Compatibility
Minecraft: Java Edition
Platforms
Creators
Details
DogModes enhances the utility and survivability of tamed wolves in Minecraft. It introduces a mode-switching mechanic, allowing players to toggle between distinct behaviors for their companions, alongside passive regeneration and scavenging mechanics. This plugin transforms wolves from fragile pets into viable combat allies and base guardians.
Overview
Vanilla wolves often lack the necessary AI to survive complex encounters or effectively guard an area. DogModes addresses this by implementing a lightweight state machine for every tamed wolf. Players can cycle through behavioral modes on the fly without complex commands, simply by interacting with their pet.
All data is stored persistently on the entity, ensuring modes remain active even after server restarts.
Behavioral Modes
To change a wolf's mode, the owner must Sneak + Right-Click on the tamed wolf. The current mode will be displayed in the Action Bar.
Classic Mode
The default vanilla behavior. The wolf follows the owner and attacks whatever the owner attacks or is attacked by.
Patrol Mode
Designed for base defense and area denial.
- The wolf automatically aggressively targets monsters within a configurable radius (default: 16 blocks).
- It will prioritize threats independently of the player.
- In this mode, the wolf will ignore players to prevent accidental PvP incidents.
Peaceful Mode
Designed for exploration and travel.
- The wolf will follow the owner but will strictly refuse to initiate combat.
- It will not attack entities the owner strikes.
- The wolf will only fight back if it is directly damaged itself (self-defense).
- This prevents wolves from engaging in suicidal attacks against Creepers or large groups of mobs during travel.
Survivability Mechanics
To ensure wolves remain viable in the late game, DogModes introduces two passive mechanics.
Passive Regeneration
Tamed wolves will passively regenerate health over time, similar to players.
- Configurable: The amount of health and the time interval are fully adjustable in the configuration.
- Default: 2.0 health (1 heart) every 3 seconds.
Scavenging (Rotten Flesh)
Wolves will intuitively consume Rotten Flesh dropped on the ground nearby.
- If a wolf is injured and detects a Rotten Flesh item drop within a configured radius, it will consume the item to restore health.
- This mechanic allows for automated healing of patrol dogs using mob farm drops or simply cleaning up after a battle.
Configuration & Localization
The plugin is designed to be highly configurable to suit different server balance needs.
- Modes: Each mode can be individually enabled or disabled.
- Values: Adjust patrol radii, regeneration rates, and healing amounts.
- Localization: The plugin utilizes the Adventure API and MiniMessage for formatting. All messages are translatable.
- Language Files: English (
en) and Russian (ru) locales are generated by default.
config.yml snippet:
modes:
patrol:
enabled: true
radius: 16.0
peaceful:
enabled: true
regeneration:
enabled: true
amount: 2.0
interval-seconds: 3
rotten-flesh:
enabled: true
heal-amount: 6.0



