[Dave's world was crazy so his sense of normal is skewed.] It depends on their temper. He can get really pissy but, I raised him from an egg. On top of that, he's not super fast. If it came down to a fight, I'm faster and smaller. I can drop down let him get his attack going then wrap my arms around his jaws to keep them shut.

That's only if he wanted to really bite me. I taught him early I am not cool with that kind of behavior. He's gotten cocky because he evolved but, so long as you firmly establish who is boss, he falls in line with a grumble or two.

Bottom line is with the predatory sort you can't show fear. They see it and you can't form a good friendship. As crazy as that part sounds, basically what is going on. Back your dudes and they back you.