Spells (3e)

The character can enchant an animal and direct it with simple commands such as "Attack," "Run," and "Fetch." Suicidal or self-destructive commands (including an order to attack a creature two or more size categories larger than the dominated animal) are simply ignored.

Dominate animal establishes a mental link between the character and the subject animal. The animal can be directed by silent mental command as long as it remains in range. The character need not see the animal to control it. The character does not receive direct sensory input from the animal, but the character knows what it is experiencing. Because the character is directing the animal with the character's own intelligence, it may be able to undertake actions normally beyond its own comprehension, such as manipulating objects with its paws and mouth. The character need not concentrate exclusively on controlling the animal unless the character is trying to direct it to do something it normally couldn’t do.