In The Odyssey,
to be "doglike" does not usually connote malice or cruelty.
Instead, it suggests an insistent drive, to be fed or satisfied or noticed.

"He's the Lord Steward's man!" All will declare, the perpetual answer to anyone who might question Barhedir's presence in this meeting or that small council. But why question it at all? Barhedir had been playmate to Denethor as a child, went to war with him as his servant and has been trusted with his business of house and state for many years. Indeed, what better use was there for the third son of a third son of a noble house such as his? He had no true occupation of his own, apparently kept his house and family in comfort with old money, what else was he to do? The law or the military was the usual answer, but the Dome of the Sun had enough bored younger sons already and all faithful scholars agreed it was best for young men of high breeding to avoid the unfortunate adulation of war that had so infected the social climate of their Southern Kingdom in these dark days.

No, of course, Barhedir is as respectably innocuous and modest as a servant of the Stewards should be, a useful acquaintance even! If one wishes to catch Lord Denethor's attention.. And such a pleasant man as well.

Yes, exactly, so well cultured, with many correct and inoffensive opinions to give.

A generous ear too.

Not that anything we say could be of real interest to him, the heavens know he has no stake in mercantile affairs, especially with such a fair and prudent wife.

And prudently wedded children! Yes, a man who knows his station is a boon to more than just his pocketbooks, as I always say.

So you do.

And so it goes. No need to investigate his long absences, sensitive information should be delivered by trustworthy hands. No need to interrogate the southern voyages of his youth on his grandfather's ships, we were all reckless young men once, were we not? No need to see what kind of company he keeps, nor what business he does with the invisibles of the city and country at large, he has a reputation for sensible charity after all! He attends the proper philosophical essays and debates and he observes the correct customs for a faithful man of noble birth.

But why, one might ask, do some appear to fear him?

What a question! Who would fear dear Barhedir? Well, save perhaps as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise. That is the likely truth of it. Nay, Barhedir is a kind master, a good husband and a noble father, there is nothing false or fearful about him.