Sekhmet
First Post
You can have barding of any quality or enchantment (Player's Handbook, Armor Tables). You use the same modifiers as regular armour of it's type (EG: Plate Mail Barding is the same as Plate Mail, Leather Barding is the same as Leather).
Also, I was incorrect - an 8th level Druid only adds 4 HD (as stated by Vegepygmy). A 9th level Druid would add 6 HD - which means the Wolf would be a 6 HD total (2 based, 4 bonus).
Remember that some armour enhancements (like Calling) may work on Command Word or Use Activation, and so you need an effective intelligence and a language to use them (like your Awakened Dog does).
Also, even without proficiency, an animal can wear Masterwork Studded Leather Barding (ac 3, dex 5) at no penalty. (Nonproficiency states that you apply the armor check penalty to all attack and damage rolls, and all strength and dexterity skills - so with no armour check penalty there is no problem.)
Also, I was incorrect - an 8th level Druid only adds 4 HD (as stated by Vegepygmy). A 9th level Druid would add 6 HD - which means the Wolf would be a 6 HD total (2 based, 4 bonus).
Remember that some armour enhancements (like Calling) may work on Command Word or Use Activation, and so you need an effective intelligence and a language to use them (like your Awakened Dog does).
Also, even without proficiency, an animal can wear Masterwork Studded Leather Barding (ac 3, dex 5) at no penalty. (Nonproficiency states that you apply the armor check penalty to all attack and damage rolls, and all strength and dexterity skills - so with no armour check penalty there is no problem.)