“What was she bred to do?
And I was impressed, because that seemed to me to be THE question at getting at the heart of the character of a dog.
My Bull-mastiff is unsure (they seem naturally concerned and worried - makes for a better guard dog) if the people you pass by are neighbors and their dogs who you will greet with waves and wagging tail - or poachers who shall have their dogs destroyed and them knocked down and subdued.
She is READY for the second scenario. Her fur bristles and her muscles twitch.
If I were physically unable to subdue the dog I would be even more insistent that she obey every verbal command with instant obedience (she is the best dog for that I have ever seen) and would go everywhere with a muzzle.
My brother and sisterinlaw, who should have known better, thought I was CRAZY for buying her a muzzle. They didn't think this loving affectionate and obedient dog had a dark side - until they saw it. When I came to get her and brought with me the muzzle - they didn't think it so crazy anymore.
You are a wise and conscientious steward for your dog.