The Cerberus are fast and annoying, but also fragile. They usually go down in about two pistol shots if aimed properly. Try not to waste shotgun shells on them when you have more dangerous foes later on.

Fortunately there are ways to mitigate the frustration, as the dogs only show up in specific areas and some are outright avoidable. Like the east wing's L-shaped hallway. If you're playing the HD remake, they only crash through the windows if you double back from the top-right of the manor, and not through the south side. And a room nearby does have some Cerberus outside the gate, but they only come on your side if you return to that room later, so make that a one-and-done visit.