Dogs may be man's best friend but Nintendo is betting that their "Nintendogs" will soon become your child's new best friend.

Already a huge sensation in Japan, "Nintendogs" is a new kind of video game for the Nintendo DS handheld game machine.

The game lets you adopt a lifelike, 3D virtual puppy. Players start out by selecting their puppy from a total of six available breeds.

Then, using the game machine's built-in microphone, you can give the pup a name and then start teaching it voice commands. Once you've shown him who's master, he'll respond only to your voice.

Or you can use the touch screen to train your puppy to do tricks, like roll over or run after a tennis ball, then reward your dog with a pet on the back, a scratch behind the ear, or by giving him a bone.

But don't try to train him all day: like the real thing, Nintendogs can't handle too much stimulation and quickly lose interest in training.

The dogs are amazingly life-like, sniffing around, panting and barking when excited. They're so realistic, they even make doggy doo-doo. But thankfully clean-up is a lot more pleasant in the digital world.

Just like a real puppy, Nintendogs require lots of love and maintenance. Neglect to feed them for a few days and you will return to a sad little pup that is in no mood to play. Neglect him for even longer and he may run away for a time.

But care for your Nintendog lovingly and he will learn lots of tricks. And best of all, he will grow in intellect but never stop being an adorable fuzzy puppy.

Put the game in "Bark Mode," and your game machine will scan the airwaves for fellow Nintendog owners. If you come within range of another Nintendo DS owner who has their machine set to "Bark Mode," your DS will give a little bark. Accept the play date and watch both dogs romp around and swap tricks. Your puppy can even bring your new friend a present.

Nintendogs aren't perfect. They won't lick your face or fetch your slippers. But they're a kinder and gentler game than most, with no shooting, violence or sex.

And they're a good way to teach kids about how much work is involved in raising a puppy. You need patience, responsibility -- and a nose for cleaning up poop.