The next 34 days were spent on station patrolling a trapezium-shaped area with Luzon, Hainan, Hong Kong and Formosa as the corners. On 3 January 1945, "Sea Dog" interrupted her hunting to repair her port reduction gear, without which she was limited to single shaft operations. On the night of 5 January, she and "Sea Robin" made contact with a small convoy and, despite heavy seas, commenced a surface approach. Shortly after 0100 on 6 January, "Sea Robin" attacked the lead ships and scored two hits. "Sea Dog" stalked the right rear ship, a converted escort. The target, however, foiled an attempt at a bow shot by reversing course. Further maneuvers for a stern tube attack were frustrated when the converted escort presented a zero angle on the bow and opened fire with her forward gun, estimated to be a three-inch. "Sea Dog" fired four "down-the-throat" and retired. No hits were scored.