The new update is coming this wednesday, and although it was way harder than I expected, you will finally be able to use your dogs as companions when exploring/hunting (they will follow you everywhere). Keep in mind that you will only be able to use one dog as a companion at a time. More about the new update on wednesday!
Sorry about the prolongued silence but this update required a lot of work and focus, also if you sent me an email and I did not get back to you, I will ASAP.