What would Jim say if he could see George waving his arms and roaring like a madman from the window, as Mrs. Strunk's Benny and Mrs. Garfein's Joe dash back and forth across the bridge on a dare?
If the dog's hackles are up, gives a low decibel growl, or engages in a predatory, stalking posture, then there is probably a danger in the environment.
We both had vicious tempers and our relationship was orchestrated by the sound of yells, banging doors and slammed-down phones. For several years we didn't speak at all.