Quote Originally Posted by Ulstan
I don't believe so. The handlers set them lose, and then run back to your lines while the dogs run off and chew on things (ineptly if they are attacking armored wearing troops). Any further orders to the dog unit only applies to the handlers as far as I can tell.
This is true but I would like to add an important note. Once the dogs are set loose you should protect the handlers. After the battle is over the dogs will be regenerated giving you a full unit again as long as the handlers are still alive.

From what i can tell there are 12 handlers who can handle 4 dogs each. The unit strength is determined by the number of handlers rather than dogs. So 12 handlers = 48, 11 = 44, etc. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong..