The score always affects my decisions because it determines a lot of factors. But when do you know if you can take this risk? You need to ask yourself another question.

You do not want to give the Dog to a player that might hold a hand so good that he or she will end with the Dog. Most of the time this hurts their hand because a player who calls Tichu wants to control the lead as oppose to give it away. If an opponent calls (Grand) Tichu before the pass and you do not think you can over call him or her, send that player the Dog. When your hand reaches epic power levels, keeping the Dog so you can end with it allows the lead to stay within your team. If you want to set up a (Grand) Tichu hand, you usually pass the Dog to your partner for insurance that you will make your call. After the pass you will know who possesses the Dog and which player might receive the lead again from a partner. Starting the game with the Dog enhances the power level of your hand because it gives you a lot of information. The best possible opening hand consists of Dragon, Phoenix, Dog, Mah Jong, and four Aces.

I agree with Aaron when he puts the Dog in the top eight most powerful cards in the deck.

Tichu cards