>>529756975
>doesn't even inflict the bleed on the target
They fixed that with the latest hotfix.

>>529756701
Here is one I used.
Dropped
>Walk it off & Shield Plates
Not needed / too inconsistent toughness gen.
>Imposing Force
An average node, not chosen just because there are better options.
>Commendation from Condemnation & Targeted Brutality
Good nodes, but I rarely feel lacking in toughness, and I am unsure Targeted Brutality is worth 2 points. By choosing other nodes I am choosing damage over CC. If you prefer CC, these are a reasonable choice.
>Kill Order
+50% damage is actually not that strong compared to bleed and shock bonuses from other dog nodes.
>Not Far Behind
I don't like this node because it doesn't trigger when the dog attacks Ogryns or Monstrosities. Not a terrible node, but not as consistent as I would like.

Gained
>Concussive
Very strong node that makes Force of Will the best melee toughness gen node in the game.
>Street Smarts
Very strong defensive node. Synergy with Arbites Revelatum.
>Hold the Line
A below average node, but a worthwhile point tax for what's behind it.
>Monstrosity Hunter, Target the Weak & The Emperor's Fist
3 very strong damage nodes.

Choices
>Hammer of Judgement
+10% attack speed is strong. But it doesn't help against monstrosities or carapace packs.
>Ammo Belt
+25% ammo is strong. With the Bolt Pistol, I feel like I need it.
>Suppressing Force
Damage reduction that works against whatever you are fighting. It's strong because of how consistent it is.
>Serrated Maw
This isn't that much brittleness, but it makes your dog far stronger against Crushers.
>Weight of the Lex
If you heavy attack often, which with the Shield you do, this node is basically must pick.
>True Grit
In havoc, every hit does more than 50 damage, so this is actually very good. But it has many ways in which it doesn't work as expected so it's not as strong as it seems at first.

I hope this is useful.