Quote Originally Posted by Gornn View Post
So apply the Druid adjustments from that chart in the PHB (HD/AC/ etc...)
Then apply 1 extra feat for every 3 levels.
Do I still apply 1 Stat point for every 4 levels?
How are skills treated? 2 + int modifier?
Yes to all. Remember that skill mod max is 1, and that an animal cannot have an int higher than 2.

Also in general is it better to trade off for a bigger better animal at every opportunity? (Yes I've seen the Fleshraker, and probably not going to use it since I don't want the DM to slap me around for using OP things :P) I do love the idea of a Leopard or Panther for my Halfling to ride though via Halfling druid lvl 1 class.
Yes and no. I'm playing a level 9 druid and using a Dire Eagle because there are no flying mounts that are "better" that are available as animal companions. In fact, a Dire Bat (even lower level) is arguably a better flying mount than the Dire Eagle. I'm mostly using the Dire Eagle because I love eagles. If you want your animal companion to act as a fighter alongside you, then you usually want to trade them up.