That they may have a little peace, even the best dogs are compelled to snarl occasionally.

Feather’s aphorism uses a homely animal image to justify occasional firmness. Even “best dogs” (those with good temper and intentions) may need to “snarl” to secure “a little peace”—i.e., to protect boundaries, deter exploitation, or stop persistent provocation. The line implies that constant gentleness can invite intrusion, and that a measured show of displeasure is sometimes a practical tool of self-preservation rather than a moral failing. It also hints at social dynamics: peace is not always granted to the agreeable; it may require signaling limits. The moral is not to be habitually aggressive, but to recognize that restraint and assertiveness can coexist.