The controls for the game are quite similar to many games (not including ones with cars) but there are also Doggy Do moves and Beg moves that can be learned throughout the game.
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| | Move Jake |
| | Move the camera |
| | Bark (hold to growl) |
| | Smellovision (press again for normal mode) |
| | Action (press button, talk, etc.) |
| | Jump |
| Control | Action |
|---|---|
| | Pause the game |
| | Options menu |
| | Sniff (bone status/nearest scent) |
| | Rotate camera behind Jake |
| | Close up of Jake |
| | Doggy Do moves |
Some Doggy Do moves can be done at the start of the game, whereas the Beg tricks can only be done after learning them in a Doggy Do challenge.
| Basic moves | ||
|---|---|---|
| D-pad direction(s) | Doggy Do move | |
| | Sit | |
| | Lie down (twice if standing) | |
| | Shake | |
| | Stand (twice if lying down) | |
| | Fart or poo | |
| | Pee left | |
| | Pee right | |
| Beg tricks | ||
| D-pad directions | Beg number | Location learned |
| | Beg 1 | Farmhouse |
| | Beg 2 | Watermill |
| | Beg 3 | Ski Slope |
| | Beg 4 | Mountain Slide |
| | Beg 5 | Park |