Yeah, I agree that Spiderman-like spider sense goes too far. The description of Animal Master in Dragon #399 doesn't explain how exactly the animal gives the benefit. It's definitely not shared sight - that only comes in as a power at 10th level.
I suppose it is just that the spider and I have a bond, so I recognize when it is noticing something, and that gives me a boost to my own perception.
The flavour text sort of says this:
Quote:
The internal quality that makes you an animal master is your ability to develop and maintain a rapport with any animal you choose. It’s the external manifestation of that ability that those around you see. You are the owner of a highly trained animal minion, a loyal companion and ally that uses its abilities to aid you.
The exact text for the hawk says:
Quote:
Hawk’s Eye
While within 10 squares of the hawk, the hawk’s master gains a +4 bonus to Perception checks made to spot creatures.
I wonder if we could say something like
Spider's Tremorsense
While within 10 squares of the spider, the spider's master gains a +4 bonus to Perception checks made to spot creatures on a contingent solid surface to the spider, whether or not the creature is invisible.
This means it wouldn't help against flying creatures, but would against invisible ones, which gives a little of the 'spider sense' without getting too crazy.