Animal companion clarification needed (Defend, specifically)

[Denim N Leather]

Can someone please explain what, if any, mechanical benefits are derived from teaching an animal companion the Defend trick?

The Core Rules state that the animal 'defends' a person of the handler's choosing. But does this have any benefit to that person?

[Freddy Honeycutt]

I would think that the animal in question would stay near that PC, and if the PC went down the animal would occupy that square and prevent a coup da grace. I would also think a defending animal would pull them away from a fire or out of water.....

Perhaps defend is too vague and you should work with your DM for how you see defend working....(IE what you are training the animal to do)

[wraithstrike]

I think it allows the animal to attack the enemy without being told to do so. If you don't have defend you have to specifically tell them which enemy to attack.

[Karelzarath]

As wraithstrike said, Defend tells the animal "attack anything that attacks this person." Treat it as if the animal was always readying an action to attack anything in reach that also attacked the person it's defending. Depending on the companion's Intelligence (and DM's opinion), this could also extend to the animal using Aid Another to boost that person's AC.

[M P 433]

Also, if it's a "bonus" trick, this order requires no skill check, which is good if the animal gets injured, increasing the DC of other checks.

I think Wraithstrike puts the best benefit forward though: it attacks without being directed.

[Denim N Leather]

Thanks!