> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enginsight.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enginsight.com/docs/knowledge-base/english/logging/how-can-i-retrieve-the-logs-of-the-enginsight-component-watchdog.md).

# How can I retrieve the logs of the Enginsight component Watchdog?

The Watchdog is an Enginsight component that is installed in a subnet to monitor network devices on which the Enginsight agent Pulsar cannot be installed, or which you want to inventory without using an agent.

To read the logs of an installed Watchdog, you have two options: via the Enginsight platform or directly on the Linux server on which the Watchdog is installed.

***

## Retrieving Watchdog Logs via the Platform

Log in to the Enginsight platform and navigate to **Discoveries** → **Required Services** → [Watchdogs](https://docs.enginsight.com/docs/manual/english/platform-usage/discoveries/required-services/watchdogs) to display an overview of all installed Watchdogs.

<i class="fa-computer-mouse">:computer-mouse:</i> Click <i class="fa-microphone">:microphone:</i> **Logs** at the end of a list item to open a new window in which the Watchdog logs are shown.

<figure><img src="/files/xePkd2snfue9vuaP6IbU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The displayed data is limited to 2 MB.
{% endhint %}

***

## Retrieving Watchdog Logs Directly on the Server

Depending on the operating system used, different options are available.

### Debian 12 and Later Versions

Starting with Debian 12, system logs are managed via `journalctl` by default. The logs of Enginsight components are therefore no longer written to the classic syslog.

You can show or save Watchdog logs using one of the following commands:

**Displaying logs**:

```
sudo journalctl -u ngs-watchdog -n 50
```

**Saving logs**:

```
sudo journalctl -u ngs-watchdog -n 50 > /tmp/ngs-watchdog.log
```

{% hint style="info" %}
These commands display or save **the last 50 log entries**. Adjust the number `50` if you want to view more log entries.
{% endhint %}

### Older Debian Versions and CentOS

On older systems, logs are still written to the classic syslog.

You can save Watchdog logs as a **.txt** file using one of the following commands:

#### Debian

```
cat /var/log/syslog | grep -a watchdog-m23 > /tmp/<CustomFileName>.txt
```

#### CentOS

```
cat /var/log/messages | grep -a watchdog-m23 > /tmp/<CustomFileName>.txt
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Remember to replace `<CustomFileName>` with a file name of your choice.
{% endhint %}

***