Arcanist Pets need to have "Obey" as a TOGGLE, not a command.

[Griffey]

So now it's back to keeping pets on OBEY ? Guess I'll just STOP playing my SMN!

YOu can keep Ifrit on sic, but Garuda you generally want on obey so as she doesn't use Contagion uselessly or knock back mobs in dungeons. When you get better keep Ifrit on obey too, and use radiant shield for raid wide aoes etc. But don't let it discourage you!

But yes, having obey/sic as a stance would be great, with a separate 'engage' button. Top tip though, if you use a swift cast summon macro, put /pac "Obey" <me> somewhere on it so as your pet doesn't accidentally engage the enemy.