Mod «Companion Dogs [ALPHA]» for Project Zomboid

This mod introduces companion dogs that players can tame, train, and breed. Built for Project Zomboid Build 42 (42.19+), it supports singleplayer, co-op, and dedicated servers, and is safe to add to existing saves.

Available Breeds:

• Caramelo: Classic Brazilian street mutt
• German Shepherd: Combat-focused warrior
• Golden Retriever: Hunting specialist
• Husky: Cargo hauler adapted for cold climates
• Border Collie: Livestock manager

Core Mechanics:

• Taming: Feed wild dogs to build trust (approximately 4 treats). Spawns vary by breed and location.
• Commands: Follow, Stay, Guard, Attack, and Whistle via radial menu or right-click.
• Vehicle Transport: Dogs automatically enter vehicles with the player.
• Alert System: Dogs detect nearby zombies, providing audio warnings based on proximity and alert mode.
• Combat: Dogs can knock down or kill zombies depending on breed and training. They retreat when critically injured and cannot be killed by zombies or vehicles, only by neglect.
• Hunting: Hunt mode allows dogs to track and hold small and large game.
• Cargo Capacity: Leather saddlebags allow dogs to carry extra loot, scaled by Strength.
• Livestock Care: Dogs in animal zones calm herds, preventing stampedes and miscarriages.
• Needs & Loyalty: Hunger, thirst, stress, and loyalty decay over time. Neglect leads to disobedience or permanent death.
• Moodles: Specific buffs apply based on breed, such as Courage (panic reduction), Keen Nose (skill boost), Warmed (cold resistance), and Herding Instinct.
• Skills & Genetics: Dogs earn XP in Scent, Combat, Obedience, Hunting, and Herding. Traits are inherited genetically.
• Breeding: Dogs can breed and raise puppies, which inherit genes, skills, and names.
• Management UI: A panel displays loyalty, needs, skills, and traits.

Multiplayer Notes:

• Fully synchronized across clients for sounds, animations, and states.
• Co-op hosts must enable the mod in the main-menu Mods list and restart the game to prevent texture/model issues.
• Dedicated server players only need the mod subscribed/enabled.

Known Alpha Limitations:

• Placeholder art is used for inventory icons, corpses, droppings, and footstep sounds when carrying the dog.
• Enabling the mod mid-save may cause texture issues if the game is not fully restarted.

Technical Information:

• Workshop ID: 3740052292
• Mod ID: CompanionDogs