First time playing how can I keep Meeko safe

I am currently doing my first ever play through of skyrim. I am playing the anniversary edition on console with no mods and I don't wish to add any until I finish this playthrough. I just met Meeko, and he now follows me around. I have told him to wait in his shack, but it feels horrible leaving him all alone. I can not stand seeing dogs die and I know that he can die fairly easy. Is there a way I can keep him safe without forever abandoning him? He is just too cute for battle and I'm scared I'll accidentally kill him 😭