There are various types of narrators and the tone or essence of a story or poem alters depending on the voice and the style of the writing. The narrator tells the story and reveals the details and it is the narrator's opinion that will affect the outcomes as his or her perspective is shared. In Tolson's When Great Dogs Fight, the reader is drawn into the poem and becomes involved in the story through a third person omniscient narrator being one who knows the whole story and shares it according to his interpretation of events.

The reader is aware that the narrator is observing the behavior of the dogs and chooses to reveal a life lesson using this example so that others can understand his message. The subtlety of the poem reinforces the need for restrained but definite action depending on the opportunities that life may present. Tolson uses literary devices to strengthen the visual image from which readers can recognize their own position and, if the reader sees himself as the "mongrel," he needs to be aware that he can benefit from the weaknesses of others. Those "dwarfing pedigrees" also need to learn that their lack of awareness and obtuse behavior may result in missed opportunities.

Tolson uses personification extensively starting with the fact that he refers to the dog throughout as "he." Personification is also seen in the dog's "timid little claws." Tolson wants to ensure that the reader relates to the situation. There is also metaphor in "a dead-end world" suggesting that in his neighborhood there is no hope. His neighborhood is a dead-end. Allusion is used in "A sphinx haunts every age" as the sphinx is a mythical creature but the reader understands that Tolson is alluding to how success and failure depends on whether (in this instance) the dog can solve the riddle and survive by the means at his disposal.