The Dogs have struggled in recent matches registering scores of 51, 99 and 44 after starting the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association division one season with a 141 against premiership contenders Brierly-Christ Church.

Stu Brown and Jake Lee share the side's highest score of 28 but every other batsman has failed to score above 20.

Pete Shepherd has the next highest score of 19 not out, which was scored in the Dogs' humbling 132-run defeat to Allansford in round two.

McCarthy, who has compiled scores of 10,1,10 and 2 so far this season, said he and his players needed to place more value on their wickets.

"We know we have to be better as every single team wants 11 players that can do their bit with the bat," he said.

"We need to take more responsibility and step up and put value on our wickets and trying to get in more.

"It doesn't help with the pitches not being consistent and the rain probably doesn't really help but we can't blame that for our form.

"We know that's our main focus because our bowling has been really good."

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McCarthy said he would strip back his side's approach to batting at training to improve its output.

"We certainly will put more focus on batting and the simple things," he said.

"We will also face more balls and try adding a few more training sessions with the bowling machine and hope we can turn it around.

"It's a bit of slump so we will go back to basics with training. I'm sure it will come good because we have capable guys who can bat."

McCarthy said the Dogs' English import Henry Walker was beginning to settle in. While he didn't take a wicket against Wesley-CBC on Saturday he has collected four wickets from hist four innings in the competition.

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