Advanced Tips

Once the basics feel natural, these habits separate a good dog from the Top Dog.

Manage stamina like a resource

Sprint, bark and tackle all eat stamina. Don't open a fight on empty — keep enough in reserve to either dodge with Space or sprint away. Standing still regenerates stamina fastest.

Bait cooldowns

Tackle has a long cooldown. Bait an opponent into whiffing their tackle, dodge it with a jump, then punish during their downtime with a bite chain.

Time your marks

Marking locks you in place for the channel. Start a mark only when no rival can reach you in time, or after you've cleared the area with a bark. Premium landmarks pay more but draw a crowd — contest them late when they swing the score.

Control the map, not just the fight

Winning brawls feels good, but REP wins matches. Rotate between nearby posts to keep several ticking, and use the minimap to spot undefended turf.

Weaponize pickups

• Hold a cat for crowded posts — the area knockback scatters multiple markers at once.
• Use the sock to trip a chasing rival, or the leash to root a marker so you can finish them.
• Grab a sausage before a long rotation to cover ground without spending stamina.
• Keep a bone in mind for emergencies — heal before re-engaging, not after you've died.

Use the edges

On maps like Rooftops and Shipyard, a well-aimed tackle can launch a rival far off a post — or off a ledge — buying you a long, safe mark.