Baldur’s Gate 3: How To Get (& Use) The Dog Collar For Scratch

Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with companions you meet along your three-act journey, including a dog called Scratch. Though most are party members that can join the player character, others are mere companions that remain at camp. Scratch is one such camp campaign, but plenty of items, such as balls and a dog collar, can be given to this valuable party member.

Scratch is a potential animal companion in BG3 that you can meet early on in Act One that remains in camp. Once you have escaped the Nautiloid and likely encountered the refugee camp, you can spot Scratch shortly after. Aside from being a good boy, Scratch can provide plenty of use for the camp. During later acts, the dog companion can bring the player random items, ranging from small amounts of silver to potions. You first need to find Scratch himself to recruit this doggy companion and his collar.

Related How To Recruit Jaheira In Baldur's Gate 3 Returning in Baldur's Gate 3, the High Harper Jaheira is a potent ally when she joins the party, but recruiting her can be a little tricky.

How To Find The Dog Collar In BG3

Scratch's Collar Location

Scratch is found in Act One of BG3 to the right of the Blighted Village entrance gate. Cross over the bridge that connects the village to the village, and take a sharp right just before you run into the goblins waiting to ambush you. In the woods, you will quickly find a dog pacing around a seemingly dead man. If you interact with Scratch, you can attempt to adopt the dog yourself.

Scratch isn’t the only animal companion found in Act One. Later, you can also find the Owlbear Cub at the Goblin Camp in BG3.

An easy way to convince Scratch to join you is to use his dog collar. You don’t have to do much searching, as the collar is already on Scratch. If you pass the Perception check, which should have a fairly low DC, you can call out the dog’s name and quickly earn Scratch’s trust. After this, you only need to give Scratch your scent. If you navigate this conversation properly and earn Scratch’s trust, he will join your camp two nights later.

How To Put The Dog Collar On Scratch In BG3

In BG3, you do not need to put the dog collar on Scratch. By the time you meet the dog companion for the first time, Scratch is already wearing his collar. Scratch’s collar is best used to help gain the dog's trust so he may join your camp later.

To use Scratch’s collar, you should get a character with a high Perception to interact with the dog. This will make the skill check to catch Scratch’s name much easier and significantly raise your chances of recruiting the best party member.

Aside from the collar, there are a few items that Scratch will provide for you. After Scratch has spent enough time at your camp, he will eventually bring you a ball. If you use the throw action on the ball, then Scratch will catch and return it.

Be warned, getting this ball back isn’t easy, as you need to pass a Strength, Sleight of Hand, or Animal Handling check to get it back. Scratch also tends to find items around your campsite, which can vary in usefulness. Overall, Scratch is one of the easier and more valuable members to pick up in Baldur’s Gate 3.