The Last of Us Part II: Tips for Dealing with Dogs

Tips for Dealing with Dogs

Use Listen Mode to Track Their Routes

By using Listen Mode, you can not only locate enemies but also see your scent trails. Dogs will track your scent, so use this information to understand their tracking routes.

Take Out the Handlers First

If you take out the dog first, the enemy will be alerted. It's better to stealthily eliminate the handlers first using a bow or a gun with a silencer. Once the handler is down, the dog will stay in place for a while, allowing you to either take it out with a silent weapon or simply ignore it and move on.

Use Sound to Lure Them

Dogs will prioritize investigating a sound, even while tracking a scent. If a dog is getting close when following your scent, throw a bottle or a brick to lure it away.

Dodge with L1 When Attacked

When a dog detects the player, it will attack by biting. Use the dodge button (L1) to evade the attack. Dogs don't have a lot of health, so after dodging, you can easily take them down with melee attacks.

Overview of Dogs

WLF's Patrol Dogs

Dogs are a new enemy type not present in the prequel. They accompany WLF soldiers during their patrol rounds. The soldiers who have dogs with them are the dog's handlers.

Track Humans by Scent

Dogs are enemies that track players by scent. They follow the scent trail and when they detect the player, they bark to alert other enemies and then attack.

Dog Encounter Locations

First Appearance in Hillcrest - Seattle Day 2

Dogs make their first appearance when Ellie is in Hillcrest during Seattle Day 2. They jump from the rooftop into the building and appear alongside WLF soldiers. While dogs can be a threat as they track by scent, players have the choice to either defeat them or sneak by without engaging.