When police smelled cannabis in a Staple Hill home the owner was arrested but his dog made a break for it, a court heard.
Matthew Leake called police after he and his partner received abuse, Bristol Crown Court was told.
But though police detained Leake after finding he had cannabis, instead of helping his master small terrier Buster jumped out of a window and fled.
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Leake, 39, of Pleasant House, pleaded guilty to assaulting two emergency workers and possessing 15.6g of cannabis in August last year.
The recorder Mr Malcolm Gibney handed him a 12-month community order with 25 hours' unpaid work and 20 days' rehabilitation.
He told Leake: "There was the suggested use of Buster coming to your aid.
"Buster is a small terrier.
"In response to the request he jumped out of the window.
"That possibly shows a degree of insight into the right thing to do."
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Julian Howells, prosecuting, told the court PC Huw Williams and Special Constable Edward Vickery entered Leake's home after smelling cannabis.
Mr Howells said in a struggle that ensued Leake tried to kick open the living room door, saying "Buster, quick, help me!"
The court heard instead of coming to the rescue Buster jumped out the window.
Leake ended up telling police: "I'll tell you where the weed is."
They located the Class B drug and Leake reassured them his dog would have not gone for them.
Police borrowed a lead and tracked Buster down, the court heard.
Lucy Taylor, defending, said her client and his partner had been the victims of abuse at their home and had wanted police help.
She said Leake accepted his behaviour to officers was wrong.
Miss Taylor told the court: "He is, and was, at the end of his tether.
"Buster was worse than useless.
"He made a bid for freedom and jumped out of the window.
"Police obtained a lead, they tried to find him and Buster was found and returned by police."
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