Fallout 4 Message Board  

You can damage them but you can't turn it on or off.

This isn't totally accurate. There is a perk that reduces friendly fire damage to your companion.

Ahhh haven't gotten that yet I just tend to say "Got in my line of fire o well."XD

I've been ASSUMING all along that his "given" name is DOG, but, as we human's often do, we call him a 'nick-name' such as Dog Meat.

MY dog's name is Suzie, but I call her Fur Face or Muttley and she KNOWS I'm referring to her.

Just MY take on your question - may be all wet !?!?!?

Dog Meat can really tear up a bad guy once you get a few perks that are just for him/her.

Dog Meat can even cripple a foe when he/she bites them.

I call him Roscoe and he's sport'n heavy armor.