Grapple Dog
LQ: 9.0
Recommended Age: 5+
Skills Used: Self-Awareness, Working Memory, Reading
Nintendogs is a pet simulation game for Nintendo DS that tasks players with training their own dog. Players must teach dogs tricks, groom them, pet them, and enter them in competitions. The ultimate goal is to get to the highest competition level and win first prize. There are several versions of the game, each with different breeds of dogs, but the gameplay is consistent for all, so this guide can be used with any version. There is no inappropriate content in the game, and the reading requirements are fairly low and limited to navigating game menus and reading simple instructions. Due to the simple gameplay and inoffensive content, Nintendogs is recommended to player ages 5 and up.
Getting started and then maintaining attention and effort to tasks.
It is important for players to focus on completing one goal at a time in the game, finishing one completely prior to starting another. For example, players must succeed in teaching dogs specific tricks before they can enter a competition, and mastering each one takes time. Doing so allows players to successfully clear competitions and move on to the next level, where they then repeat the process with more difficult training. Additionally, there are many factors to pay attention to all at once, such as the time of day, the needs of the animal, and in-game finances.
Understanding our own actions, thoughts and feelings.
Taking care of another living being requires players to consider how their actions relate to the animals various needs. When playing Nintendogs, players must be cognizant of the biological, physical, and emotional needs of the dog and then act accordingly. This means not going too long without feeding, bathing, or walking the dog, as examples. Thinking about the needs of others helps players see how their actions can affect those around them, and will help them become more caring owners in the game, teaching them the responsibility needed for pet ownership.
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