TestDog is a responsibility trainer. Care for a virtual dog in real time — real feeding windows and real steps from your phone's pedometer. No cheating, no fast-forwarding.
Free for iPhone • Android version coming soon
Getting a dog is a commitment for years. TestDog lets you try the routine before you bring a real dog home.
Your dog lives in real time. You can't fast-forward — just like a real dog, you have to be there when they need you.
Walks are counted from your phone's pedometer. You really have to get up and go outside, just like with a real dog.
Great for kids and adults considering getting a dog. The certificate shows you can handle the routine.
The goal is to keep your dog happy and healthy for the whole challenge. It runs in real time — your dog needs you even when the app is closed.
Breakfast (6–10) and dinner (17–22). Miss a window and your dog gets hungry. Notifications remind you when it's time to feed.
Morning and evening walks are mandatory. You complete one by taking 1,500 real steps — the app reads them from your phone's pedometer. An unwalked dog makes a mess and may even run away.
When your dog makes a mess, clean up after them. Walks stay locked until you clean up. Cleaning up lifts their mood.
Play and walks lift your dog's mood. When it drops to zero, they fall into depression and go on strike — only play helps then.
Serious neglect (running away, collapsing from hunger, or long depression) costs a life. When they run out, the challenge ends — but you can start again.
Earn a stamp for every flawless, healthy day. Last the whole challenge? You get the “I can take care of a dog” certificate.
A shorter challenge is for trying it out; a longer one is greater proof of readiness — and gives you more lives.
The certificate is awarded for your dog's condition. The check happens at midnight. It's not enough to just get through the days — your dog must genuinely be well.
And when you do it all without a single paid rescue, your certificate is gold. You can save and share the finished certificate.
The app uses your phone's pedometer. You complete a walk by taking the target number of steps during the window (1,000, 1,500 or 2,000 depending on the chosen difficulty). So you really have to go outside, not just tap a button.
Nothing stops. The game runs in real time in the background — your dog gets hungry and still needs walking. When you reopen the app, the state catches up. Notifications remind you about feeding and walks.
Serious neglect costs a life (running away, collapsing from hunger, long depression). When your lives run out, the challenge ends — but feel free to start again. Longer challenges give you more lives.
The game itself is free. You only pay for optional boosts and rescues (for example when you're running late), which you don't need at all to finish the challenge honestly. And note: using a paid rescue means your certificate won't be gold.
TestDog is available for iPhone on the App Store. An Android version is coming — leave your email below and we'll let you know when it's out.
Play for free on iPhone. An Android version is coming.
Want to know when the Android version is out? Leave your email.