring the World and Finding Breed-Specific Items
While Trainer Points are the primary method for unlocking dogs, certain breeds are associated with specific items found during walks. Here’s how to make the most of your explorations:
- Vary Your Walk Routes: Experiment with different walk routes to discover new areas and increase your chances of finding rare items. Some items are more likely to appear in specific locations.
- Pay Attention to Scents: Use the scent feature to help your dog locate hidden items. When your dog picks up a scent, follow their lead to discover buried treasures.
- Check the Shop Regularly: The shop occasionally stocks breed-specific items that can trigger the appearance of new breeds. Check the shop inventory frequently to see if any relevant items are available for purchase.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, even with the right strategies, you might encounter difficulties unlocking certain dogs. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- The Breed Isn’t Appearing at the Kennel: Make sure you’ve met the Trainer Point requirement for the breed you’re trying to unlock. Also, remember that the Kennel only displays a limited number of dogs at a time, so check back regularly.
- I Can’t Find the Right Item: Keep exploring different walk routes and using the scent feature. Breed-specific items can be rare, so patience is key. Also, check the shop frequently to see if the item is available for purchase.
- My Trainer Points Aren’t Increasing: Ensure you’re consistently engaging in activities that reward Trainer Points, such as walks, training, and competitions. Also, make sure you’re saving your progress regularly to avoid losing any earned points.
Tips and Tricks for a Pawsome Nintendogs Experience
- Train your dog often: Training your dog frequently makes contest much easier.
- Save Often: Save your game after every walk, training session, or competition to avoid losing progress in case of unexpected events.
- Experiment with Items: Try using different toys and accessories to see how your dog reacts and to discover new interactions.
- Bond with Your Dog: Spend quality time petting, playing, and talking to your dog to strengthen your bond and enhance your overall experience.
- Take Pictures: Capture memorable moments with your virtual companions by taking pictures and sharing them with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I know how many Trainer Points I have?
Unfortunately, the game doesn’t directly display your Trainer Point total. However, you can gauge your progress by the types of items that are available for purchase at the shop and the breeds that are appearing at the Kennel.
- Can I unlock all the dogs in a single version of Nintendogs?
Yes, you can unlock all 15 breeds in each version of Nintendogs by accumulating Trainer Points and finding specific items.
- Does the time of day affect which dogs appear at the Kennel?
No, the time of day doesn’t directly influence the breeds that appear at the Kennel. However, checking the Kennel at different times of the day can help you cycle through the available dogs and increase your chances of finding the breed you’re looking for.
- Can I trade dogs between different versions of Nintendogs?
No, it is not possible to trade dogs between different versions of Nintendogs.
- Is there a limit to the number of dogs I can own in Nintendogs?
Yes, you can own a maximum of three dogs at a time in Nintendogs. You can release dogs back to the kennel if you want to make room for new breeds.
Conclusion: Embark on Your Nintendogs Adventure
Unlocking all the dogs in Nintendogs is a rewarding experience that allows you to explore the full depth of the game’s content. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can efficiently earn Trainer Points, discover breed-specific items, and expand your virtual family with a diverse collection of adorable canine companions. So, grab your Nintendo DS, unleash your inner dog lover, and embark on a pawsome Nintendogs adventure today!