Why is there such a long delay after switching to bodyguard mode before they react?

[JayboH]

Even if it's server-side it takes several seconds before pets react.  Is this something fixable?  

[Maelwys]

IIRC it's that way intentionally because of issues "resetting" the pet's AI - whatever attack they might be in the middle of inflicting or recieving needs to complete fully and the henchmen reach a state where they're not attacking anyone... THEN they can build their aggro list up again based on the new orders.

 

In practice I'll still need to tap Follow-Passive occasionally to get them to heel, but it's not anywhere near as bad as on live (whenever you could switch from Attack-Aggressive to Defensive-Goto... and at least half of the stupid feral kittens would either outright ignore you or start doing cricket runs between the goto point and the enemy they were previously engaged with!)

[JayboH]

That makes it sound like it's based on whatever their longest animation must be, then followed by additional delay

[Hedgefund]

It seems like there's something else at work than attacks.  I base that on how when you go to another floor, pets are inactive for a bit.  Usually this doesn't come into play because the new floor after taking a vator is enemy free at the entry.  For mayhem missions though, when you do the jail breakout and go to the second floor, pets just stand doing absolutely jack all while you get walloped by the boss at the door.  It may only be 3-5 seconds but that's an eternity.  I could give an attack command but that takes me out of BG at a time when I most need it.