Ritualized agression looks scary: that's the whole point. In fact, ritualized agression can look worse than the real thing. Displays involving horrific noises and faces and rearing up on the hind legs are neither efficient nor effective if the goal were to kill the opponent. Think about professional wrestling.

Ritualized agression should not be confused with play. Donaldson suggests that the purpose of ritalized agression is to achieve a "truthful" outcome—to find out without the cost to life and limb who would have won a real fight.

Donaldson does not think that we have to tolerate ritualized agression in our companion dogs, or that we should just "let them work it out." Rather, it is important to be able to distinguish ritualized agression from the real thing, if only so as to remain remain calm while calling your dog off. A handler who allows her or his emotions to become elevated will have a harder time controlling the dog.