"I am called a dog because I fawn on those who give me anything, I yelp at those who refuse, and I set my teeth in rascals"

Diogenes is utilizing this quote to compare himself to a pet dog. He is stating that he is like a pet because he is devoted to those who provide him anything, he barks at those who refuse him, and he wants to bite those who are rascals. This quote is a method for Diogenes to express his frustration with the world around him. He is saying that he is treated like a pet dog, and he is not afraid to defend himself and fight back versus those who incorrect him. He is also expressing his loyalty to those who are kind to him, and his desire to secure them. This quote is a method for Diogenes to express his sensations of being mistreated and made the most of, and his decision to eliminate back against those who wrong him.