Greetings, Dwellers!

Whilst browsing the vast array of Fallout 4 information, I came across a character build planner, and I've been tinkering with it for the last several days. I've come up with a question regarding a CHA 3 perk - Lone Wanderer. It's description reads "... when adventuring without a companion, you take 15% less damage and carrying capacity is increased by 50" (I'm kinda paraphrasing, actually). But isn't Dogmeat considered a *companion*? Isn't Dogmeat *always* with you? Or does Dogmeat not count in this instance, or can you send him away on quests? Why would you take this perk if you have a constant companion?

Dogmeat is a companion, he doesn't have to be with you always.

Ahhhh ... so if you're planning on keeping Dogmeat with you at most/all times, it'd be better to start at CHA 4 and take Attack Dog sooner (?) ... I'm really agonizing over my initial build, not because I think I'll do it "wrong", but because I want to give myself the best start for my playstyle - gun-toting ninja ... hehe ... does Dogmeat interfere with your stealthiness at all?

You could also take into account the fact that there is a charisma bobblehead which will raise your CHA by 1 (there is one for each special stats iirc) in the game. Another option would be to start a CHA 3, then once you get the booblehead you can get the attack dog perk! I also plan on having Dogmeat as my main companion, so i'll probably end up picking up the perk later in the game.