How to tame a dog in Skyrim? - briefly
To tame a dog in Skyrim, first find a suitable location with no hostile creatures nearby. Then, use the "Pacify" spell or calming potions on the dog until it becomes friendly towards you.
How to tame a dog in Skyrim? - in detail
Taming a dog in Skyrim can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, providing companionship and added protection during your adventures. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to tame a dog in Skyrim:
Firstly, it's essential to understand that not all dogs in Skyrim can be tamed. You will primarily encounter two types of dogs: wild dogs and domestic dogs. Wild dogs are aggressive and cannot be tamed, while domestic dogs found in various locations throughout the game can become your loyal companions.
Locations to Find Domestic Dogs
- Whiterun: Visit the Bannered Mane inn where you will find a friendly dog named Meeko. He is usually found near the bar or around the inn's exterior.
- Riften: In Riften, you can find dogs in the Bee and Barb, another popular tavern. The dog here is often seen wandering around the establishment.
- Solitude: In Solitude, check out the Winking Skeever inn where a domestic dog is typically found.
- Dawnguard DLC: If you have the Dawnguard DLC installed, visit Fort Dawnguard. A dog named Barbie can be found there and tamed.
- Hearthfire DLC: With the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt a dog from any of your homesteads after completing the necessary quests.
Steps to Tame a Dog
- Approach the Dog: Carefully approach the domestic dog you wish to tame. Ensure that you are not in combat mode as this may cause the dog to become aggressive.
- Interact with the Dog: Once close enough, interact with the dog by pressing the appropriate interaction button (usually 'E' on PC or 'X' on consoles). This action will allow you to pet the dog.
- Pet the Dog: Continue petting the dog until a dialogue option appears, asking if you want to adopt it. If the option does not appear immediately, keep petting the dog and check your inventory for any new items or notifications.
- Adopt the Dog: Select the 'Adopt' option when it appears. The dog will now follow you as a companion.
Additional Tips
- Feeding the Dog: After taming the dog, consider feeding it to build a stronger bond. You can use any type of food, but raw meat is particularly effective.
- Training Commands: Once adopted, you can train your dog to follow various commands such as 'sit', 'stay', and 'come'. This will enhance your control over the dog during combat or exploration.
- Equipment: You can equip your dog with different types of armor found in the game. This not only adds a cosmetic touch but also provides additional protection for your companion.
By following these steps, you should be able to tame and adopt a loyal canine companion in Skyrim, enhancing both your adventure and survival prospects within the vast world of Tamriel.