Post/Author/DateTime	Post
PurpleWorm 06-28-06, 08:19 PM	Heya One of my players has created a level 1 Halfling Druid, and wants a Riding Dog as her animal companion. Now, I'm confused as to how many tricks I should allow this creature to have. The PHB says only one automatic tricks is allowed. But "attack" seems to come under tricks! The player is currently confused as to whether she should pick "heel", to ensure the dog doesn't wander away from her, or "attack", so it can be of some use.
Limit 06-28-06, 09:56 PM	A riding dog has 2 int, so they are capable of learning six tricks. The fact that it is an animal companion allows it to learn one bonus trick right away. It takes one week to teach a normal trick, while the bonus druid tricks are instantly learned.
PurpleWorm 06-29-06, 06:57 AM	Do the tricks it already has from being a riding dog count against the total of six?
Senevri 06-29-06, 06:59 AM	Yes, But, I'd allow the Druid insta-feat to override that.
yonman 06-29-06, 11:05 AM	Do the tricks it already has from being a riding dog count against the total of six? Riding dogs start out with the Train for Purpose: Combat Riding which includes the following tricks (attack, come, defend, down, guard, and heel). Thus, your druid only needs to train him in another trick that it gets for being an animal companion.
sizbut 06-29-06, 02:42 PM	Dang'nabit that was my plan. Riding dogs has better AC than wolves and also have jump and swim skills.