Let me start off by saying that I love the Pet Pal talent. Animal dialogue is generally simple, but fun to read.
That said, I can't be the only one to think that actually trying to talk to animals is immensely annoying, when their primary behavior is to run directly away from the player. I mean seriously, I've chased rats and chickens across entire cities, just trying to guide them into a dead end or corner so I can finally click on them.
It might be realistic animal behavior, but it rather quickly kills my enthusiasm for chatting with the little critters.
when you spot an animal... don't move. Watch it and wait for it to stop. Then... target and click on it with your character that can talk to animals. You will eventually overtake the animal and stop them for dialog.
Problem solved, there is much celebration and happiness!
