Even though the Poochy Pups bark when they’re nearby, they can still be tricky to get. If you’re having a hard time catching all the Poochy Pups along the first Dream Gem path, this guide can help you with the ones you’re missing.
Below are the locations of every Poochy Pup in each level of the path.
Rail-Yard Run
Poochy Pup 1
As the train you’re on begins to stop, you’ll see the first Poochy Pup run to a corner in the level trail. To get it, just head to that corner.
Poochy Pup 2
Shortly after finding the first Poochy Pup, you’ll see Poochy Pup 2 running back and forth between two bushes in the background. You can catch it by throwing something at it.
Poochy Pup 3
You’ll see Poochy Pup 3 hanging out in a cardboard box between two jelly bean containers. If you look closely, you’ll notice openings in both containers. Run through either opening to access the Poochy Pup.
Many Fish in the Sea
Poochy Pup 1
Poochy Pup 1 is waiting for you on top of the dojo-like structure near the beginning of the level. If you’re quick enough, you can catch it there.
However, it’ll more than likely flee from your reach. Don’t worry, though — if you just proceed through the level, you’ll notice it on top of a yogurt container. Throw an egg at it to get it.
Poochy Pup 2
Just after reaching the first checkpoint, you’ll come across Poochy Pup 2 hiding under blue boxes. To get it, ground pound one of the exposed boxes and then break the other boxes by throwing something at them. You can also break them with a Koopa shell.
Poochy Pup 3
Even though the last Poochy Pup is easy to hear, it’s not so easy to find. Shortly after reaching the second checkpoint, you’ll encounter a clownfish rocking back and forth on a tube. If you look in the background, you can see the Poochy Pup appear from a pipe and run to the right.
Although it’s possible to catch it by throwing something at it, it’s much easier to proceed through the level until you reach the section containing Shy Guys and floating fish. Don’t let these fish platforms fool you — there’s ground underneath. Go to the ground to get the last Poochy Pup.
Pirate Pier
Poochy Pup 1
As you make your way through Pirate Pier, you’ll come across Poochy Pup 1 hanging out on the level trail. If you’re quick enough, you can catch it by simply proceeding on the trail.
If it flees from you, it fortunately won’t run very far. To get it, just go a little bit to your left.
Poochy Pup 2
Poochy Pup 2 is next to a switch under the level trail. To catch it, you’ll need to flip the switch. You can flip it by jumping through the opening in the vertical cardboard structure and then throwing something at the target to your right. After hitting the switch, the door next to the Poochy Pup will open.
Poochy Pup 3
Poochy Pup 3 is also under the level trail. To enter the container it’s in, you must crouch through the small opening on the left. You can also get it by throwing something at it through the opening.
Poochy’s Tape Trail
Poochy Pup 1
After progressing through the level a bit, you’ll see the first Poochy Pup appear in the foreground. To get it, either throw an egg at it or take the path that leads to it.
Poochy Pup 2
You’ll see Poochy Pup 2 near the tutorial box you encounter shortly after reaching the first checkpoint. It’s jumping back and forth between two boxes in the background. Throw something at it to catch it.
Poochy Pup 3
From Yoshi’s perspective, the third Poochy Pup is hidden behind a bush. From yours, though, it’s in plain sight. When the level splits into three paths after you pass the golden crown, take the frontmost one until you reach the Poochy Pup. Throw something at it to get it.
Go-Go Yoshi
Poochy Pup 1
Near the beginning of the level, a truck carrying Poochy Pup 1 will appear in front of you. You’ll need to punch the truck to get the Poochy Pup. Be aware the truck will escape if you don’t clear the obstacles in your way quickly enough.
Poochy Pup 2
Shortly after you encounter three rising blocks carrying Shy Guys, you’ll see another set of three rising blocks. Poochy Pup 2 is on the rightmost block. To catch it, punch the block before it rises too far.
Poochy Pup 3
Poochy Pup 3 will appear on a UFO in the background. As soon as you see it, be sure to clear the obstacles in your way as quickly as possible.
After a moment, the UFO will come to the foreground. You must punch it to get the Poochy Pup. However, to reach the UFO, you have to jump. Also, like the truck from earlier, it’ll escape if you’re not quick enough.
Mine-Cart Cave
Poochy Pup 1
You’ll see Poochy Pup 1 near the level’s first green box of bomb enemies. It’s jumping among the waterfall platforms in the background. Throw an egg at it to catch it.
Poochy Pup 2
Near the level’s second green box of bomb enemies, you’ll hear Poochy Pup 2, but you won’t see it.
To expose it, spit a bomb enemy at the above rocks holding a mine-cart. The cart will fall, and you’ll find the Poochy Pup on top of it.
Poochy Pup 3
You’ll hear the third Poochy Pup right after making it to the top of a set of waterfall platforms. Move right until you reach a drop in the level trail. Spit a bomb enemy at the rocks to your left to access the Poochy Pup.
Whistlestop Rails
Poochy Pup 1
As you ride on the train, the first Poochy Pup will appear in the foreground on another train. Throw an egg at it to get it.
Poochy Pup 2
After getting off the train, take the path that leads to the background and turn left. Poochy Pup 2 is hiding behind a brown box next to the blue house. To catch it, throw something at it. If you throw something at the box first, the Poochy Pup will run away, but it will only run a little bit to your left.
Poochy Pup 3
Shortly after getting off the train the second time, you’ll see Poochy Pup 3 on top of a big rock in the background. Throw something at it to get it.
Mousers and Magnets
Poochy Pup 1
When you enter the first room of mouse enemies, make your way to the frontmost path and go all the way to the left until you see a soda can. Spit a magnet at the can and use it to jump to the top of the room. You’ll see Poochy Pup 1 running back and forth.
Poochy Pup 2
In the second room of mouse enemies, Poochy Pup 2 is hanging out among them. Inflate the balloon cat to get it to come down. To catch it, throw something at it as it runs in fear.
Poochy Pup 3
You’ll hear Poochy Pup 3 near a can suspended in the air. If you look closely, you’ll see it under the part of the level trail held by a string. To free the Poochy Pup, put weight on the suspended can by spitting a magnet on it.
Now that you know how to get each Poochy Pup in the game’s first path, you’re prepared to take on the Flip Sides’ time trials. If you catch all three of a level’s Poochy Pups in under a certain time, you’ll obtain yet another Smiley Flower.
