Dogmeat, the loyal German Shepherd, is arguably Fallout 4’s most beloved companion. His unwavering loyalty and combat support make him an invaluable asset in the harsh wasteland. But sometimes, you might want Dogmeat to simply stay put, maybe while you’re building your settlement or undertaking a quest that’s particularly hazardous for him. While there isn’t a direct “assign” function like with other companions, there are several ways to encourage Dogmeat to hang around a specific location, particularly his doghouse. This guide dives deep into understanding Dogmeat’s behavior, how to build and utilize doghouses effectively, and tips for keeping your furry friend happy and safe in the Commonwealth.
Understanding Dogmeat’s Behavior and Companion Mechanics
Dogmeat isn’t your typical companion in Fallout 4. Unlike humanoid companions, he doesn’t follow the same rules regarding settlement assignments. You can’t send him to a specific settlement and expect him to stay there indefinitely like you can with Preston Garvey or Piper. Understanding this fundamental difference is crucial for managing Dogmeat’s location.
Dogmeat primarily follows the player. His core programming revolves around staying close to the Sole Survivor. This means he’ll typically accompany you wherever you go, automatically teleporting if you travel too far. This behavior makes directly “assigning” him to a location impossible in the conventional sense.
However, the game does offer ways to influence his behavior and encourage him to remain in a particular area, most notably near a doghouse. This involves understanding his environmental interactions and utilizing settlement building mechanics to create a welcoming space for him.
Dogmeat’s interactions with the environment are simpler than human companions. He doesn’t need beds, food, or water in the same way settlers do. His primary need is for a safe and comfortable space. This is where the doghouse comes into play.
Building the Perfect Doghouse and Settlement for Dogmeat
Creating an environment that encourages Dogmeat to stay is paramount. This revolves around building a suitable doghouse and setting up a safe and engaging settlement.
Selecting the Right Doghouse
Several doghouse variations are available through the settlement building menu under the “Miscellaneous” or “Defense” categories. Some are pre-fabricated, while others can be constructed using various materials. Choosing the right doghouse is crucial.
The simplest doghouse is the basic wooden structure. While functional, it isn’t particularly appealing. Consider upgrading to sturdier and more aesthetically pleasing options. These can be found throughout the wasteland and scrapped for parts, or purchased from certain vendors.
Consider the location. Placing the doghouse in a high-traffic area of your settlement might seem logical, but Dogmeat might prefer a quieter, more secluded spot. Experiment with different locations to see where he gravitates.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
A doghouse alone isn’t enough. You need to create a settlement that feels safe and comfortable for Dogmeat. This includes adequate defenses, a well-lit environment, and minimal hostile activity.
Ensure your settlement is well-defended against attacks from raiders, mutants, and other creatures. Dogmeat will feel safer in a secure environment, increasing the likelihood of him staying put.
Adequate lighting helps Dogmeat (and your settlers) feel secure. Place lights strategically around the settlement, particularly near the doghouse.
Minimize hostile encounters within the settlement. Clear out any nearby enemy spawn points and maintain a vigilant defense.
Using Decorative Items to Attract Dogmeat
While Dogmeat doesn’t have complex needs, certain decorative items can make your settlement more appealing to him.
Place dog bowls near the doghouse. Even though he doesn’t technically need them, they add a sense of realism and can make the area more inviting.
Consider adding dog toys and other pet-related items. These can be found throughout the wasteland or purchased from vendors. While their direct impact is debatable, they contribute to a more pet-friendly atmosphere.
Strategies for Keeping Dogmeat Near His Doghouse
While a direct assignment isn’t possible, these strategies significantly increase the chances of Dogmeat remaining near his doghouse.
The Wait Command and Settlement Boundaries
The “Wait” command, accessed through the companion command wheel, is your primary tool for influencing Dogmeat’s location. Command him to wait near the doghouse.
Once he’s in position, leave the immediate area but remain within the settlement boundaries. This encourages him to stay in the designated spot while you perform tasks around the settlement.
Avoid fast traveling or leaving the settlement entirely for extended periods. This will often cause him to follow you, negating your efforts.
Utilizing Settlement Activities
Engage in activities within the settlement that don’t require Dogmeat’s active participation. This provides him with a reason to stay put while you’re busy.
Focus on building structures, crafting items, or managing resources. These tasks allow you to remain within the settlement while giving Dogmeat the space to stay near his doghouse.
Delegate tasks to other settlers. This further minimizes the need for Dogmeat’s assistance and encourages him to remain in his designated area.
Exploiting Dogmeat’s Affection
Dogmeat’s affection for the Sole Survivor is a powerful tool. Use it to your advantage.
Regularly interact with Dogmeat. Pet him, give him commands (even if redundant), and generally show him affection. This reinforces his loyalty and makes him more likely to listen to your commands.
Avoid actions that negatively impact your relationship with Dogmeat. Hurting settlers, stealing, or committing other morally questionable acts can negatively affect his disposition towards you.
Understanding Dogmeat’s AI and Pathfinding
Dogmeat’s AI can sometimes be unpredictable. Understanding its limitations is crucial.
Dogmeat can sometimes get stuck on objects or terrain features. Ensure the area around the doghouse is clear of obstacles to prevent pathfinding issues.
He may also wander off in response to perceived threats. If you notice him straying, immediately issue the “Wait” command and guide him back to his designated area.
Remember that Dogmeat will always prioritize following the player. Long absences from the settlement will inevitably cause him to seek you out.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best planning, you might encounter issues with Dogmeat’s behavior. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.
Dogmeat Won’t Stay Near the Doghouse
If Dogmeat consistently wanders away from the doghouse, revisit your settlement design.
Is the area around the doghouse safe and comfortable? Ensure there are no nearby threats or environmental hazards.
Is the doghouse itself appealing? Consider upgrading to a more aesthetically pleasing model.
Are you spending enough time in the settlement? Dogmeat might be wandering off simply because he misses your presence.
Dogmeat Disappears Completely
If Dogmeat disappears entirely, he might be glitched or stuck somewhere.
Try ringing the settlement bell. This often summons all settlers and companions, including Dogmeat, to your location.
Fast travel to a different settlement and then back. This can sometimes reset Dogmeat’s location.
If all else fails, try dismissing him to Sanctuary Hills. He should reliably stay in his doghouse there.
Dogmeat is Constantly Getting Injured
If Dogmeat is frequently injured, focus on improving your settlement’s defenses.
Add more turrets and other defensive structures to protect against attacks.
Equip Dogmeat with armor. Dog armor can be found throughout the wasteland or crafted at an armor workbench.
Consider keeping him away from particularly dangerous areas or quests.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
For seasoned players, here are some advanced strategies for managing Dogmeat’s location.
Modding for Enhanced Control
Several mods are available that provide greater control over Dogmeat’s behavior.
Some mods allow you to directly assign Dogmeat to a specific settlement.
Others improve his AI and pathfinding, making him less likely to wander off.
Be careful when installing mods, as they can sometimes conflict with each other or cause instability.
Using Console Commands (PC Only)
If you’re playing on PC, you can use console commands to directly control Dogmeat’s location.
The command “prid [Dogmeat’s RefID]” allows you to select Dogmeat. (Dogmeat’s RefID is typically 0001d162.)
The command “moveto player” will teleport Dogmeat to your location.
Be cautious when using console commands, as they can potentially break your game if used incorrectly.
Creating a Dedicated Dog Area
Consider creating a dedicated area within your settlement specifically for Dogmeat.
This area could include multiple doghouses, dog bowls, toys, and other pet-related items.
Fence off the area to create a safe and enclosed space.
Decorate the area to make it more appealing to Dogmeat.
Conclusion
While Fallout 4 doesn’t offer a straightforward “assign” function for Dogmeat like it does for other companions, by understanding his behavior, building a welcoming settlement, and utilizing the “Wait” command effectively, you can create an environment where he’s more likely to stay near his doghouse. Remember to prioritize his safety, provide him with a comfortable space, and show him plenty of affection. With a little patience and creativity, you can ensure that your loyal companion has a happy and secure home in the Commonwealth. So, go forth, build the ultimate dog-friendly settlement, and enjoy the unwavering companionship of Dogmeat!
FAQ 1: Why would I want to assign Dogmeat to a doghouse?
Assigning Dogmeat to a doghouse is primarily a quality-of-life improvement in Fallout 4. While it doesn’t provide any stat bonuses or tangible gameplay advantages, it offers a convenient and visually appealing way to keep track of Dogmeat’s location within your settlement. Instead of searching all over for your loyal companion, you can reliably find him near his doghouse, making him easily accessible for adventuring or simply enjoying his company.
The doghouse assignment also contributes to the overall immersion and aesthetic of your settlements. Creating a dedicated space for Dogmeat enhances the feeling of building a functional and comfortable environment for all your inhabitants, including your canine friend. It’s a small detail that adds to the role-playing aspect of the game and makes your settlement feel more like a true home.
FAQ 2: What are the requirements for assigning Dogmeat to a doghouse?
The primary requirement for assigning Dogmeat to a doghouse is, unsurprisingly, a doghouse itself! You must first build a doghouse within your settlement. This can be found under the “Defense” category in the workshop menu. You’ll need basic materials like wood to construct it. Beyond that, Dogmeat must be present in the settlement where you’ve built the doghouse.
Furthermore, you need to dismiss Dogmeat as a companion before you can assign him. He cannot be actively following you while you’re trying to assign him to the doghouse. This is crucial, as the interaction prompt will only appear when he is no longer in your party. Simply tell him to “go home” or dismiss him to a specific settlement.
FAQ 3: How do I actually assign Dogmeat to the doghouse?
Once you have a constructed doghouse and have dismissed Dogmeat to the settlement where it’s located, the process is relatively straightforward. Approach Dogmeat within the settlement and look for the interaction prompt. This prompt usually appears as “Talk” or “Command.”
After interacting with Dogmeat, you should see an option to “Assign.” Select this option, and then move your cursor to the doghouse. If you’re close enough, the doghouse will highlight, and you can confirm the assignment. Dogmeat will then wander near or directly inside the doghouse, effectively being assigned to it.
FAQ 4: What if I don’t see the “Assign” option when talking to Dogmeat?
If you’re not seeing the “Assign” option when interacting with Dogmeat, double-check a few things. Firstly, ensure Dogmeat is actually dismissed as your current companion. He must be wandering freely in the settlement, not actively following you. Secondly, make sure you are close enough to the doghouse while attempting the assignment. The prompt won’t appear if you’re too far away.
Another potential issue could be conflicting commands. If you’ve recently given Dogmeat a specific instruction, such as attacking a target or fetching an item, he might be prioritizing that task. Try canceling any active commands before attempting the assignment again. A game restart can sometimes resolve persistent glitches if none of these solutions work.
FAQ 5: Can I assign Dogmeat to any settlement with a doghouse?
Yes, you can assign Dogmeat to any settlement where you’ve built a doghouse. After dismissing him as a companion, you can instruct him to “go home,” and then choose a specific settlement from the list. He will then travel to that settlement, provided it is discovered and powered (if it requires power for recruitment beacon).
Once Dogmeat arrives at the chosen settlement and you’ve confirmed that he is no longer actively following you, you can proceed with assigning him to a doghouse as described in the previous FAQs. Remember that having a recruitment beacon active in the settlement can attract other settlers, adding to the overall liveliness.
FAQ 6: Does assigning Dogmeat to a doghouse affect his combat abilities?
No, assigning Dogmeat to a doghouse does not affect his combat abilities in any way. It’s purely a cosmetic and organizational feature. Dogmeat will remain just as effective in combat whether he’s assigned to a doghouse or simply wandering around the settlement. His stats, perks, and attack behavior are completely independent of his assigned location.
When you bring Dogmeat along as a companion again, he will function exactly as he did before. He will follow you, attack enemies, and utilize any skills or perks he possesses. The doghouse assignment is simply a way to manage his location within the settlement when he is not actively accompanying you on your adventures.
FAQ 7: What happens if the doghouse gets destroyed?
If the doghouse that Dogmeat is assigned to gets destroyed (either by enemy attacks or accidentally by the player), Dogmeat will simply revert to wandering freely within the settlement. He will no longer be considered “assigned” to the doghouse and will not automatically seek it out.
You will need to rebuild the doghouse and then re-assign Dogmeat to it using the same process as before. He will not be harmed by the destruction of the doghouse, and his stats and abilities will remain unchanged. It is advisable to fortify settlements to protect structures, including doghouses, from being destroyed.