In Dog Lover, players begin the game with a dog card and simulate taking care of that dog by playing various cards. The players take turns fetching cards, collecting bones, and gathering food all for their loveable pooch. They can also rescue dogs from the shelter, train their puppies to do new tricks, and attach unique traits. The player that accumulates the most victory points by fulfilling their dog's needs, adding traits, and training by the end of the game wins.