Bloodhound - OP or Useless? I can't decide...

[Hexagoros]

Sometimes I feel like the bloodhound puts the game on easy mode, other times I feel like he's making it impossible for me to stalk prey, running around and making noise even when told to heel.

What are your thoughts on this guy? Is as useful as he seems? More trouble than he's worth? Or just very situational?

Edit: Also, forgot about him pushing me around, which can be horrendous when lining up shots.

[briansaxton]

I like the companion aspect, and he's been pretty useful when I've got multiple kills to find. I know that his noise doesn't actually spook game unless he's very close, so that's no worry for me; but I don't use him anymore because he pushes me constantly and often gets in the way of a shot. Until they fix that (it's on their "list" -- ha ha), I won't use him.

[Hexagoros]

Originally posted by briansaxton:

I like the companion aspect, and he's been pretty useful when I've got multiple kills to find. I know that his noise doesn't actually spook game unless he's very close, so that's no worry for me; but I don't use him anymore because he pushes me constantly and often gets in the way of a shot. Until they fix that (it's on their "list" -- ha ha), I won't use him.

Forgot about that. Yes, this is especially annoying when lining up shots.

Then again, he has found downed targets that I never would have found on my own.

[batteran]

Doggo need a bit of micro-management, like, know when to tell him to lay down, but for me, the added immersion to be able to disable all tracks glows and outlights worth it.

[Ziir]

He hits your ATV like a tank...

[Hidden Gunman]

I thought the dog either had no impact on detection or a much reduced impact.

[Surottoru]

Rather useful, I've had to call my friend over who has one a few times for those ones that seem to run miles

[WarpLover]

After training my dog to top levels, I kennel him and and only go get him when I can't find an animal, if then. Several breeds are needed to keep me interested.
ie packs are used when hunting mountain lions
dogs just for flushing birds
yada yada

[C. Black]

helped me a lot finding downed game as I don't usually hit them in the right places for fast kills and they run for miles

[ᵖᵉᵃᶜʰ]

for me, very usefull. especially to trackdown Moose and Elk.

[Kârim]

I dont regret getting my dog. Like a constant companion. Useful.

[MarktheMuffin]

Useful?, yes and no, yes for find game that is down in heavy brush and hard to find, tracking game that has doubled back and crossed it's own tracks a few times, game that has run off for some distance, not useful, hit box is a pain, always getting in the way when placing a tent or stand, walking under feet or directly in front by impeding direction of travel when heeling, some useless training skills.

[Humpenstilzchen]

Since I find 99% of the animal I shot and due to the dog pushing you around and being way too noisy I don´t use him anymore.

He is useless and annoying in my not so humble opinion

[Lakel]

Not much experience but you've found the ultra secret technique to stop the dog from getting in your way that so many cant seem to figure out >.>

Pretty much why I love the dog though, give her a lie down/stay, get the shot, run over and call for the tracking if needed., or just call to heel if the shot was good.

[briansaxton]

Originally posted by Ta_Pa:

Pushing around? -> "Stay" or "Lie down" when in such situation where it could be a problem

Yeah, that doesn't work so well when you have a perfect shot just before an animal starts to flee. Without the dog = quick shot and nice trophy. With the dog = gets in the way (even if he's not actually in the way) with the "no valid target" message, pushes you just as you shoot, or takes a second to tell the dog to lie down. So, missed shot. Not worth it. My RL dogs know that "heel" means stay to my left side and a little behind. They DO NOT get in front of me unless I tell them to. They NEVER push me. Even after leveling up all the way, my in-game dog is an untrained puppy with no manners.

[ᵖᵉᵃᶜʰ]

Originally posted by briansaxton:

Originally posted by Ta_Pa:

Pushing around? -> "Stay" or "Lie down" when in such situation where it could be a problem

Yeah, that doesn't work so well when you have a perfect shot just before an animal starts to flee. Without the dog = quick shot and nice trophy. With the dog = gets in the way (even if he's not actually in the way) with the "no valid target" message, pushes you just as you shoot, or takes a second to tell the dog to lie down. So, missed shot. Not worth it. My RL dogs know that "heel" means stay to my left side and a little behind. They DO NOT get in front of me unless I tell them to. They NEVER push me. Even after leveling up all the way, my in-game dog is an untrained puppy with no manners.

i never face this problem. my dog always in my back. maybe because i alwayd keep dog love to best friend level? its easy task to keep the dog at best friend level. just press G when walk around so you can press B and call praise to your dog. easy peasy lemon squishy.

dog is a must in my game play. like today. i shot down 4 moose with my .300 in 1 time. 1 fall down in the spot. 2 need to track 100m and the last one track a long way. what i do is simply set up tent on the shooting spot. the track with the dog. everytime harvest found. do harvest and fast travel back to the tent. and dog starting tracking again.

and also i save my skill point for tracking... because i dont need to tracking. all is done with the dog.