How to Name Your Nintendog

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Picking out a name for your Nintendog is the first thing you'll do with your nintendog, and allows you to move on to the rest of the game. However, it can be a bit tricky. Here's the basics.

Steps

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  1. 1
    Purchase your Nintendog from the kennel. This is the first thing you do at the beginning of the game. Select a breed, colour and gender you like. Pay close attention to the personality descriptions- if it's your first time playing the game, avoid dogs described as tomboyish, naughty, boisterous etc. Instead, opt for dogs that are described as being patient and having a good temperament. This makes teaching your dog it's name much easier, as well as teaching it tricks later on. If the ideal dog doesn't show up, simply exit out of the selection screen and click on the breed again to have a new randomized set.
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  2. 2
    Play and give attention to your Nintendog.Tap the whistle command (the middle circle) and rub your dog's head. You can try rubbing it's stomach, it's butt, behind it's ears etc. Note that the dog may sparkle- this means you're petting it well!
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  3. 3
    Wait for a screen that says that the dog has calmed down. This should happen quite quickly
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  4. 4
    Move on to the next steps and begin thinking of a name for your dog. The best names are between two and four syllables, and sound very distinct. Don't choose something too short like "Bee" or "Pip" (while they may be cute) or "Captain Death Overlord the Third" (even though it may sound epic). Too long or too short names make it hard for your dog to learn it's name. Cute names may be foods like "Toffee", flowers like "Daisy", human names like "Maxwell" or anything you can imagine!
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  5. 5
    Tap on the "Begin Audio Input and speak into the microphone. Speak clearly and be sure to remember how you pronounced it the first time. The tone you use the first time will need to be repeated again and again so make sure you like the sound of it.
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  6. 6
    Repeat this process multiple of times, remembering to keep the same intonation in your voice. If your dog understands what you said, a faint yellow light will appear around it and a chime will sound. If it's confused, orange question marks appear and a mumbled noise will sound. If your dog keeps being confused, you aren't pronouncing it identically each time. You may want to rethink it's name if it's not working.
  7. 7
    Wait for a screen that says that your dog has learned its name. Well done, you're getting closer!
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  8. 8
    Tap the screen to spell out the dog's name. Ensure it's spelled correctly- for an extra special touch, add a little star, heart or other symbol to it.
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  9. 9
    Keep reminding it of it's name. This is where it get's tricky- many people have trouble and get frustrated with this step. You need to keep calling it as instructed, petting it, clicking back and calling it again. If successful, the game will announce that the dog is familiar with it's name and you can start teaching your dog how to sit. However, if you aren't successful, you will need to restart from step three and repeat the process.
  10. 10
    Once successful, your dog knows it's name and you can move on to new things. Remember to use the dog's name regularly to keep it in mind, as it is possible your dog will forget it's own name.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    If I don't have a mic, can I still name her?
    Tdost_jomama
    Community Answer
    No, you have to have a mic to name her.
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  • Question
    Can I skip step nine?
    Community Answer
    You could, but if you do, you will have to go through the naming process again.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How many times do I need to say his name for it to respond?
    Community Answer
    There is no specific amount of times you need to say it's name. It depends on what it's personality is.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • If you're struggling with step nine, try this technique- call it once to the bottom screen and without touching the dog, repeat it's name again and again. Some find this speeds up the process.
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      • Whistling into the microphone or tapping the call button in the main screen will also call the dog.
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      Warnings

      • This can be a very frustrating process so if you're struggling, restart the game and choose a better tempered dog, or change it's name.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Nintendogs game
      • Nintendo DS with functioning microphone

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