How to Recruit the Dog in Baldur’s Gate 3

There is no shortage of companions and strange little guys you can recruit in Baldur’s Gate 3. But there’s one companion you’ll want to drop everything for and get right this second. I’m talking, of course, about the dog. Here’s how to get the dog, otherwise known as Scratch, in Baldur’s Gate 3.

How to Recruit Scratch the Dog in Baldur’s Gate 3

Look, clerics with tragic backstories and stupid sexy vampire elves are all well and good… but they can’t hold a candle to the most important character in the game. The dog! This very good boy, known as Scratch, can be recruited as early as Act 1. Here’s how to find him.

Scratch the dog is located at coordinates X: 72, Y:475, though this can vary a smidgen. That’s because Scratch is circling the area where the body of someone who was likely his owner is. If you hate coordinates, like I do, then you can find it to the Northeast of the Blighted Village. 

Once you find Scratch, he’ll be a little wary of you. And for good reason, it looks like someone murdered his owner. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways to recruit him. 

Interact with him, then choose option 1. Reach out to pet him. Unfortunately, Scratch will refuse to let you touch him. We’ll need to build some rapport first.

Depending on your character build, you’ll then get a series of options to tame him. I had Animal Handling, Perception, and Intimidation. 

Succeed with any of these rolls (yes, including options like intimidation), and you’ll be given a new set of options. Select ‘Pet him.’ The next option scene will allow you to beckon for him to follow or to leave him to his sorrow. Choose ‘Beckon for him to follow.’ 

Related: How to Hide Your Helm in Baldur’s Gate 3

Scratch will refuse to do so. But that’s okay! The next option is the one that really matters. Select ‘Hold out your hand so he can follow your scent back to camp.’ 

Once you do this, Scratch will then appear in your camp after two in-game days. Unfortunately, he can’t fight with you. But he does accept pets! 

If you’ve found the dog, you’re likely very close to the Druid Refuge. And they have their own problems to handle. Should you interfere and Save Arabella? Or should you let the snake have her?