A good idea that didn't take flight; the game, with its adorable dogs, is worth the entertainment for about a week.
First, before I start this review -- I have to say I have no pets at my house, so getting this game was already something different. The first time I play it, it's amazing. The puppies are ADORABLE, the graphics are good, the animation is done well, and the game just opens up with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Then I start to talk to the puppy, which gets annoying when the speaker microphone doesn't accept your words.. but nonetheless, it works fine.
The next day, I start "walking" the dog, training it for agility, obedience, etc. Finding presents and walking is all fun, especially playing with the dogs. Throwing balls, bones, feeding them, it's everything you want in a dog.. cept it's virtual. But there's also one huge difference between a virtual dog and a real dog. A real dog will actually nudge your shoulder when it wants to play, and will lay in your lap when you feel sad. A virtual dog just barks for food and when you pet it with your stylus, it's good to go.
A week later, I forget that I have Nintendogs. The game's replay value is ABSOLUTELY horrible. You'll love it the first time, but after getting 2-3 puppies and winning most of the contests, you'll think to yourself: "What else is there to do?" Of course, you could try to get every breed and unlimitely trade with other DS's, but that takes forever.. Connections on the game do not work very well at all. Now, I contradict myself. The toys are boring. The graphics aren't inviting. The puppies are annoying. Walking the dogs to let them pee and grab them with the leash no longer has any entertainment. This game is more of a rent-only game, you won't want it after a week or two. The sound is good, but still, it's nothing special.
Of course, if you're a little kid, this game may keep you playing it for a long time. I played it about 2 hours for about 4-5 days when I was really into it, but the "love" for this game dies off after you learn that what you can do in the game is a repeat over and over and over, which is why someone else on Earth right now has my game (I sold it on eBay). However, the unique idea for this is good, but it wasn't taken far enough, which is why it doesn't get my high grade.