For those interested in the taming aspect, this may be of use to those trying to unlock taming.
A Soc mate has very low whip, taming and zoology. Not sure if there are other skills for the taming thing as I haven't tried myself. ANyway, these range from 100-400 in XP.
Now, another friend from another Soc said her friend had Whip to something like 1500, and Zoology to 400-500 or something. I forget the exact figures.
Anyway, if people are having problem with taming, it could well be that other skills are involved here as I know my Soc mate has high skills in a lot of other areas.
So, it could very much be like trying to unlock MMS etc with Gun Skills. You need to have a certain level across the board in one area of skills to unlock Taming.
Not sure if this is mentioned anyway where else, but if there is a thread for Taming I will add it there.
On a side note, I thought it was quite funny sitting there watching people tame there pets. It was like being at the Zoo and watching Elephants do tricks. Well, it sounded like that anyway.