Overview and what to expect
The Dog Search mission is a side quest that rewards you with a loyal companion who can assist in combat, alert you to danger, and provide small passive bonuses when cared for. The taming process is a patient, reactive loop: you must prepare the right bait, clear or avoid threats, and use a calm approach pattern so the animal’s trust meter fills. The mission is forgiving if you prepare, but it punishes haste—rushing toward the dog or failing to clear nearby enemies will often reset the taming sequence.
This walkthrough assumes you have basic survival gear, a ranged weapon for clearing threats, and access to a crafting station to make bait. If you’re very early in the game, follow the preparation checklist below before attempting the mission.
Preparation checklist
Before you leave for the mission area, make sure you have the following:
Multiple stacks of bait: the core taming item. Use meat plus berries or any in‑game Dog Food Bait recipe you’ve unlocked. Bring at least three stacks so you can retry without long backtracking.
Ranged weapon: a bow, crossbow, or throwable to clear distant enemies without exposing the dog to danger.
Healing items: potions, bandages, or food to heal yourself and, if the game allows, to assist the companion.
A quick‑slot bait item: place bait in a hotbar slot for instant access during the taming loop.
A save point or manual save: save before the final trust action to avoid losing progress if something goes wrong.
Comfort item materials: wood, cloth, and simple crafting components to make a bowl and pillow for your base after you bring the dog home.
These items reduce the chance of a failed attempt and make the mission smoother. If you’re short on resources, prioritize bait and a ranged weapon—those two items have the biggest impact on success.
How to trigger the Dog Search mission
The Dog Search mission typically appears as a side quest in early to mid‑game regions such as Embervale or nearby settlements. Look for NPCs who mention a missing animal, scavengers, or a worried villager. The quest may be labeled with a friendly name like “Man’s Best Friend” or “Dog Search,” and it will place a marker on your map.
If you don’t see the quest immediately, complete a few local side tasks and speak to every NPC in the settlement. The mission often unlocks after you clear a nearby threat or complete a small favor for a villager. Once the quest is active, mark the objective and travel to the mission marker with the preparation checklist items ready.
Locating the dog and reading the environment
When you arrive at the mission marker, slow down and scan the area. Dogs in Enshrouded are often found near ruined buildings, scavenger camps, or along paths where NPCs might have last seen them. The environment gives clues: overturned crates, scattered food, and low animal tracks often indicate the dog’s presence.
Enemies commonly guard or roam near the dog’s location. These can be scavengers, hostile wildlife, or wandering bandits. If you see patrols or a camp, clear or distract them before attempting to tame the dog. The dog’s trust mechanics are sensitive to sudden noises and combat; a firefight nearby will spook it and force you to restart the taming loop.
The taming loop: bait, back away, approach
The taming process follows a simple but strict pattern. Treat it like a ritual: bait, retreat, observe, approach, repeat. Rushing or skipping steps will cause the dog to flee or reset.
Place bait a short distance away. Equip the bait and toss it gently so it lands within sight but not too close to you. The ideal distance is a few meters—close enough for the dog to see and smell it, far enough that your presence doesn’t feel threatening.
Back away and observe. After dropping the bait, step back and crouch if possible. Watch the dog’s body language. Calm eating indicates you can move forward slowly; startled or skittish behavior means you must retreat and try again.
Approach slowly and pet. If the dog eats calmly, take one slow step forward and use the pet or interact action. Don’t sprint or make sudden movements. If the game shows a trust meter, you’ll see it fill gradually with each successful approach.
Repeat until tamed. Continue the bait‑back‑approach loop until the trust meter completes. Each successful interaction increases trust; failed attempts may reduce it or reset the sequence.
Use crouch or stealth movement to minimize noise. If the dog is inside a building, open doors and clear the interior first. If it’s in a fenced area, look for a gate or a path that allows you to approach without cornering it.
Combat and enemy management
Combat near the dog is the most common cause of failed taming attempts. Keep these principles in mind:
Clear from range first. Use your bow or ranged weapon to pick off enemies before you approach the dog. This prevents stray hits or loud explosions from scaring it.
Use distractions. If enemies are clustered, lure them away with noise or bait so the dog isn’t exposed to combat.
Keep the dog behind you. Once tamed, position the dog behind you in fights so it doesn’t take front‑line damage. Companions can be downed or killed if left in the open.
Avoid area‑effect attacks. Spells or explosives that hit a wide area can harm the dog even if it’s not the primary target. Use single‑target tactics when the companion is nearby.
If the dog is spooked mid‑fight, retreat to a safe distance, heal, and restart the bait loop. Saving before the final pet action is a good habit—if something interrupts the sequence, you can reload and try again.
What to do once the dog is tamed
When the trust meter fills and the dog accepts you, the game will usually present a short confirmation—an animation, a sound cue, or a quest update. At this point:
Command follow or pick up. Use the companion command to have the dog follow you. If the game allows picking up or carrying, use that only if necessary; carrying can sometimes glitch pathing.
Return to base carefully. Travel back to your home base while keeping the dog out of direct combat. Use stealth and ranged suppression to avoid unnecessary fights.
Craft comfort items. Build a dog bowl and a pillow or bed at your base. These items keep the companion happy and may unlock passive bonuses like small health regeneration or alert behavior. Place them near your bed or in a sheltered area.
Feed and pet regularly. Interact with the dog to maintain its happiness. Feeding and petting can grant temporary buffs and improve the companion’s performance in combat.
If the dog disappears after taming, don’t panic. Companions sometimes suffer pathing issues or get stuck in the environment. Reloading the area or fast‑traveling away and back often restores them. If the dog is dead, check whether the game allows revival; otherwise you may need to restart the mission or find another companion later.
Advanced taming tactics and edge cases
Experienced players can use a few advanced tactics to make taming faster and more reliable.
Use environmental cover. Approach the dog using rocks, walls, or foliage to break line of sight and reduce perceived threat. This is especially useful in open areas where the dog can see you from far away.
Time your approach with animations. If the dog is sniffing or distracted, that’s the best moment to move forward. Avoid approaching while it’s alert or looking directly at you.
Use multiple bait types. If the dog refuses one bait type, try another. Some dogs prefer meat; others respond better to crafted bait items. Experiment if you have the resources.
Hotbar bait for instant retries. Keep bait in a quick slot so you can immediately retry the loop if the dog runs away. This saves time and reduces backtracking.
Save before the final interaction. This cannot be overstated. Save the game before the last pet action so you can reload if something interrupts the sequence.
Edge cases you might encounter include the dog being inside a locked or blocked area, the dog being aggressive (rare), or the dog being accompanied by a stronger enemy. In these situations, clear the area first, unlock gates, or use stealth to isolate the dog.
Companion behavior and benefits
Once tamed, the dog becomes a valuable ally. Typical companion behaviors include:
Combat assistance. Dogs will attack smaller enemies and harass larger ones, drawing aggro and creating openings for you.
Alerting to threats. Companions often bark or react when enemies are nearby, giving you early warning.
Looting and tracking. Some companions can sniff out hidden items or lead you to points of interest.
Passive buffs. Comfort items and regular care can grant small bonuses like health regeneration, increased stamina recovery, or reduced detection by enemies.
Treat the dog as a utility tool rather than a tank. It helps, but it won’t replace careful play. Keep it fed and sheltered to maintain its usefulness.
Base integration and long‑term care
To make the most of your companion, integrate it into your base life:
Designate a companion area. Place the bowl and pillow in a sheltered corner near your bed. This gives the dog a home and reduces the chance it wanders off.
Build a small fence or pen. If you worry about the dog wandering into danger, a simple fenced area keeps it safe while you’re offline or exploring.
Rotate companions if the game allows. If you can tame multiple animals, rotate them to keep each one happy and to experiment with different companion perks.
Use the dog for resource runs. Dogs can help on short scavenging trips where you want an extra set of eyes and a little combat support.
Long‑term care is mostly about feeding and occasional repairs to the base items that keep the dog comfortable. The more attention you give, the more reliable the companion becomes.
Troubleshooting common problems
Even with preparation, players run into issues. Here are common problems and fixes:
Dog keeps fleeing or won’t approach. You’re likely too close or there are enemies nearby. Back off, clear the area, and try the bait‑back‑approach loop again. Use crouch movement to reduce noise.
Taming progress resets. This usually happens because of combat, loud noises, or sudden movement. Save before the final interaction and avoid combat while taming.
Dog disappears after taming. Fast‑travel away and return, or reload the area. If the dog is dead, check for revival options or restart the mission.
Dog is stuck or clipped in geometry. Fast‑travel or reload the zone. If the game supports a companion recall command, use it.
Companion won’t follow. Check your command bindings and ensure the dog isn’t set to a passive or stay mode. Some games require you to toggle follow behavior.
Dog takes too much damage. Keep it behind you in fights and avoid area‑effect attacks. Use healing items if the game allows companion healing.
If none of these fixes work, consider restarting the mission after a full logout and login, or consult community forums for specific bugs tied to your platform or game version.
Walkthrough example: step‑by‑step in practice
This is a practical, step‑by‑step example you can follow on your first attempt.
Accept the Dog Search mission from the NPC in Embervale and mark the objective.
Craft three stacks of bait at your crafting station: meat + berries or the Dog Food Bait recipe. Place one stack in a hotbar slot.
Save the game at a nearby bed or manual save point.
Travel to the mission marker and approach the area slowly. Scan for enemies and clear them from range.
Spot the dog near a ruined shack. Equip bait and toss it 3–5 meters away.
Back away and crouch. Wait for the dog to eat. If it eats calmly, take one slow step forward and pet. If it startles, retreat and try again.
Repeat the loop until the trust meter fills. Save again once the dog is tamed.
Command the dog to follow and return to base using stealth and ranged suppression to avoid fights.
Craft a bowl and pillow and place them near your bed. Feed and pet the dog to unlock passive bonuses.
Test the companion on a short patrol to see how it behaves in combat and to ensure it follows correctly.
This example condenses the core actions into a repeatable routine. With practice, you’ll be able to tame dogs quickly and reliably.
Style and etiquette when taming
A small but useful tip: treat the taming process like a social interaction. Move slowly, avoid sudden gestures, and reward calm behavior. The game’s AI often mirrors real‑world animal responses—calm, predictable actions build trust faster than aggressive or erratic ones.
Final tips and optimization
Play on a stable frame rate. Performance dips can cause input lag that leads to accidental sprints or failed interactions.
Use a controller if you prefer analog movement. Analog sticks allow finer approach control than keyboard sprint toggles.
Keep a secondary save. If you’re experimenting with different bait types, keep a backup save to avoid losing progress.
Learn the dog’s animations. Recognizing sniffing, eating, and alert animations helps you time your approach perfectly.
Be patient. The taming loop rewards patience. Rushing is the fastest way to fail.
FAQ
How do I start the Dog Search mission? Talk to NPCs in early settlements like Embervale and check your side quest log for a missing‑pet prompt. The mission often appears after you complete a small favor or clear a nearby threat.
What bait works best? Use the in‑game Dog Food Bait recipe if available, or combine meat with berries. Bring multiple stacks to avoid backtracking.
Can the dog die? Yes, companions can be downed or killed if exposed to heavy damage. Keep the dog behind you in fights and use ranged tactics to protect it.
What rewards come from the mission? You gain a companion that assists in combat, alerts you to threats, and provides small passive bonuses when cared for. You may also unlock base items like a bowl and pillow.
What if the dog disappears after taming? Fast‑travel away and return, reload the area, or use any companion recall command. If the dog is dead, check for revival mechanics or restart the mission.
Is there more than one dog to tame? Depending on the game’s design, you may be able to tame multiple animals. Experiment with different regions and bait types to find more companions.
Does the dog level with me? Companion scaling varies by game. In many cases, companions remain useful as you progress but won’t outpace player power. Invest in base comfort items to keep them effective.
What if the dog is aggressive? Aggressive behavior is rare. If it happens, clear the area of threats and try a different bait type. If aggression persists, reload a save and retry.
Closing thoughts
Taming the dog in Enshrouded is one of the most satisfying early‑game experiences: it rewards patience, observation, and careful play. The Dog Search mission is designed to teach you how to interact with the world’s wildlife and to give you a dependable companion who makes exploration safer and more enjoyable. Follow the bait‑back‑approach loop, prepare with the right gear, and integrate your new friend into your base life for the best long‑term results.
Printable Checklist — Ready to Print and Take In‑Game
Title: How to Tame the Dog — Quick Prep Checklist
Essentials to bring
Bait: 3+ stacks of Dog Food Bait or meat + berries; one stack in a hotbar slot.
Ranged weapon: bow, crossbow, or throwable for clearing distant threats.
Healing: potions or food for you and any companion‑healing items if available.
Save point: manual save or bed save before the final pet action.
Comfort materials: wood, cloth, and simple components to craft a bowl and pillow at base.
In‑field actions (short)
Mark the quest objective and travel to the mission marker.
Clear or distract nearby enemies before approaching.
Place bait 3–5 meters away, back off, crouch, observe.
Approach slowly and pet only after calm eating; repeat until trust fills.
Command follow, return to base, place bowl and pillow, feed and pet.
Troubleshooting quick fixes
If dog flees: back off, clear enemies, retry bait loop.
If progress resets: reload save and avoid combat while taming.
If dog disappears: fast‑travel away and return or reload the zone.
Condensed Quick‑Reference Card for the Taming Loop
One‑line goal: Bait, back away, approach slowly, pet — repeat until tamed.
Step sequence
Bait — toss bait a short distance; keep one in hotbar.
Back away — step back and crouch; do not sprint.
Observe — watch for calm eating animation.
Approach — one slow step, use the pet/interact action.
Repeat — continue until the trust meter completes.
Key reminders
Save before the final pet action.
Clear enemies from range first.
Use stealth/crouch for quieter approaches.
Keep bait handy for instant retries.
Short In‑Game Route Map — Likely Spawn Areas and Enemy Types
Title: Dog Search Route Map and Threat Guide
Primary regions to check
Embervale outskirts — ruined homesteads and paths; common spawn near collapsed fences. Enemies: scavengers and small wildlife.
Old mill ruins — interior rooms and yards; dogs hide near food scraps. Enemies: bandit patrols and archer nests.
River bend camps — low ground near water; look for tracks along the bank. Enemies: fishing scavengers and territorial wolves.
Abandoned farmstead — barns and outhouses; dogs often shelter inside structures. Enemies: melee raiders and trapped animals.
Forest trail junctions — crossroads with broken carts; dogs appear where travelers once camped. Enemies: roaming predators and ambush parties.
Outlying village ruins — near market stalls and overturned crates; spawn points near human activity. Enemies: mixed scavenger groups and ranged sentries.
Route tips
Approach each area by clearing the outer perimeter first; use high ground to scout.
If a location has a campfire or overturned food, search nearby crates and doorways for the dog.
When multiple enemy types are present, isolate and pull single targets to avoid loud fights that spook the dog.
If the dog is inside a building, open doors and clear rooms methodically; avoid slamming doors or using explosives.
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