question: animal companions and riding dogs

[BVB]

the original character concept was that the gnomish cleric/ranger had some professional training in animal husbandry (or veterinary skills, if you like). his talents have produced riding dogs who double as adventuring associates with the "animal companion" spell (he chose the cleric's animal domain). they're well-trained, happy and healthy so far. no problems.

but then i've noticed this other druid taking his wolf companions everywhere -- they don't have to stay and guard the camp; and he doesn't have to load up his gear on their backs for long trips because he's got a horse for that. i feel like i'm wasting my 'animal companion' spell benefits.

so how would you suggest i correct this situation? and as a DM would you have a problem allowing my character to expand his pack by designating some as riding dogs and others as animal companions only?

 

[Kahuna Burger]

well, one does not need an animal companion ability to have a riding dog... to be honest, dogs being dogs it seems almost redundant to use a spell to gain the non magical and lasting friendship of one.

As a dm, I would treat your bevy of riding dogs just as I would someone with multiple horses... but if you choose to take one as an animal companion, I would give it far increased trainability over normal animal companions perhaps to the point of letting you add to its standard skill points and feats by training it in some directions... Its the least you can do to simulate an animal that bonds with human(iods) already and then throwing the AnCam dynamic on top of that...

Kahuna burger

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

3.5 specifically allows riding dogs as animal companions ... just designate one.