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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ashrym" data-source="post: 8544210" data-attributes="member: 6750235">Some of us are way over-thinking this.  The help action in combat is irrelevant.  This is the working together rules.A pet can only work together with someone if that pet has proficiency and it's reasonable.  So things like investigation or arcana or survival for that should be used instead of perception cannot gain that advantage.  A pet helping keep watch is reasonable.The rules do indicate when passive perception applies.  The result of using passive perception is this context is to not be surprised.  Spending a feat for a bonus when the alert feat is automatic cannot be abusive or overpowered, making the pet argument bonus moot.  The benefit of going with the high score in this case is for spies who remain hidden.Most monsters don't actually have high stealth in the first place.  The wolf is likely going to hear something with a passive perception that starts at 18 and goes up with the ranger's proficiency bonus.  That's decent without additional investment and increasing beyond that with feats etc for the ranger turns into over-kill on the checks outside of situational relevance.It's  a trope that makes sense with limited impact.  It seems silly not to allow it given the alertness alternative.</blockquote>