How to Start a New Game in Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends? You Can't—Single Save Slot Per Cartridge

You cannot start a new game on the same cartridge.

Why

• Single Save Slot: The original Nintendogs trilogy (Lab & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, Dalmatian & Friends) allows **only one save file per cartridge**.
• No "New Game" Option: The main menu offers "Go for a Walk," "Care," "Shop," "Bark Mode," "Options" – no "New Game" or "Delete Save."
• No In-Game Erase: Holding buttons at startup (common in GBA/DS games) does nothing.

Workarounds

1. Buy a Different Version: Chihuahua & Friends or Lab & Friends have different starter breeds. Each cartridge = one save.
2. Play on a Second DS/3DS: Insert cartridge → New save created on that hardware (save is on cart, not console). Wait—**save is on the cartridge**. So a second console won't help; the cart retains the save.
3. Flashcart / Homebrew (Advanced): Use a DS flashcart (R4, etc.) + homebrew save manager (Checkpoint, GodMode9i) to backup the .sav, delete it on cart, start new. Restore backup later. Requires CFW/hardware.
4. Accept the Dog: You can "Donate" your current dog at the Hotel (permanent delete) to free a slot, but you keep the same trainer name, money, items, and unlocked breeds. Not a true restart.

Nintendogs + Cats (3DS) fixed this: **3 save slots** + "Delete Save Data" in System Settings.