How does one leave a dog in Skyrim? - briefly
To leave your dog in Skyrim, you simply need to dismiss it using the "Dismiss" command. This will make your dog sit and wait at its current location until you summon it again with the same command.
How does one leave a dog in Skyrim? - in detail
Leaving a dog in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can be a complex process, as the game does not provide a straightforward option for dismissing your companion. However, there are several methods you can employ to effectively "leave" your dog.
Method 1: Fast Travel
One of the simplest ways to leave your dog behind is through fast travel. If you have another location marked on your map where you want to go, simply open the map and select that location. Your dog will not accompany you during fast travel, allowing you to effectively leave it behind at your current location.
Method 2: Entering a Building
Another effective method is to enter a building or structure that your dog cannot follow you into. For example, if you need to leave your dog outside a city gate or a dungeon entrance, simply enter the gate or the dungeon. Your dog will remain at the entrance while you proceed inside.
Method 3: Using a Horse
If you have access to a horse, you can use it as a temporary means of leaving your dog behind. Simply mount the horse and ride away from the area where your dog is located. Once you dismount the horse, your dog should not follow you back to your previous location.
Method 4: Swimming or Climbing
In some cases, swimming across a body of water or climbing a steep slope can also separate you from your dog. This method works best if there is no visible path for the dog to follow you. Simply swim or climb to an area where your dog cannot reach, and it should remain at its original location.
Method 5: Using the Console (PC Only)
If you are playing on a PC, you can use the console commands to dismiss your dog temporarily. Open the console by pressing the tilde key (~), then type the following command: player.placeatme <BaseID> where <BaseID> is the ID of the dog you want to leave behind. This will spawn a new instance of the dog, effectively leaving the original one behind.
Method 6: Reloading a Save
As a last resort, you can reload an earlier save game to return to a point where your dog was not following you. This method should be used sparingly, as it can disrupt your progress and potentially cause you to lose items or experience gained since the last save.