I am in the process of making a Huntmaster Cavalier with the Order of the Hammer. I plan on also taking 1 level in Monk.
I look at several options I have since I will go up in the Shield Slam/Master feats tree. Adding Dragon Style feat also.
1. Charge, shield bash and then free bull rush.
2. full attack with unarmed strike then free grapple
3.charge and just attack
As a Huntmaster my dog can make a free trip attack with a successful melee attack.
I have Dragon Style, so I ignore difficult terrain and allies on a charge.
I deal extra damage if I do nonlethal.
And I have Chokehold and Step up as bonus feats.