It is a bit confusing, but they did a rules set on it over two issues of WD in the UK, and then reprinted them in the UK Annual 2002.
I don't know how it was done in Oz.
Regiments of Renown are individual units with their own 'leaders' who are special characters. The basic regiment comes with the characters and usually a fixed amount of troops - you can then add extra troops for 'x' points per model.
They are usually fixed items, equipment, and if you are using them as mercenaries in another army, they cannot be joined by normal characters.
Dogs of War is the term for the basic mercenary units, without the special characters. They can form a mercenary complete 'Dogs of War' army on their own, and you can include the Regiments of Renown within that Dogs of War army.
You really need to have a look at the lists, as it can get quite involved with what is core special and rare.
Just for example; Braganza's Besiegers - a crossbow unit with Heavy Armour and a 'pavise' (sort of big shield) can be a core unit in a Dogs of War army, and a special unit in all other warhammer armies except Brets and Skaven.
UK website download:
http://uk.games-workshop.com/warhammerworld/warhammer/regiments_of_renown/regiments_of_renown.htmThere's a large type download pdf for the RoR, and if you look further down the page a smaller type download for DoW. Plus there's some of the new regiments since the original list was done.
If I understood the question, I think what you need is "the Dogs of War Army List' download which explains about how to form up the army.
I hope that helps.