I remember reading one of the previews about how they were going to have these "moments" that would try to make you feel pity for the dog, or to make you mad at someone that hurt him. It just felt too "forced" - I don't know how to explain it exactly. I played through it was a good character, but I just didn't feel it. "Oh look, that guy just hurt my dog." No big deal really, just got beat him up then heal the dog.
Also, I got so annoyed by the dog always being scared as a good player. It got to the point I just wanted to punish him for being scared all the time to see if that would stop.